2017 American Theological Library Association Annual Conference

As theological education increasingly adapts to online environments, librarians are being challenged to provide parallel experiences for both on-campus and distance students, per ATS standards. How do we provide the human touch to distance students who we rarely or never see? How can we provide the same easy access to advice or information on-campus students can receive in person? How do we encourage students to use this service? This conversation group will consider ideas for providing quality reference and instruction to distance students and pose thoughtful questions: (1) How do you promote a spirit of inquiry and thorough research, especially among distance students? (2) What effective strategies have you found for actively collaborating with professors/ administrators regarding the development of curriculum and the use of information resources? (3) Is what you do for online classes different from what you do in face-to-face situations and if so, how so? Topics may include online literacy instruction, marketing library resources and services to distance populations, providing reference remotely, recommended tools for virtual librarianship, and more, depending on where attendees wish to take the conversation.