Bush Foundation Support For Distance Learning 

The University of Minnesota Libraries has received a $25,000 one-
year grant from the Bush Foundation to begin planning library 
support for distance learning.  The centerpiece of the grant is a 
detailed assessment of the information needs of faculty and 
students engaged in distance learning.  The Libraries, in 
partnership with University academic departments, Computer and 
Information Services, and the MINITEX Library Information Network, 
will use the findings of the needs assessment to plan an 
effective, state-of-the-art information support system and service 
program.  Besides the needs assessment and the planning for 
appropriate applications of technology, the following issues will 
be explored:  intellectual property, data privacy and security; 
jurisdiction, cooperation, and equity among libraries 
participating in the support of distance learning; equality of 
access to information technology by distance learners; and the 
acceptance of new organizational structures and information 
delivery methods by students, faculty, and library staff.  

The objectives of the Bush Foundation planning grant echo the 
"Management" section of the ACRL Guidelines for Extended Campus 
Library Services.  Some of the points provided in that section 
are:  

The library administration should:

% assess the needs of its extended campus community for library 
resources, services and facilities;

% prepare a written profile of the extended communityUs 
information needs;

% develop a written statement of immediate and long-range goals 
and objectives which address the needs and outline the methods by 
which progress can be measured; and 

% involve academic community representatives, including the 
extended campus faculty and students, in the formulation of the 
objectives and the regular evaluation of their achievement.

The Bush Foundation planning grant is anticipated to be the first 
of three grants leading towards implementation of full library 
services to distance learners at the University of Minnesota and, 
potentially, throughout the state of Minnesota.  The planning 
grant will produce a second-phase demonstration grant proposal for 
a series of pilot projects to deliver information services to 
distance learners.  The successful completion of the demonstration 
grant will lead to the third and final proposal to establish a 
model infrastructure to support full-scale, ongoing information 
services to these learners.