Academic Library Services to Distance Learners: In Consideration of Costs, Technology, and Stability

Abstract

Over the years, news, education, and library literature has shown a strong increase in the implementation of distance education programs in colleges and universities. The improvement of web technologies has allowed higher education institutions to expand their student base through distance education. The challenge for academic libraries will be to create working models of library support for these students that are both economically sustainable and qualitatively equitable to the support given to on-campus students. While focusing on the costs and recent trends in this kind of library service, this article traces the design, implementation, and sustainability of providing support to distance learners at colleges and universities in the United States and addresses several considerations regarding training, technology, and finances.