A survey of distance learning library and information science courses delivered via the Internet¹

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Tyler, Alyson

Affiliations: 2 Penygraig, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3SG Wales, UK. E-mail: [email protected]

Note: [1] This paper is based on a presentation given at a colloquium for the Department of Information and Library Studies, the University of Wales Aberystwyth, UK.

Abstract: This paper discusses the provision of Internet-based distance learning courses in the LIS field and aims to investigate not only what courses are available, but also to assess the current market situation for online courses. It has relevance for departments interested in the provision of online distance learning courses and is also valuable for students interested in online courses, particularly LIS courses. The key observations from the research are that online education ranges from short self-instruction courses to degree-level programmes. And although provision of online education appears to be increasing, evidence was found for fewer than 10 online distance learning degree programmes in the LIS field. Areas of apparent expansion are short online courses offered by commercial consortia and non-traditional universities. This research is inevitably not an exhaustive search of the entire World Wide Web, but a `snapshot' of what is currently available during the research period (April--June 2000).

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-2001-19105

Journal: Education for Information, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 47-59, 2001