Abstract
Through leveraging the relationship between libraries and technology, colleges and universities can make the best use of the skills that librarians bring to the table. At DePaul University, three positions have been created which report to two campus units: The University Libraries and Instructional Technology Development. The consolidation of both library and instructional technology perspectives to create this first group of blended positions at DePaul has been successful, due in large part to the fact that the primary responsibilities of these positions are in areas of mutual interest: instruction, collection development, and technology support for faculty and students, whether on a consulting basis or at the reference desk. As libraries and librarians become ever more closely and actively aligned with the teaching mission of the university, universities and colleges can transform librarians’ roles within the academy by leveraging their skills to enhance teaching and learning in today’s online environment.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Learning Content Management System: A system where instructional designers and other instructional content developers can create, store, reuse, manage, and deliver digital learning content using a central learning object repository.
Course Management System (CMS): An online learning environment, which bundles teaching and communications tools. These tools can be used to supplement classroom learning or can stand alone as an online learning experience.
Reference Services: Service provided by libraries whereby patrons are assisted in the location and retrieval of information relevant to their information needs.
Link Resolver: A software application that uses the OpenURL protocol to provide more seamless access to electronic full-text content across all databases and vendors for a desired citation.
Blended or Hybrid Librarian: A librarian with a skill set consisting of traditional library skills, facility with hardware and educational software, and the ability to communicate the appropriate use of technology in a teaching and learning environment.
Persistent Links: Links provided by a database that allow direct and stable access to a particular document or item.
OpenURL: An ANSI standard (Z39.88) used to transport metadata and/or other identifiers about a source object to a target object. In libraries, this standard is used by link resolvers to connect patrons to resources and services.
Student Information System: Often part of enterprise solutions that also manage human resources and financial services, student information systems are responsible for maintaining the records of course enrollment, grades, course history, and other data related to a student’s academic career.