A long & winding road : library staff involvement in an institutional elearning strategy

Abstract

In 2010 an urban polytechnic launched an institution-wide eLearning strategy as part of a reconceptualised approach to teaching and learning. Library staff responded to four objectives in this strategy:

1. Providing creative solutions for students’ access to online tools via Wireless Mobile Devices 2. Providing learning environments that embed academic literacies 3. Upskilling all teaching staff in eLearning capability and building institutional capability that enables continuing learning development and leadership 4. Ensuring students have equitable opportunities to participate in terms of access to equipment and resources and support for digital skills development

This paper backgrounds the eLearning strategy and shows how library services, staff and resources are integral to its success. It examines how library staff responded to the strategy and reflects on

• The projects that were initiated • implementation • and their outcomes

The paper identifies and addresses the ‘big issues’ and possible solutions. It also looks into the future of library services, staff and resources in an eLearning institution.