Courseware and library services: bridging the gap for distance students

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to model a practical solution to the lack of library modules within commercial courseware. Design/methodology/approach - A comprehensive examination of the technical, political, and practical issues surrounding this problem provides the framework for designing a dynamic administrative tool that facilitates information access for distance courses. Findings - There are many different programming languages and models librarians can use to implement similar course modules. If librarians lack the skills to build these applications, student workers skilled in computer science can help. Practical implications - This and similar models of organizing resources and information for distance students has an immediate impact on services to online users, leveraging of resources and tangible benefits to the student. Originality/value - Librarians need to build their own technological solutions to serve their users when the commercial world is not addressing a real need.