Marketing electronic resources to distance students: A multipronged approach

When students are surveyed regarding their expectations and satisfaction with library services, it is common to receive suggestions for services or guides the library might offer. In many cases these suggested services already exist. This has been shown to be true in surveys of distance students at the University of New England, Arrnidale, New South Wales, Australia (UNE). Distance students' varying, and often limited, knowledge ofwhaf their home institution offers, coupled with low expectations1 and remoteness from the physical library pose particular challenges for librarians. What is involved in effectively marketing electronic resources to distance students? How can students be made aware of the wealth of resources available? How can they be helped to achieve proficiency in their use? What initiatives result in increased usage? In seeking to answer these questions, this chapter advocates presenting relevant quality resources which are accessible any time/anywhere. It also affirms offering support at the students' point of need. The value of incorporating into the academic curriculum a requirement to utilize electronic resources is highlighted. The final section examines the effectiveness of a range of standalone approaches which may be used to promote resources.