Putting the library into your distance course

Library Research Essentials

Already developed and in every student's homepage of D2L is a module entitled Library Research Essentials (LRE). This module teaches the basics of using the library catalogue and literature searching. This module should be encouraged as it is excellent for students who have not done any searching or for students who need a quick refresher. If you'd like, you can even make its completion mandatory for completion of the course. For information on how to make this a mandatory element contact Dianne Taylor-Harding or Ian Gibson.

Library Widget

To give quick and easy access to specific library resources, such as subject specific databases, RefWorks, a subject specific Explore a Topic link, or any other electronic resource, you could include a library widget in your course. This would be a small box placed on the homepage of the course that includes links to various resources. For help developing a library widget contact your DELT instructional developer who will work with you and a librarian to choose the best resources to include.

Instruction Module

If you'd like to include library instruction in your course, we can create a customized module to help your students learn to use the resources they need for their course assignments. Completion of the module can be optional or mandatory and can include discussion questions or assignments if desired. To discuss instruction options, please contact us.

E-reserves

If you'd like to include a number of readings for your students, why not use our e-reserves links? Just give us the list of your readings, and we'll give you one customized link that will take your students directly to the articles. No more hunting for readings! To take advantage of this service, fill out the E-reserves form E-reserves form.

Chat

To allow your students quick and easy access to a librarian, you could include a chat widget on the home page of your course. This would allow your students to chat online with a librarian without having to leave the course page. For information on how to include a chat window in your course, contact your DELT instructional developer.

August 25, 2010
Alison Farrell