Electronic Resources In The Virtual Learning Environment

Summary: Covers electronic library resources and learning in the digital age. Begins by outlining the changing 'information environment' in which librarians work. Then goes on to discuss: the development of e-learning and the impact this is having on the further and higher education sector; the changing role of the librarian in supporting online learning; the technical problems associated with connecting up library systems; the copyright and licensing of electronic resources in a digital environment; and, finally the book offers tips for librarians when becoming involved in such initiatives. The Author, Dr Jane Secker, is based at the London School of Economics. Contents: The changing information environment - proliferation of electronic resources, growth of Internet based subscription sources/electronic journals/full text services vs. bibliographic tools Learning in the digital age - definitions: e-learning, learning technology etc., background/history of e-learning initiatives: higher education and the commercial context, developments in e-learning in higher and further education: growth of managed learning environments/virtual learning environments, common features of commercial software products, distance learning vs. on-campus The changing role of the information professional Practical problems/linking up systems - authentication/passwords, linking library catalogues to virtual learning environments, linking e-journals to virtual learning environments, linking Internet resources, importance of customising resources, metadata/XML Copyright and the licensing of digital resources - text - born digital versus print - digital, the copyright clearance process, digitisation services, multimedia resources, license agreements Tips for success and conclusions (a librarian's g