Collaboration in Online Teaching: Library Instruction and Education Research
Faith Maina
Barbara Shaffer
State University of New York at Oswego
Abstract
Recent explosion of online teaching has brought unique challenges for libraries as they strive to provide access to necessary resources and services for distance learners. These challenges are increased by the desire to provide the same level of library services to distance learners as to their on-campus counterparts. In response, many libraries are increasing electronic resources and developing special services, including online library instruction. However, little has been done to document the impact of this access on students’ learning and their satisfaction. This paper presents some evidence of students’ satisfaction and increased proficiency in research, as a result of direct library instruction for students in an action research course offered through SUNY Learning Network (SLN).
About the Author(s)...
Faith Maina is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, State University of New York, Oswego. Dr. Maina teaches action research online for SUNY Learning Network and education research courses on campus. Her main interests revolve around K-12 teacher research as a way of professional development. She is also the co-editor for the Journal of Authentic Learning: a peer reviewed online journal, published by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, SUNY-Oswego. She may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Barbara Shaffer is Senior Assistant Librarian at Penfield Library, SUNY-Oswego. Her training is in education and librarianship, having earned an M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and an M.L.S. from Syracuse University. She currently serves as Coordinator of Reference Service and liaison to the Curriculum & Instruction Department. Her research interests include online learning and information literacy. She may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
