Librarians observe principles of fair use by password protecting e-reserve files and making them accessible only to the students enrolled in a specific course and only for the duration of the course. E-reserves, as well as the other emerging services outlined above, highlight some new issues for libraries that need to be explored and addressed in conjunction with experts in publishing, vending, computer systems, human resources, and content creation. Issues Authentication and authorization are systems issues that must be dealt with in order to effectively provide distance learners with access to licensed databases and e-reserve files. It is necessary to ensure that the students using distance services are who they say they are, that they are currently enrolled as students, that they are eligible for any special services available to them, and that the computer systems that permit distance learners access to course reserves and to licensed databases recognize them. Libraries will need to draw on in-house systems expertise as well as institutional computing services specialists and appropriate vendors to create protected environments that facilitate access while ensuring compliance with licensing agreements.
Intellectual property remains a key issue as distance learning programs become better established.
Questions related to ownership arise when faculty begin creating online content. Closely related to this is the issue of copyright. Libraries active in supporting distance learners already play a key role in these areas. Others establishing such services will have to determine what role they can and want to have in such activities. Professional development is another issue that merits attention with the increase in distance learning endeavors on campuses throughout North America.