Distant but Equal: Leveling the Playing Field through Increased Library Presence for Online and Distance Education Students

Online and distance learning across one research university’s main and extended campuses has been decentralized and complex. To add to this complexity, the University Libraries’ programs and services have also spanned various parts of the state, including regional campuses and extension agencies. In an effort to create equal access to all library programs and services, regardless of location, the University Libraries conducted a mixed methods research study to gain insight into users’ needs, attitudes, and satisfaction in regards to the libraries’ services and support for online and distance learning across the campuses.