Library services for distance education in New Zealand tertiary institutions : do we need national guidelines?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether national guidelines for distance library services needed to be developed in New Zealand. The study identified the public tertiary institutions in New Zealand involved in the provision of education at a distance. A template of twelve essential services was created as a benchmark to measure library service provision for distance students. These services were based on those listed in the ACRL and CLA guidelines for distance library services. The survey was sent to the main libraries of the twenty-five institutions identified as providing some kind of distance education course. Twenty-one responses were received, giving a response rate of 84%. The survey found that although the majority of libraries involved in distance education provided all but one of the essential services, there were substantial differences in the levels of service offered, and some institutions provided no library service for offcampus students. The study makes a number of recommendations including the need for the development of national guidelines for the development of distance library services and the creation of a special interest group for distance library services.