Summary: Covers electronic library resources and learning in the digital age. Begins by outlining the changing 'information environment' in which librarians work. Then goes on to discuss: the development of e-learning and the impact this is having on the further and higher education sector; the changing role of the librarian in supporting online learning; the technical problems associated with connecting up library systems; the copyright and licensing of electronic resources in a digital environment; and, finally the book offers tips for librarians when becoming involved in such initiatives. The Author, Dr Jane Secker, is based at the London School of Economics. Contents: The changing information environment - proliferation of electronic resources, growth of Internet based subscription sources/electronic journals/full text services vs. bibliographic tools Learning in the digital age - definitions: e-learning, learning technology etc., background/history of e-learning initiatives: higher education and the commercial context, developments in e-learning in higher and further education: growth of managed learning environments/virtual learning environments, common features of commercial software products, distance learning vs. on-campus The changing role of the information professional Practical problems/linking up systems - authentication/passwords, linking library catalogues to virtual learning environments, linking e-journals to virtual learning environments, linking Internet resources, importance of customising resources, metadata/XML Copyright and the licensing of digital resources - text - born digital versus print - digital, the copyright clearance process, digitisation services, multimedia resources, license agreements Tips for success and conclusions (a librarian's guide to tips for success when becoming involved in these types of initiatives) Case studies

Author Biography

Dr Jane Secker is Learning Technology Librarian at the Centre for Learning Technology, based at the London School of Economics. She is Chair of the Heron User Group and Association of Information Professionals in the Social Sciences (ALISS). She is the Conference Officer for CILIP Information Literacy Group and a founder member of the Librarians' Information Literacy Annual Conference (LILAC).