Learning Objects as Tools for Teaching Information Literacy Online: A Survey of Librarian Usage

Lori Mestre is Head of the Undergraduate Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champign, e-mail: [email protected]; Lisa Baures is Public Services Librarian/College of Education Liaison at Memorial Library, Minnesota State University, e-mail: [email protected]; Mona Niedbala is Education & Curriculum Materials Librarian at University of Rhode Island, e-mail: [email protected]; Corinne Bishop is Information Literacy Librarian at University of Central Florida, e-mail: [email protected]; Sarah Cantrell is Education Services Librarian at Dahlgren Memorial Library, Georgetown University, e-mail: [email protected]; Alice Perez is Librarian for Psychology, Cognitive Science & Education at the Social Sciences & Humanities Library, University of California–San Diego, e-mail: [email protected]; and Kate Silfen is Reference Librarian at Boston College, e-mail: [email protected]. Based on information gathered from two discussion sessions moderated by members of the Education and Behavioral Sciences Section’s Online Learning Research Committee a survey was conducted to identify how librarians use course/learning management systems and learning objects to deliver instruction. Objectives of the study were to identify the experiences of librarians who are using course/learning management systems; in what context learning objects are being developed and used; and the pedagogical considerations by librarians when creating online learning materials. In addition to discussing the results of the survey, a description of a “Toolkit for Online Learning” created by the Online Learning Research Committee is provided.