Library services and resources are changing, and with the growing number of distance learners, the library must evolve into a proactive entity reaching out to students instead of a passive entity, awaiting visitors. Such areas as management, finances, personnel, facilities, resources, services, documentation, and library education were addressed and redefined for the distance learning environment. The ACRL has taken initiative in providing these guidelines, and are cognizant of the importance of changing policies and procedures in light of distance learning. Other formal organizations must follow this lead and offer standards of practice. Establish relationships with vendors and service providers to allow off-campus access to licensed databases and indexes.
Site licenses are often restrictive and dial-in access prohibitive.
New policies must permit access by distance students regardless of their location. A dedicated connection with ample lines must be established to fulfill the information needs of the distance learners. Create a full-time distance education librarian position . This professional works closely with departments and instructors to ensure access to materials and services. This person must develop instructional tutorials that can be accessed via the Internet, as well as provide telephone and email assistance to bibliographic instruction.