Using Distance Patron Data to Improve Library Services and Cross-Campus Collaboration

• Published in: Internet reference services quarterly 2013-01, Vol.18 (1), p.55-75
• Main Authors: Pitts, Joelle, Coleman, Jason, Bonella, Laura
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: academic libraries; Communities; Distance education; Distance learning; Exact sciences and technology; Information and communication sciences; Information science. Documentation; Information service management; Internet; Libraries; Library and documentation centre management; Library and information science. General aspects; outreach; Outreach services; promotion; Sciences and techniques of general use; Students; universal design; University libraries; Use and user studies. Information needs; use studies; User services
• ISSN: 1087-5301; 1540-4749
• DOI: 10.1080/10875301.2013.800014

This article discusses the data-driven activities of Kansas State University Libraries in response to documented lack of awareness and usage of library resources within our distance community. It presents data from a survey distributed to our distance education students and faculty, and concludes that because distance patrons are largely unaware of library services, targeted promotional efforts must be implemented and systematically reviewed. These efforts, and several new resources, are discussed in detail. While developed and targeted to distance patrons, each initiative also allowed for increased library awareness and usage by an ever-growing on-campus population wishing to utilize library resources remotely.