For Faculty

Why Online Learners Should Take Advantage of Library Resources

by Camille Thomas, Assistant Librarian, Outreach and Information Services

Libraries are usually associated with books or a quiet place to study. In fact, many people think they do not use library resources if they do not enter a physical building or check out a print book. However, Texas Tech University Libraries has many resources and services behind the stacks.

Another asset outside articles, books and media is the "customer service" available to students and faculty. Texas Tech librarians are unique in that they are not only organizers of information, but are faculty with expertise and scholarship. Staff members are also knowledgeable and serve on the front lines for Raiders, on or off campus. Librarians are great connectors and can lead to new ideas, tools and networking (yes, even virtually). Add to the convenience of online learning and use resources already made freely available to Raiderland.

Fast Electronic Resources and Books Mailed to Your Door
Many people don't know that libraries pay subscriptions to journals and databases so that the campus can have access online for classes and research at no cost to them! Check out these research guides to make sure you are connecting off-campus to library resources through the library website, One Search or Google Scholar. Also, items can be sent electronically or mailed to your door via FedEx. When creating the ILLiad account, distance students should select "TTU Distance Patron (Faculty, Staff, and Students)" as their status and give the street address they want to use as their delivery address.

No Question or Idea is Too Small
Ask a Librarian is the virtual service that is available through text, chat and email. Personal librarians and research guides are available to help with sources for coursework, teaching and advanced research. There are also guides for library workshops, tools and industry topics outside of classroom settings. TTU faculty, staff and students also have free access to tutorials on Lynda.com, through the library by using their eRaider.

Open Resources for Teaching and Learning
Libraries across the world are always looking to support students and faculty. In order to do this, many have collaborated to create resources that are free and legal to use no matter where you are located or what university you attend! These resources should always be properly cited. The organization that has rights to display it is not always the original source and copyright holder. Get access to extra content by signing into Hathi Trust with your eRaider or check out Digital Public Library of America.

Copyright, Publishing and Research Impact Questions
Librarians can provide one-on-one help with copyright for teaching and research, including using multimedia, creative commons licensing and academic publishing. Also, be sure to contact your personal librarian, as they can give you specific practices for your area or class assignments. You can also visit the Copyright Basics or Copyright for Authors and Creators research guides or contact our Scholarly Communication and Copyright Librarian at libraries.copyright@ttu.edu or (806) 834-5474.

Accessibility
Libraries have a long history of making sure those with a range of different challenges to learning or using resources are accommodated. Each and every user is a priority for us. This includes making all digital content accessible to those with vision or hearing impairments, as well as working with individuals to support their success. This is an ongoing effort with other departments on campus, so feel free to contact us with feedback or needs.

For more information about library services for distance learners, visit http://library.ttu.edu/help/dis_learn.php.