The Browsable Classroom

       	Previous	 	Contents	 	Next
	Issues in Science and Technology  Librarianship
	Summer 2002

	DOI:10.5062/F4NK3C0J



      

     Book Reviews
    The Browsable Classroom: An Introduction to E-Learning for   Librarians
      Beth Roberts
  Agricultural Sciences Librarian
  The University of Maryland Libraries
er100@umail.umd.edu        


    

Braun, Linda W. and Carolyn Noah. The Browsable Classroom: An  Introduction to E-Learning for Librarians. New York: Neal-Schuman  Publishers, 2002. 171 pp. ISBN 1-55570-425-5 $45.00

    While distance education is not new, the Internet has transformed it from the  one-dimensional correspondence course model into a potentially engaging and  interactive learning environment. The Browsable Classroom, part of a  series of Netguides from Neal-Schuman Publishers, discusses and shows how  technological advances have changed the way librarians, students and educators can  learn and teach in this new environment. Distance learning today can be complete  online degree programs or it can be a continuing education class. It can include  face-to-face interaction or be done entirely at a distance. 

    The Browsable Classroom is primarily directed at librarians wanting to  learn more about how to set up distance education classrooms or wanting to better  support the needs of distance learners. Others that may benefit from reading this  book are students and educators, or anyone wanting to better understand the  burgeoning world of distance learning online. 

    The book begins by explaining the types of learning that are available online, such  as asynchronous (time-lagged) and synchronous (real-time) and the ramifications of  the two types of interacting on the teacher, student, and others involved in  providing help for or working with these classes. The authors then provide models  of distance programs that are currently active at various universities and other  organizations, including libraries. Librarians and schools of library and  information science appear to be at the forefront of innovation when it comes to  developing these kinds of programs. 

    Distance learners have specialized needs that libraries and librarians need to be  prepared to cope with. They especially depend upon access to materials in  electronic format and can be aided by services such as online chat. If a library  has not already considered how it will support distance learners, then this chapter  will be enlightening. The authors point to the 1998 ACRL guidelines for libraries  response to the increase in distance education. The guidelines state that: 

    "Services for distance learning communities may be different but should be  equivalent to those provided for on-campus learners (Association of College &  Research Libraries 1998)" (Braun & Noah 61).

    In order to provide distance learners with the equivalent level of services, the  authors suggest that we need to be responsive to their needs and prepare our  libraries to handle this type of learner. 

    Designing an effective distance-learning program is perhaps the principal challenge  for many of us. It requires us to re-think traditional educational models and  instructional delivery methods. The authors discuss ways to create an effective  classroom and manage the technical aspects of the design. They show ways to do this  if you are lucky enough to have assistance and ways to handle it if you do not.  The Browsable Classroom also includes a chapter on how to teach   effectively in an online environment. 

    Many librarians will have to adjust to distance learners in increasing numbers, or  even be responsible for teaching in this way themselves. This book is a helpful  guide to the process and the issues that will arise for librarians involved in any  way with distance education. 

    References are included at the end of each chapter. Many of the chapters include  screen shots to give the reader a better sense of what the authors are describing.   The book also includes tables and figures to aid in understanding the concepts  presented. In addition, there is a glossary, bibliography, notes and credits and an  index.     

  

  	Previous	 	Contents	 	Next