| dc.description.abstract | At ALA’s midwinter meeting I attended a number of discussion groups related to distance learning and information literacy. For example, the instruction section’s discussion group focused on whether librarians should be collaborating with faculty to teach research methods to students as part of their information literacy instruction. This discussion group was particularly helpful because it allowed me to learn about what other libraries are doing in terms of this type of instruction, how they approached the idea with faculty and it encouraged me to think about how research methods may fit within the information literacy program at AU. The distance learning section’s discussion group focused on return on investment, and specifically ways that libraries can demonstrate the importance of library services to the institution, especially in a time of fiscal insecurity. The discussion focused on the activities of distance learning librarians specifically, and there were many suggestions about how ROI can be demonstrated. I also attended a number of vendor presentations to learn about upgrades to systems that AU Library deals with, and learn how other libraries are using various vendor tools. The conference allowed me numerous opportunities to discuss issues related to distance librarianship, reference and instruction with my colleagues at other institutions, and was a valuable learning experience. I appreciate the committee’s support for my attendance at this conference. | en |
