scholarly journals Librarians On Call: an instant messaging enquiry service for Open University distance learners

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (85) ◽  
pp. 11-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina Payne ◽  
Michelle Perrott
Keyword(s):  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Distance Learners ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Open University ◽  
Software Selection ◽  
Electronic Library ◽  
University Library ◽  
Student Reaction ◽  
Library Resources

From March 4 - May 31 2002, The Open University Library piloted a new, instant messaging enquiry service for use by its distance learners, called Librarians On Call. The service enabled OU distance learners to remain online using electronic library resources, whilst also obtaining instant help from a librarian, without the need to disconnect from the internet to use the telephone. Student reaction to the service was overwhelmingly positive, and as a result the Open University has decided to continue the Librarians On Call service. Exit surveys conducted with students indicated students preferred the Librarians On Call service to both email and the telephone, and that they found the service both beneficial and easy to use. The article details the results of the pilot, and also discusses some of the practical issues encountered whilst setting up the service, such as software selection and staffing.

A look at the Open University Library

1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 369-371 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Open University ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Electronic Library ◽  
University Library

Nicky Whitsed is Director of Library Services at the Open University's Jennie Lee Library. The Open University is one of the world's largest suppliers of distance education; it has a student body of over 150 000, the vast majority of whom are not located on campus. The library is at the centre of developing electronic library services to meet the needs of the student body, and so the first question had to be:

scholarly journals The mobile future of university libraries and an analysis of the Turkish case

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 120-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulcin Kubat
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Library Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
The Future ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this study is to search for any evidence for university libraries that are accessible by mobile technology in Turkey as relevant models of the future; having regard to the fact that smartphones will very soon become the standard means by which the internet is accessed, and the rates of connection from mobile devices will supersede those which are computer-based. Design/methodology/approach In the study, both domestic and foreign literature surveys were undertaken to determine which mobile library services are offered in university libraries. Thirty random central libraries of both private and state universities were selected from across the seven regions of Turkey. To gather data, a 26-question electronic survey was generated and e-mailed to the library managers. The questions were based on findings regarding the mobile library services provided by university libraries around the world. Findings By examining the survey results, it was determined that Turkish university libraries utilise a comparable level of mobile technology and demonstrate a similar level of care with regard to the services they offer. There are mobile sites (separate sites or mobile sites as applications), mobile library catalogues, short messaging services, chat rooms, consultations via instant messaging tools, mobile device-lending services, and augmented reality and QR code applications. Research limitations/implications In Turkey, the structures of university libraries operate under variable conditions because of the lack of established standards. This causes negative results for the delivery of library services. For this reason, university library standards should be set practicable as soonas reasonable, considering the social/economic and cultural structure of the country. Practical implications Owing to the transformative effect technology and the internet have had on services information and communication technologies, infrastructure has been added as a sixth element to the five traditional library items, namely, building budget personnel collection and users. Globalisation through the web has resulted in the individualisation of services and the slogan content is king has been changed to the customer experience is king. Fundamental library services are being adapted to allow mobile technology access, and this approach best reflects the new slogan. Therefore, the university library of the future may well be the one entirely based on mobile technology. Social implications Mobile devices lead to new forms of engagement with student learning; so academic libraries are expected to be strong partners in the teaching and learning processes of their institution. Originality/value The hypothesis of this study is that a university library accessible by mobile technology will be the model of the future, and its purpose is to search for any evidence for which the university libraries in Turkey are prepared to meet this challenge. This study is also meaningful because there have not been any study of Turkish university libraries in terms of mobile library services to users. This paper is the first time that a comprehensive study has been made of current mobile technology-based services, and is also the first comparison of the applications in Turkish university libraries. Additionally, paper synthesises developments and provides suggestions for the future.

Electronic resources for the arts: supporting distance learners at the Open University

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Christine Love-Rodgers
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Area ◽  
Web Design ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Distance Learners ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Open University ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Electronic Library ◽  
The Arts

How can arts librarians support learners at a distance in using electronic library services? At the Open University (OU), electronic resources, web design, training and personal contact all play a part in supporting students over a wide geographical area. This article looks at the past, present and future of electronic library services to support distance learners, focusing on the dynamic role of the arts subject librarian.

scholarly journals Understanding the 'Electronic' Student: Analysis of Functional Requirements for Distributed Education

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Carswell ◽  
Pete Thomas ◽  
Marian Petre ◽  
Blaine Price ◽  
Mike Richards
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Large Distance ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Distance Learners ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Open University ◽  
Functional Requirements ◽  
Education Students ◽  
The Impact

This paper describes how the Open University, as a large distance education institution, has used the Internet to transform the learning environment for distance students. We review the process involved in understanding the requirements of distance education students and how they can be supported via the Internet. We describe the tools developed in our Internet-based implementation and how they address the needs of geographically remote learners: electronic student registration, electronic assignment handling, electronic tutorial sessions, and electronic examinations. The paper reflects on the impact of this implementation and the gains in using the Internet for global distance learners, realised in flexible study practices and efficient communiqués.

Applied-Information Technology in Barrier-Free Service of University Library

2014 ◽  
Vol 1021 ◽  
pp. 257-260
Author(s):  
Qing Chen
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Computer Training ◽  
University Library ◽  
Free Service ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
Disabled Readers ◽  
Barrier Free

It’s the library’s duty to offer barrier-free service for the disabled. And applied-information technology is applied into the barrier-free service, which may be found helpful to promote the disabled readers’ initiatives and help them seek for information conveniently in library. There are some measures university library can take to offer barrier-free service with applied-information technology such as opening more free computer-training classes for disabled readers to improve their information skills, offering aural OPAC service, posting the copies of library resources by E-mail and providing assistive technology and equipment related to information service. In addition to these measures, some activities like enriching the spiritual and cultural life of the disabled readers and increasing the communication between able-bodied people and the disabled.

scholarly journals Beyond Google

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Carter
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Search Strategies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Search ◽  
Research Skills ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Students First ◽  
Google Search

The internet is often students’ first choice when researching school assignments; however students’ online search strategies typically consist of a basic Google search and Wikipedia. The creation of library intranet pages providing a range of search tools and the teaching of customised information literacy lessons aim to better utilise library resources and improve students’ research skills and learning outcomes.

scholarly journals Pattern of internet addiction among urban and rural school students, Mangaluru, India: a comparative cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1750
Author(s):  
Sowndarya T. A. ◽  
Mounesh Pattar
Keyword(s):  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Rural School ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
School Students ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Adolescents use the Internet for a variety of activities besides gaming; they frequently engage themselves with social networking, instant messaging, blogging and downloading information. Heavy Internet use has been associated with potential side effects, such as loss of control over the use of the Internet, adverse effects on other daily activities, emotional status and communication among family members. Objective of present study to assess the prevalence of Internet Addiction (IA) and factors associated with Internet use among Urban and Rural school students.Methods: A school based cross sectional study was conducted in the urban and rural field practice area of a medical college hospital in Mangaluru. Internet addiction was assessed using Young’s Internet Addiction Test.Results: The prevalence of internet addiction among urban school students was found to be i.e. 83.3%, while it was 78% in rural school students. Mild IA was common among both.  Male gender, smart phones and hours spent on internet were common risk factor for IA in both groups.Conclusions: Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) is a simple and easy tool to assess Internet addiction among adolescent school students. Need to give importance of outdoor activity and community level education needed to prevent Internet Addiction.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Cyberbullying among Adolescents: A Case Study of Middle Schools in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. p1
Author(s):  
To Phuong Oanh
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
The Internet ◽  
School Students ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Mobile Telephones ◽  
Almost All ◽  
State Schools

This paper aims to investigate the prevalence of cyberbullying among Vietnamese adolescents. Special emphasis was placed on gender differences regarding different forms of cyberbullying and victimization. In this study, 200 middle school students from four state schools in Vietnam were online surveyed to obtain information about the prevalence of cyberbullying and victimization. The results show that most of the students used the Internet daily and that almost all of them possess mobile telephones. On average, 7% of students reported that they have cyberbullied others online, whilst 14% of them were victims of cyberbullying. The most common types of victimization reported by students were harassment including “prank or silent phone calls” or “Insults on instant messaging and website”. There were not any significant gender differences in cyberbullying and being victimized by cyberbullies than females.

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