Scope and Scale at the Library: Effective Innovations that Learners Choose (We are not your traditional librarians.)

Concurrent Session 5

Brief Abstract

From websites to webinars to 24/7 Reference Services, this presentation showcases usage and outcomes of a comprehensive model of innovative information literacy services at two online universities.  These quantitative and qualitative data describe which services are most and least used, as well as impacts on learning.   

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Mindy Sloan, Zovio

Dr. Mindy Sloan is Associate Vice President, Student Success at Zovio. Included in her responsibilities are the Learning Services Writing Center, Ashford University Library Services, and University of the Rockies Library. Before joining Ashford University, she was Director, Planning & Effectiveness with Bridgepoint Education. Mindy has been Assessment and Evaluation Coordinator, Associate Dean, and Professor at Brandman University (Chapman University College), part of the Chapman University System. She joined the College of Education, Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Sloan is a lead reviewer for the Council for Exceptional Children and has conducted site visits for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky, a B.S. from the University of Illinois, and B.F.A. from Northern Illinois University. She is a credentialed School Psychologist and licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Tags

OLC Accelerate 2017 Learner Services and Support Completion Learner Library Online students Online tutoring Persistence Personalization Student success

Extended Abstract

From websites to webinars to 24/7 Reference Services, this presentation showcases usage and outcomes of a comprehensive model of innovative information literacy services at two online universities.  These quantitative and qualitative data describe which services are most and least used, as well as impacts on learning.  

Results indicate that learners who use the 24/7 Reference Services experience increased pass rates, decreased drop and fail rates, and higher course grades.  Given an opportunity to choose between webcam, audio, phone, email, and chat tools learners overwhelmingly prefer to interact via chat.  Library resources that are embedded into course assignments are used more frequently than others.   Webinars are attended by a proportionally small number of repeat users.  QuickAnswers (a query-based knowledge base) and website resources experience the greatest use by students. 

The Library team focuses on both personalized supports and scalable solutions that are aligned with the needs of today’s learners and their busy lifestyles.  Identifying and prioritizing resources is based upon data.  Engage us as we share what we have learned about our students, their preferences, their needs, and the impacts of our support.   Express your opinions and ideas about how to further increase the information literacy knowledge and skills of students.