ABSTRACT
Library support for distance learners is not a new phenomenon, and there are formal guidelines for providing such support (American Library Association 1998; Canadian Library Association n.d.). Although libraries have used various technologies, support has mainly been in the form of document delivery services. The reality is that libraries have not been able to offer distance learners the same research experiences as those enjoyed by learners who walk up to the reference desk in the library. Most distance learning courses were designed such that research materials were delivered to the learners rather than the learners searching for them. Because learners had limited, if any, access to library catalogues and indexes, it was deemed to be too difficult for them to do their own research, and courses were designed to eliminate the “problems” of research. Thus these courses also eliminated the opportunities for many valuable learning experiences. But this situation has now changed.
