04-22-2020, 12:21 PM
Hi Dale,
How should colleges plan to deliver robust, integrated student support… through distance modalities in the fall semester? What can VCCS libraries do to pivot towards this new reality?
Hi there, I am a librarian at Tidewater Community College and find this topic of distance modalities to be the way of the future for libraries. For the Fall, I think we can be very successful offering reference and instruction via technology such as Zoom and LibChat (or Question Point as necessary). The challenge is not only creating synchronous and asynchronous instructional content, but also developing and implementing an effective marketing campaign. In addition there needs to be tool for collecting feedback from stakeholders to improve the digital delivery of services. I think librarians could hold regular virtual office hours and collaborate with faculty to offer customized scaffolded instruction that both pairs directly with assignments as well as meets overall learning outcomes. To do this, libraries need to cross-train all staff to provide chat reference—as this is the new reference/help desk. With staff providing coverage on LibChat will allow librarians to work more closely with faculty and courses.
Now is the time to develop best practices for online/digital library services and update policies. Our Library is working on revising our collection development policy as well as redesigning our instructional program. I think the important thing is to understand that we need to set short-term and long-term goals and be flexible with adapting to the changing environment.
How should VCCS colleges ensure that in the fall semester, students have access to the technology they need to succeed in an online/hybrid enrollment delivery? How can libraries be a part of this, if at all?
Our College’s Computer Club does a wonderful job in providing computers to those students in need. The trouble is identifying those students, so what about ensuring that all students have the basic technology needs during the SDV course? This will catch the new students and we will have to develop a process for reaching all other students. Libraries can be a part of this by donating extra technology to college computer clubs. For example, our college has many unused tablets, which may not be ideal for word processing, but could be helpful as a video device or if configured for Zoom. Something may be better than nothing.
How should colleges plan to deliver robust, integrated student support… through distance modalities in the fall semester? What can VCCS libraries do to pivot towards this new reality?
Hi there, I am a librarian at Tidewater Community College and find this topic of distance modalities to be the way of the future for libraries. For the Fall, I think we can be very successful offering reference and instruction via technology such as Zoom and LibChat (or Question Point as necessary). The challenge is not only creating synchronous and asynchronous instructional content, but also developing and implementing an effective marketing campaign. In addition there needs to be tool for collecting feedback from stakeholders to improve the digital delivery of services. I think librarians could hold regular virtual office hours and collaborate with faculty to offer customized scaffolded instruction that both pairs directly with assignments as well as meets overall learning outcomes. To do this, libraries need to cross-train all staff to provide chat reference—as this is the new reference/help desk. With staff providing coverage on LibChat will allow librarians to work more closely with faculty and courses.
Now is the time to develop best practices for online/digital library services and update policies. Our Library is working on revising our collection development policy as well as redesigning our instructional program. I think the important thing is to understand that we need to set short-term and long-term goals and be flexible with adapting to the changing environment.
How should VCCS colleges ensure that in the fall semester, students have access to the technology they need to succeed in an online/hybrid enrollment delivery? How can libraries be a part of this, if at all?
Our College’s Computer Club does a wonderful job in providing computers to those students in need. The trouble is identifying those students, so what about ensuring that all students have the basic technology needs during the SDV course? This will catch the new students and we will have to develop a process for reaching all other students. Libraries can be a part of this by donating extra technology to college computer clubs. For example, our college has many unused tablets, which may not be ideal for word processing, but could be helpful as a video device or if configured for Zoom. Something may be better than nothing.