Listening from a Distance: A Survey of University of Illinois Distance Learners and Its Implications for Meaningful Instruction

Abstract

In Spring 2009, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library conducted a significant new survey of distance learners enrolled in offcampus or online graduate programs. Exploring distance learners' perceptions about and use of library services, the survey of 146 students reveals opportunities to better meet the research needs of distance learners whose graduate work may demand extensive use of library resources. The survey affords insights into distance learners' communication preferences, and their particular research needs. Findings from this survey have informed one academic library's strategy to begin addressing important questions in library instruction for distance learners.

Using Distance Patron Data to Improve Library Services and Cross-Campus Collaboration

“…Nearly all of them reveal that this population is relatively unaware of many of the library services available to them. Hensley and Miller (2010) presented the results of a web-based survey of distance students served by the University of Illinois Library. Large portions of the respondents stated that they use electronic journals and course reserves.…”

Provision of Distance Learner Support Services at U.K. Universities: Identification of Best Practice and Institutional Case Study

“…By gathering DLs' opinions and recognizing the diversity of students, instruction can be adapted appropriately (Brahme & Walters, 2010;Hensley & Miller, 2010;Gruca, 2010). Using tailor-made software allows DLs to complete sessions at their own pace in a non-linear manner (Kramer, 2010).…”

“…It is beneficial to fully integrate information literacy skills as core competencies into the curriculum (Newton, 2007;Robertson et al, 2008;Primus, 2008); and this requires collaboration of librarians with tutors during course development committee meetings to create close links with individual courses (Heap, 2001;Whitehair, 2010;Hensley & Miller, 2010). Librarians could ensure the library is viewed as a valuable resource if invited to engage as mainstream distance learning course development committee members (Robertson et al, 2008;Needham & Whitsed, 2009).…”

“…Using tailor-made software allows DLs to complete sessions at their own pace in a non-linear manner (Kramer, 2010). Web-based training can provide 24/7 access (Whitehurst & Willis, 2009;Kramer, 2010;Hensley & Miller, 2010).…”

“…This should include embedding information literacy tutorials (Black & Blankenship, 2010;Hensley & Miller, 2010) and designing web-based learning modules to replace the loss of physical interaction with librarians. (Figa, Bone & MacPherson., 2009;Dieterle, 2007).…”