E-Learning in Libraries: Best Practices

The introduction to this book provides an apt and clear overview of the main issues surrounding e-learning. It effectively puts at ease those new to the concepts, allowing for a feeling of self-confidence on the part of the reader and fostering a sense that they, too, can do this. The style of writing is open and easy and not too academic. . . .Overall, this well-written, interesting text provides librarians embarking on e-learning initiatives with inspiration and practical ideas.

The nine case-study accounts that constitute this collection provide much food for thought for librarians in all types of libraries. Lura Sanborn’s advice on applying lessons she learned from watching YouTube beauty tutorials to creating her own library instruction videos is just one example of the hands-on approach of the contributors. Topics covered include online credit-based instruction for undergraduates, digital reference, information-literacy e-learning collaboration, open-source software that supports online interactive learning, screencasting for instruction and reference, and more. An index and brief information about the editors and contributors are included. Definitely worth the time to read and reap some ideas for developing e-instruction for library patrons.

This slim book highlights nine projects that show some different ways libraries have used elearning. . . .Use it to help you decide what type of elearning you are interested in implementing or to show management what can be done.

This volume is a collection of nine different articles detailing nine different universities and schools’ experiences with E-Learning. It is obvious from reading this book that there is no one-size-fits-all or even one definition of what E-Learning looks like. Some models were created out of the necessity of reaching more students with limited staff, while other models were designed as online reference desks or to meet the needs of busy students. Others were designed to take advantage of the wealth of information and resources available to today’s student. If you are thinking of creating an online class or tutorial to serve the needs of your students, this book will act as a catalyst. Most chapters include endnotes, several include diagrams and screenshots. This is a timely reference book for academic or secondary librarians.