Six libraries that have a permanent budget for distance learning use it for funding technical support, coordination, and management. The results of this survey indicate that the management of distance learning operations is not very common to ARL members. However, as one might expect, libraries generally offer the same type of library services to remote users and on-site students including online catalog access, reference and interlibrary loan services. Instructional support is another area where libraries play a major role. More specifically, libraries play a prominent role in instructional design, course redesign, and World Wide Web development for those who use distance learning.
Academic libraries can play a vital role in distance learning.
We have also gathered information from other academic libraries that are involved in distance learning programs including Central Michigan University and the University of North Dakota. Central Michigan University's Library and College of Extended Learning developed a model partnership to serve the distance education students. The Library has served as the key unit to provide library services to the off-campus students. This partnership has created a strong and vital distance learning network for the rural southern Illinois area. The ever-increasing role of the library in the distance learning initiative was recognized early on among the members of these groups.