The LASSIE project sought to explore how libraries could use social software and Web 2.0 tools to better support distance learners. It conducted a literature review and case studies on topics like reading lists, resource sharing, podcasts and Facebook. The project found that blogs, social bookmarking, and podcasts helped enhance library services for distance users. It also developed an online information literacy course called IRIS. Moving forward, the project aims to evaluate IRIS and explore sharing information literacy resources more broadly to support distance learners' needs.

1. Lessons from Lassie: supporting library users at a distance Dr Jane Secker Centre for Learning Technology, LSE CDE Seminar: 6 th July 2010

2. Overview of talk The LASSIE Project overview and key outcomes: Literature review Case studies The project blog Developing an information skills course: IRIS What does it tell us about distance learners and libraries? Where are we going from here?

3. LASSIE Libraries and social software in education Nine month project funded by University of London’s Centre for Distance Education University of London project partners (+ OU) Literature review to provide a snapshot of activity Five case studies to explore different technologies Lassie filming on location in Florida. Photo courtesy State Archive of Florida

4. LASSIE Resources LASSIE literature review (Jan 2008) Case studies on: Reading lists and social software Resource sharing and social software Citing and referencing podcast Blogging and libraries Facebook and libraries LASSIE blog – still running Project website

5. Habib’s model of Library 2.0

6. Habib’s revised model

7. LASSIE – what worked? Literature review widely used & cited by library community Many publications and conferences Case studies showed the value of tools such as blogs, social bookmarking, podcasting, Facebook to enhance library services Strength of project team Value of the blog as a research tool

8. What went less well? Getting real distance learning students involved in the project Limited feedback from students Getting agreement at a senior level that web 2.0 tools are useful in libraries Fast pace of change – so results date very quickly

9. Libraries and web 2.0 A lot of enthusiasm for new technology in some parts the library community: blogs, wikis, social bookmarking etc. New technology can: Reach new audiences Engage with users more effectively Enhance services by allowing greater interaction and feedback Many issues including: privacy / data protection / copyright / staff development

10. Libraries & web 2.0 – 3 years on Web 2.0 has been a slow burn Many libraries reaching conclusions about which tools they want to use after a period of experimentation Starting to see new training courses offered to staff and students Still a lot to learn No real consideration of web 3.0 / semantic web as yet

11. Web 2.0 is good for: Community building Sharing Conversations All help support and motivate distance learners

12. Supporting distance learners’ use of libraries LASSIE found many similarities between distance and full time students Students experience of libraries is increasingly via the web Physical libraries becoming increasingly social – should virtual libraries mirror this trend? Echoed recent research that shows students lack information literacy skills (CIBER report; RIN report and others) New technologies provide new opportunities for supporting distance learners

13. Developing IRIS IRIS (Improving your Reading and Information Skills) is a course for EMFSS (LSE) students on University of London external programme Available in Moodle Four modules on: reading and libraries, using the Online Library, improving search skills, advanced use of the internet Also developed material on citing, referencing and plagiarism to go elsewhere Over 400 students have accessed IRIS since launch in September 2008

14. Screenshot from IRIS

15. The challenge.. Embedding information skills into the curriculum for full time students is challenging Distance learners are more likely to need help, but less likely to receive it Face to face training often not an option so we need to deliver this online We shouldn’t assume they are the same as our full time students Need to understand the needs of our distance learners Need to work collaboratively in libraries

16. Free information literacy resources OpenLearn (OU) have various skills resources including Safari JORUM Open have numerous information literacy resources Nancy Graham from Birmingham has compiled a list of reusable IL content on a wiki IL website lists many resources

17. What next? Evaluation of IRIS Need to gather feedback from students Need to update course following changes to Online Library – now using Summon Potential to roll out IRIS to other parts of the External Programme – many of the modules are generic Potential to share these resources and build on other projects that release open education resources on information literacy

18. Discussion In pairs discuss: What special library services do you offer your distance learners / non campus based students? What web 2.0 initiatives are you using in your library to enhance services? What have you tried and works? What have you tried and rejected? Are you training users on any aspects of web 2.0? Report back

19. Jane Secker. (2010) Copyright and E-learning: a guide for practitioners . Facet Publishing: London. Chapter Five

20. LASSIE For more information contact: [email_address] Project website: http://clt.lse.ac.uk/Projects/LASSIE.php Project blog: http:// elearning.lse.ac.uk/blogs/socialsoftware / Delicious account: http://delicious.com/lse_lassie/