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Input for COVID-19 Task Force Requested - ddulaney - 04-20-2020
Hi everyone,
I am representing libraries, VIVA, and open education on the COVID-19 Task Force. The short-term recommendations this group will provide are being developed now.
So here are my thoughts so far…. Libraries are obsessed with relevance and access. Thanks to the Systems Office and VIVA we are well positioned to do what we do remotely.
So there are two questions being asked that I would like to have input on from VCCS librarians:
- How should colleges plan to deliver robust, integrated student support… through distance modalities in the fall semester?
2. 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?
If you have any thoughts or ideas that can share with the group. Please let me know as soon as possible here or by e-mail (ddulaney@virginiawestern.edu).
THank you!
Dale
RE: Input for COVID-19 Task Force Requested - mhanlin - 04-20-2020
Hi Dale,
Thanks for representing us. I'm glad there's a librarian on the taskforce, and I'm particularly glad it's you. I have a few ideas which hopefully can be made into actionable decisions and processes.
1. In a mostly online paradigm and in order to best support students, I think librarians being included in faculty Canvas shells should be the expectation and norm. Faculty and an assigned librarian will work one-on-one to determine what level of research support is needed: whether it be just being available and lurking, or creating an assignment where students get a grade on something for working with a librarian. But I think it's important that we librarians are given access to Canvas. I think, as well, we can get some constructive guidance from NoVA and other Distant Ed librarians regarding effective implementation and student support. But again, for this to happen, I think there needs to be a strong push from the administration because many faculty - for a variety of reasons - won't want to see this happen.
2. I think once we go live with Springshare LRC Live, we all need to up our game and really promote it and really do the best job possible of guiding students to this option. I think as well, we could even consider integrating our IT support (having them cover hours). From a user experience, it bothers me, that a student has to click here to get a librarian, and click there to get tutoring help, and then click somewhere else to get IT help. As much as we can combine channels for accessing a variety of services - the better.
Along these lines, I think we need to see whether access to our individually licensed databases from other colleges is possible. This has been a substantive problem in the past, and if we're really going to support our students, and I speak for all VCCS students, the librarians need to have access to each other's databases. This seems like an issue that the SO should at least try to resolve by providing a generic username and password to work with all databases.
3. The VCCS, obviously, must ensure that students have access to technology. Assuming that libraries are open in some capacity, we can provide that mediated support. However, if library hours are limited or if we remain closed, obviously students need access to technology at home. Frankly, the VCCS or the colleges need to do a "needs assessment," and determine how bad it is. Anecdotally, I can tell you that we had approximately 70 student requests for laptops when we closed. But I suspect the need is much higher. From there, the logical solution would have the student somehow work with financial aid to see if he/she can be funded for a laptop purchase.
But I also think libraries should step up here and offer semester-long loans. We were able to provide 63 laptops because other departments came to the rescue, and we also were able to provide hotspots to 30 students. (We needed more.) I think part of this goes to your point about relevance, but the other thing is that loaning to students potentially sets up a relationship where students feel comfortable coming to us for help and support. It's not just a transaction that we're providing, but also the potential to build a relationship where we are sought after the transaction is over.
4. Although reference via Zoom has turned out to be a mostly good experience, I think we are going to lose a significant contingent of less tech fluent students. I think one small gesture is to begin implementing remote desktop software where we can take over one's computer and literally do whatever needs to be done. Let's real, the majority of our community college questions nowadays, are tech specific. Yes, in theory, I want to teach a student how to fish, but there are moments, usually after the 7th question about Access for ITE 115, that I do the work for the student. And sometimes, both the librarian and the student need that... somebody to give them the fish.
Lastly, I hope others will consider posting their ideas here too. I want to hear what you all are thinking too! Plus, this is something I think we all have a critical stake in. Seeing other's thoughts/ideas that will help us recognize overall themes and develop viable solutions.
RE: Input for COVID-19 Task Force Requested - infoprobh - 04-20-2020
I'm retired and so consider myself an "educated user" when it comes to our discovery tools. Cataloging part-time I've been working hard to make Primo a one-stop spot for students. Just today I activated over 9,000 VIVA electronic books. Using Primo as the primary discovery tool a student can research a topic and easily limit results by format of electronic books, articles, journals, videos, etc. meaning full text online materials are a click away. By promoting Primo as the tool to search multiple databases and collections all at one time students will not be overwhelmed by the many databases we offer. Spending more time on teaching students the power of Primo will allow students to focus more on critically thinking about the information they need rather than trying to remember all the varying ways to search individual databases. Primo! The Google of the VCCS libraries.
Just my 2 cents.
RE: Input for COVID-19 Task Force Requested - ssherry - 04-21-2020
Mary, you said this so well! I have only this to add.
1. Genius Bar. The library is often an informal tech help centers. Just this week we have assisted three students with college-supplied laptop issues. Library can do a lot with Zoom and Quick Assist, but it is not always enough. A clear path for students to ask for technical help – a help desk/genius bar/tech support - would greatly help students. This could even be offered on the System Office level.
2. OER. Open, affordable and convenient is more important than ever. Students need to be ready on the first day to learn, without trips to the bookstore or waiting on an Amazon shipment. The cost and convenience of OER is a boon to students in this stressful time.
Dale, thank you for representing the libraries on this task force.
RE: Input for COVID-19 Task Force Requested - hfitzgerald - 04-22-2020
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.
RE: Input for COVID-19 Task Force Requested - cgundlach - 04-23-2020
I'm so glad you're representing us on this, Dale!
For us, as one of the smallest rural schools, we are very limited on technology we can loan to students, and even hot spots may not work in our area because of poor cell phone coverage. Additionally, I doubt we'll see an increase in budget to cover the laptop and hot spot needs for our students. I don't have a solution for this, but wanted to make sure that people are aware of the additional difficulties the very small rural schools will face in getting technology into the hands of our students should the libraries remain closed. Even those with internet access don't have reliable coverage.
I agree with Mary that librarians embedded into all courses will be a necessity for the library to provide students adequate access and support, as well as adequate access to instruction. If course or subject specific LibGuides could be embedded as well, that would help provide timely access to library materials to students. At Camp I've been embedded in all courses as a TA/Librarian, and have LibGuides CMS to auto-add the LibGuides in courses. However, many faculty members do not add the link to their Canvas. If there is a way to get faculty, especially adjunct faculty, on board for this, that would be very helpful.
I also think we need to get LibAnswers/LibChat into every prominent place we can. The more we can market that we are available to help, the better. If we can have screensharing and actually taking over a student's computer as options, those would also help. Currently, Camp is seeing almost purely email questions, and those very limited. I would very much appreciate the assistance of any distance librarians in how to put these services in place and how to market them most effectively.
Thank you for doing this!
RE: Input for COVID-19 Task Force Requested - jdessino - 04-24-2020
Dale:
Some of what I've posted below are comments on suggestions already made; some of it is just stream-of-consciousness as things popped into my head.
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?
I don’t think there is a one-size fits all answer to your first question about providing support. We need a toolkit with a variety of options we can deploy, including many things already mentioned:
1. Libguide auto-integration into all Canvas classes, which requires all institutions have SpringShare CMS
2. LibAnswers/LibChat:
--Coverage by all institutions, at least during hours they would normally be open
--Expand placement of the widgets and use different types of widgets where most appropriate.
--Timely follow-up by all institutions on their college’s LibAnswers tickets
--I strongly agree with Mary Hanlin that we have to have a way to access the individually licensed databases at each college. This is a best practice for virtual reference that we are no longer able to provide and for which we are often criticized in QP librarian comments.
--Screen sharing integration for LibChat, which not only would allow us to show students the steps from our own workstations, but also let us see what they are doing and assist them on their workstation
--I also agree with Mary that we need to have the people available to answer the non-library questions we get, but I think that is a bigger issue than what we can do for fall. At a minimum, we need to be in the loop to know what else is being offered (online tutoring?, online writing lab?, online tech support?) and for them to know what we offer (marketing and communication)
3. Online Appointments: An easy way for a student or faculty to make an appointment with someone at their library in order to get 1:1 reference assistance, assignment help, or faculty collaborating on assignment creation or instruction. There are ways we could do this with LibChat, but there are other possible solutions as well.
4. I agree with Heather that we need both synchronous and asynchronous instruction activities, we need feedback for improvement, and ways to assess what we are doing
-- Tutorials could be used asynchronously by students for instruction.
--They need to have identifiable and accessible learning outcomes, and follow best practices for use, engagement, etc. For example, giving staffing constraints, TCC has created tutorials that are the default instruction for SDV, freeing up limited librarian time to work with faculty on subject/topic specific instruction.
--This is, perhaps, one way we can leverage our resources system-wide so that we are all not developing the same content at each school
5. Marketing: Continuous and coordinated marketing of library services through every available channel. Coordinate with other college departments, both academic and non-instructional. Also, is there something we can do at the VCCS level?
6. VCCS and College Administrative support: Top-down support for online library services, whether that means providing funding, staffing, or, perhaps, some mandatory way to ensure that faculty/librarian collaboration and cooperation will occur. As Mary mentioned, not all faculty will be receptive
7. Continual training opportunities for all VCCS library staff to be able to learn and maintain the best practices for our new modes of service provision.
8. Leverage the knowledge and expertise we already have in the system. As both Mary and Cirrus mentioned, we have people in the system who have more KSAs for best practices for distance library services. We need to collaborate across the system as much as possible.
9. Primo options:
--Make sure all appropriate e-resources are available through Primo so students have a better chance of finding them. (Since we can't force students to come to us for help, we should make it easier for them to find things on their own)
--If the libraries are not open, perhaps creating a pre-filtered search box that only returns online items?
10. Incorporating librarians into Canvas classes in a way that works best for each institution. While the rest of the bullets were written as they popped into my head, I put this item last deliberately. I do believe we need more library presence in Canvas, but having a librarian assigned to every class may not work at every institution. Or, if it were to happen VCCS-wide, the expectations and responsibilities for their role may need to be different at each college. We need to consider staffing constraints and the number of courses delivered, which are measures that vary widely.
RE: Input for COVID-19 Task Force Requested - bewright - 04-24-2020
This thread has some great ideas.
I'd like to add:
Make sure the faculty and students are aware of the online library resources we already have. We already have eBooks, databases full of articles and the online reference service, but how many students, especially new ones, know this? Creating new services won't do any good if the faculty don't know they exist.
Continue to bring awareness to OER textbooks and resources.
I second the ideas about lending laptops, and hot spots.
RE: Input for COVID-19 Task Force Requested - tcassidy - 06-29-2020
Hello all,
As of Summer 2020, Julie Combs will move into Dale Dulaney’s seat on the Chancellor's COVID19 Task Force, which has been renamed the VCCS Beyond the Pandemic /Strategic Plan Task Force. In addition to serving as a member, she will curate resources for the task force. Many thanks to Dale for representing the libraries during Spring 2020! Julie's contact information is:
Julie Combs, Emerging Technologies Librarian
NVCC - Loudoun Campus Library
jcombs@nvcc.edu
-Tara