04-20-2020, 03:01 PM
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.
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.
Mary Hanlin (she/her)
Coordinator - Norfolk
Tidewater Community College
757.822.1772
mhanlin@tcc.edu
Coordinator - Norfolk
Tidewater Community College
757.822.1772
mhanlin@tcc.edu