Supporting E-Learning: A Guide for Library and Information Managers

E-learning is becoming commonplace in academic institutions, largely as an alternative medium in the delivery of established content. Increasingly library and information services are directly involved in the delivery of e-content and in delivering services to support e-learning. Thus it is affecting all aspects of library service provision in education.

This management guide takes a practical and strategic approach to providing quality services in an e-learning environment. It will help managers understand e-learning and, more importantly, help them exploit the full potential of this new area for their service. Contributions from leading managers and practitioners address the range of operational issues that managers should consider in supporting e-learning, and provide case studies in order to demonstrate how the theory can be translated into practice. Key areas covered include:
virtual learning
process and partnerships
collection management
electronic information services
support in the use of new media
e-literacy
change management.

Readership: This book is essential reading for all managers of library and information services involved with policy and service development issues, from senior to team managers. It will also be insightful for new professionals and students. Its focus on international developments, with a number of case studies drawn from the USA, make it relevant to LIS practitioners everywhere. E-learning is becoming commonplace in academic institutions, largely as an alternative medium in the delivery of established content. Increasingly library and information services are directly involved in the delivery of e-content and in delivering services to support e-learning. Thus it is affecting all aspects of library service provision in education.

This management guide takes a practical and strategic approach to providing quality services in an e-learning environment. It will help managers understand e-learning and, more importantly, help them exploit the full potential of this new area for their service. Contributions from leading managers and practitioners address the range of operational issues that managers should consider in supporting e-learning, and provide case studies in order to demonstrate how the theory can be translated into practice. Key areas covered include:

• virtual learning
• process and partnerships
• collection management
• electronic information services
• support in the use of new media
• e-literacy
• change management.

Readership: This book is essential reading for all managers of library and information services involved with policy and service development issues, from senior to team managers. It will also be insightful for new professionals and students. Its focus on international developments, with a number of case studies drawn from the USA, make it relevant to LIS practitioners everywhere.

Maxine Melling is Director of Library and Student Support at Liverpool John Moores University.