Florida Distance Learning Reference & Referral Center Part of the Florida Distance Learning Library Initiative Rhonda Smith North Florida Library Association September 17, 1998

Why Distance Learning? l A 40%+ increase in Florida students by l Students demanding flexibility. l New technology expanding possibilities.

The Goal l Affordable access to quality higher education at all levels -- associate, baccalaureate, graduate and continuing education -- on demand, in every home and business in Florida. -- Florida Postsecondary Distance Learning Institute

l Quality education requires opportunities comparable to those of on-campus students, l This includes access to library materials and services. FDLL Initiative

DLLI Components

Library User Training Services l The Library User Training Service web site provides a collection of online tutorials. l Contact Laura Rounds

Electronic Resources l Britannica Online and FirstSearch are available at all community college and state university libraries. l They are also available remotely to enrolled students.

l Encyclopaedia Britannica more entries than its print counterpart l Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate  Dictionary l Britannica Book of the Year (1993- ) l Week in Review background news & current events l eblast internet guide sites selected & rated by Britannica’s editors l Spotlights multimedia topic presentations

l Over 50 databases l Full Text NYTimes, WilsonSelect l Reference Databases World Almanacs, Phone Directories ) Books in Print and UnionLList Disclosure (corporate financial reports) l Indexes and abstracts Readers Guide, Art Abstracts, General Science Abstracts

Access to Materials l With greater access to catalogs and indexes patrons will be requesting more materials that their local libraries do not own. l Distance learners will be looking for delivery from their academic library and/or ILL through academic or public libraries

DLLI Delivery Projects l DLLI document delivery projects are designed to find the most efficient method of delivering books and articles to library patrons.

UMI Document Delivery Pilot l Evaluated effectiveness of online order forms and direct delivery to patrons by a commercial service. l Ended May 31st, l Analysis of orders indicated low usage all material available within Florida collections

DLLI Ground Route Courier Service l Administered by TBLC. l Library-to-library delivery of items for any patron. l Expansion funding secured. l Will shortly be available to all FLIN member libraries.

DLLI Reciprocal Borrowing l Existing reciprocal borrowing agreements are included in the RRC’s web site library directories. l DLLI is leading negotiations for further statewide agreements.

Reference & Referral Center l The Florida Distance Learning Reference & Referral Center (RRC) provides centralized reference and referral services to students enrolled in off-campus courses offered by Florida’s public universities and community colleges.

Reference & Referral Center l The RRC’s services complement, but do not replace, those offered by local libraries. l All services available by and toll free phone. l Open longer hours than most libraries.

Helping Students l Ready Reference What is the population of Albania? Who wrote the Illiad? What’s O.J.’s last name? I need to cite this article but I forgot to write down the volume number.

Helping Students l Research advice and instruction, using WebLUIS, LINCCWeb and other databases. Where should I look for current issues in nursing? I’m not finding anything on my topic but I know it must be there. How do I find only full-text articles?

Helping Students Advice on Internet Searching Good strategies for different search engines. Finding directories. Evaluating webpages.

Helping Students l Providing technical advice How do I connect to WebLUIS/LINCCWeb from home? How do I access FirstSearch from home? How do I get a student ID? My reading is on Ereserve, but it wants a password! Why can’t I get into this database? I’ve downloaded Adobe Acrobat, but it won’t work.

Helping Students l Referrals to libraries Referrals to libraries What’s the nearest library I can use? Which local library provides web access? Can I access WebLUIS or LINCCWeb? Can I access FirstSearch? Can I access Britannica Online? Can I read my ? Where can I get this book?

Helping Prospective Students l Providing referrals to institutions offering distance learning programs and courses Who offers an algebra course on the WWW? Does SPJC offer math for distance learners? What education courses are available by Internet? Can I do an MBA totally by distance learning?

The RRC Does Not... l Offer courses. l Provide educational counseling. l Transfer toll free calls to other numbers. l Do all your searching and fax you the best articles. l Replace stumpers-L.

Working with Faculty l Participating in DL faculty workshops. l Offering advice on feasible assignments. l Creating webliographies for specific courses. l Participating in live orientations. l Doing broadcast bibliographic instruction.

Working with Libraries l The RRC serves as a clearinghouse for information about other DLLI projects and other distance learning services offered by Florida’s public academic libraries.

Working with Libraries l RRC brochures have been distributed to academic and public libraries, and more are available upon request. l Librarians from the RRC will speak to librarians at regional and local meetings to explain DLLI services or provide training. l The RRC encourages libraries to link to our web site.

The RRC & Electronic Resources l The RRC can provide assistance with accessing and searching Britannica and FirstSearch. l Public libraries interested in access should contact Mark Flynn at the State Library. R.A. Gray Building Tallahassee, FL (phone) (fax)

The RRC and Delivery l The RRC serves as a clearing house for library enquiries. l The RRC created TBLC’s online courier service directory. l The RRC is gathering information about academic libraries’ ILL and DL delivery policies and maintains links to their online request forms where available.

Working with Libraries l The RRC web site provides a directory of information about public and academic libraries. l It’s important to us that this information remains up-to-date. Please check the page about your library and notify us if any information has changed.

RRC Hours of Service l The RRC provides service during the hours the USF Tampa Campus Library is open. l Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 1:00am l Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm l Saturday 8:00am - 8:00pm l Sunday 12noon - 1:00am

Contacting the RRC Toll-free1-888-RRC Phone Fax WWWhttp:// DirectorStephanie Race LibrarianRhonda Smith