Integrating Digital Libraries into Distance Education: A Review of Models, Roles, And Strategies

This study examines ongoing efforts by academic libraries to integrate digital resources into distance education courses. The study adopts a conceptual approach and it is thematically focused on the concepts of distance education and digital libraries; academic library models in distance education; the role of digital libraries in distance education; and strategies for integrating digital libraries into distance education. Through a systematic literature review and thematic analysis of extant literature, the paper concludes that academic libraries must pragmatically integrate digital libraries into the distance education curriculum by highlighting the role of digital libraries in the academic community and her processes. In this way, digital libraries may not be perceived as just content providers, but as significant agents of transformative learning.

___

  • Abdelrahman, O. H. (2011). A basic hybrid library support model to distance learners in Sudan. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 44(1): 19 –26. Alfrih, F. M. (2010). The role of academic libraries in supporting distance learning in Saudi higher education: a case study approach. Unpublished thesis. Loughborough University. Boadi, B. Y., & Letsolo, P. (2004). Information needs and information-seeking behaviour of distance learners at the Institute of Extra-Mural Studies in Lesotho. Information Development 20(3). Bolick, C.M., Hicks, D., Lee, J., Molebash, P., & Doolittle, P. (2004). Digital libraries: The catalyst to transform teacher education. AACE Journal 12(2): 198-217. Bower, S. L., & Mee, S. A. (2010). Virtual delivery of electronic resources and services to off-campus users: a multifaceted approach. Journal of Library Administration 50(5/6): 468–483. Burns, M. (2011). Distance education for teacher training: modes, models and methods. Washington: Education Development centre, Inc. Cowan, J. (1995). The advantages and disadvantages of distance education. In, Distance education for language teachers: a UK perspective. Howard, R., & McGrath, I. (eds.). Clevedon: Multilingual matters Ltd. Croft, M. (1992). Single or dual-mode: challenges and choices for the future of education. In Ian Mugridge, ed. Distance education in single and dual-mode universities (perspectives on distance education). Vancouver: The COL. Available at: http://web.worldbank.org/archive/website00236B/WEB/UNI_03.HTM (accessed 10 September, 2015). Digital Library Federation. (1998). A working definition of digital library. Available at: http://www.diglib.org/about/dldefinition.htm (accessed 10 March, 2014). Eke, H. N. (2010). The perspective of e‐learning and libraries in Africa: challenges and opportunities. Library Review 59(4): 274-290. Ekmekcioglu, F. C., & Brown, S. (2001). Linking online learning environments with digital libraries: institutional issues in the UK. Libri 51:195-208. Fox, E. A., Gonçalves, M. A., & Kipp, N. A. (2002). Digital Libraries. In Handbook on Information Technologies for Education and Training, In Springer series "International Handbook on Information Systems". Heimo Adelsberger, Betty Collis, Jan Pawlowski (eds): 623-641. Gopakumar, V. (2014). Distance Learning Library Services. Today and Tomorrows Printers and Publishers. Henning, J. C. (2010). Management of open distance libraries with reference to learner support, Library Management, 31(6): 440 – 450. Holmberg, B. (1995). Theory and practice of distance education. (2nd ed.) London: Routledge. Huwiler, A. G. (2016). Library services for distance students : opportunities and challenges library services for distance students. Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning, 9(4): 275-288. Igwe, U. O., & Onwuchekwa, E. O. (2015). Creating a virtual library for distance learners in Nigeria. IFLA Journal. Keegan, D. (1986). The foundations of distance education. London: Croom Helm. Kim, S., & Lee, J. W. (2015). Developing a digital library model for virtual universities in Korea Current state and prospective model. Information Development 1-12. Kiwele Mayende, J. E., & Obura, C. O. (2013). Distance learning library services in Ugandan universities. Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning 7(4): 372–383. Koohang, A. (2004). Students’ perceptions towards the use of the digital library in weekly web-based distance learning assignments portion of a hybrid programme. British Journal of Educational Technology 35(5): 617-626. Ladell-Thomas, J. (2012). Do-It-Yourself information literacy: Self-Directed Learning at a distance. Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning 6(3-4): 376–386. Lesk, M. (2005). Understanding digital libraries (2nd ed.) Boston: Elsevier Li, P. (2013). Effect of distance education on reference and instructional services in academic libraries. Internet Reference Services Quarterly 18(1): 77–96. Malik, A., & Mahmood, K. (2013). Infrastructure needed for digital reference service (DRS) in university libraries: An exploratory survey in the Punjab, Pakistan. Library Review 62(6/7): 420–428. Mbambo-Thata, B. (2010). Assessing the impact of new technology on internal operations: With special reference to the introduction of mobile phone services at Unisa library. Library Management 31(6): 466–475. Mbatha, B. (2015). A paradigm shift: adoption of disruptive learning innovations in an ODL environment: the case of the University of South Africa. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning 16(3). Merchant, L., & Hepworth, M. (2002). Information literacy of teachers and pupils in secondary schools. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 34(2): 81–89. Pastula, M. (2010). Use of information and communication technology to enhance the information literacy skills of distance students. Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning 4(3): 77–86. Perraton, H. (2010). Teacher education: The role of open and distance learning. London: COL. Perrault, A. M. (2007). An exploratory study of biology teachers’ online information-seeking practices. School Library Media Research, 10. Peters, O., & Keegan, D. (1994). Otto Peters on distance education: the industrialisation of teaching and learning. London: Routledge. Postle, G. & Tyler, M. A. (2010). Learning and teaching strategies and practices in teacher education through open and distance learning. In, Danaher, P.A. & Umar, A. Perspectives on Distance Education: Teacher education through Open and Distance Learning. Vancouver: COL. Primary Research Group, Inc. (2013). The Survey of Library Services for Distance Learning Programmes. New York: Primary Research Group, Inc. Quality Assurance Agency. (1999). Distance learning guidelines. Retrieved from: http//www.qaa.ac.uk (accessed 17 September 2015). Rowntree, D. (1992). Exploring open and distance learning. London: Kogan Page. Sarfo, F.K., & Adentwi, I. (2011). Educational technology (instructional technology). Kumasi: Wilas Press Limited. Selwyn, N. (2011). Digitally distanced learning: a study of international distance learners’ (non)use of technology. Distance Education 32(1): 85–99. Sharifabadi, S. R. (2006). How digital libraries can support e-learning. The Electronic Library 24(3): 389–401. Shih, J., Hwang, G., Chu, Y., & Chuang, C. (2011). An investigation-based learning model for using digital libraries to support mobile learning activities. The Electronic Library 29(4): 488-505. Taylor, J. (2002). Distance education technologies. Automating e-learning: The higher education revolution. Retrieved from: http://www.backkingaustraliasfuture.gov. (accessed 25 October 2015) Tedd, L. A., & Large, A. (2005). Digital libraries: principles and practice in a global environment. Munchen: Saur Verlag. UNESCO (2002). Strategic framework for Sub-Saharan Africa, in the area of teacher and secondary education through open and distance learning. Paris: UNESCO. Virkus, S., Alemu, G.A, Demissie, T. A., Kokollari, B. J., Estrada, L.M. M., & Yadav D. (2009). Integration of digital libraries and virtual learning environments: a literature review. New Library World 110 (3/4): 136-150 Witten, I.H., Bainbridge, D., & Nichols, D.M. (2010). How to build a digital library, 2nd ed. Boston: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers. Yen, H. L. (2009). The role and integration of digital libraries in e-learning. In, Theng, Y, Foo, S., Goh, D., Na, J. (eds.) Handbook of Research on Digital Libraries: design, development, and impact. Hershey: Information Science Reference.