Distance learners are required to receive equitable access to library services so that equitable learning opportunities can be ensured. This access must address all the potential concerns of distance learners including but not limited to location barriers, time differences, delivery turnaround, and information access points.

To ensure equitable learning opportunities, libraries should provide the following:

A. Electronic Ordering of Library Materials
Distance learners should be able order the same items that any on-campus student has access to such as books, journal articles, Eric documents, and videotapes.

B. Access to Full-Text Electronic Databases
Libraries with electronic databases should provide distance learners. Though there may be issues to address regarding such items as off-campus access to electronic databases (e.g. simultaneous user restrictions, IP authentication requirements, etc.), libraries must establish a practice that provides access to the databases in the least restrictive manner.

Key Questions for the Library

• How will online learners order materials?
• Who will take the order and send out the materials?
• Which databases will online learners be able to access?
• How will online learners receive usernames and passwords for database access?

Learning House Best Practice Suggestions

• Material access.
  • An easy way to provide this service is to establish a dedicated library Web page for distance learners.
  • The site should be linked to the library’s catalog and provide forms for distance learners to request items listed in the library’s catalog.
  • Submitted forms would be emailed to a dedicated email address established by the library for distance learner requests only.
  • That email would be checked daily by library personnel to print and fulfill requests made by distance learners.
• Database access.
  • Provide the necessary usernames and passwords for online databases to the professors teaching online.
  • Professors should provide the username and password the first night of class.

Information Required by Learning House
In each LH supported course, there is a section covering basic library information. To place this information in the course, LH will need:

• A short description of the library and the services provided to online learners (about 50 words).
• The preferred link to the library Web site.
• Contact information (optional).

Please provide this information to the Program Coordinator. He or she will provide it to Learning House.