Distance Services

Distance Learning Library Services Manual

Introduction
The C.G. O'Kelly Library in conjunction with The Office of Distance Learning at Winston-Salem State University provides library services to distance learning students and faculty. We strive to meet the information needs of distance learners and faculty.
The library supports and enhances all university instructional programs through a relevant, diverse, and current collection. We include resources beyond our library by offering electronic resources such as online databases and services such as interlibrary loan.
This manual serves as a guide to resources that are available to distance learners and faculty.
Our Distance Services Librarian is available to instruct and assist students and faculty in all aspects of library services.
Contact Information

Distance Library Services Staff
Distance Services Librarian
wssu.distance@gmail.com
Distance Learning Library Services
Online Catalog

Main Types of Searches

LOCATION:

• WS STACK means the item is in the circulating collection
• WS REF means the item is in the WSSU Library Reference Area and does not circulate

CALL #:

• Z675.U5G58 2001 (Example)  is the Library of Congress call number

STATUS:

• AVAILABLE means the item is on the shelf
• LIB USE ONLY means the item cannot be checked out
• A due date is shown if the item is checked out

Link to Catalog: C.G. O’Kelly Online Catalog

Distance Learning Library Services
Online Databases
The library makes available a number of online databases that contain thousands of journals, magazines, newspapers, statistical data, encyclopedias, and e-books. Many are full-text and can be read online.

About Online Databases

• An online database is a collection of information stored in an electronic format that can be accessed from a computer.
• Some are called "referral" databases because they contain references to publications in the form of citations.
• Some are called "source" databases because they include the full text of a publication that can be viewed online.

Online Databases: An Introduction

• Online Databases: An Introduction shows how to find the Library's online databases, discusses why they are useful and describes how to select which one to use.

The Electronic Resources page contains icons that represent the library's various online databases.
Online Databases Subject Chart (not a comprehensive list)

Distance Learning Library Services
Searching for Electronic Resources

Searching for specific journals, magazines, or newspapers

If there is a specific journal, or a specific database that you are looking for, then click on  “Browse Journals.”   This is located under the Research section.

Searching Databases for Articles

Users may click on a specific database or select a number of databases and search them simultaneously.

Distance Learning Library Services

Finding E-Reserves

• Electronic Reserves provide online access to supplementary course reading materials assigned by instructors.
• E-reserves are accessible through the library's Online Catalog.  The Online Catalog can be access by clicking on the “Book” icon on the library’s homepage.

1. Select either Professor or Course.
2. Type in the professor's name or the course title.
3. Click on the name of your course.
4. Click on Yes if this screen appears.
5. Use the toolbar to navigate the document.

Distance Learning Library Services
References Services
Reference Librarians are available during all service hours to answer your questions
Please call our toll free number, 877-269-8813, the Reference Desk, 336-750-2454, the Distance Services Librarian, or Information Services, 336-750-2449
Your may also email your questions to wssu.distance@wssu.edu or reference@wssu.edu

The reference staff provides the following services:

• Assists with using the online catalog and online databases
• Provides help with searching electronic resources
• Recommends search strategies, resources and gives instruction on library research
• Answers reference questions and requests for information
• Locates and sends journal articles you need
• If you would like the library to develop a specific guide, please contact the Distance Services Librarian at or e-mail at wssu.distance@wssu.edu

Distance Learning Library Services

Library Instruction

Library Instruction is offered on or off-campus to individuals or classes. Please schedule Instructional sessions in advance in order to accommodate all interested parties. To schedule an instruction session, please contact the Distance Learning Librarian at or wssu.distance@gmail.com
Type of Classes:
Library Orientation - A brief overview of library services and demonstration of the Online Catalog and Electronic Resources
Electronic Resources - An introduction and demonstration on using the library's online databases to assist students in locating journal articles and other information sources online for day-to-day assignments, papers and projects
Subject Specific - course instruction - Sessions designed for the needs of a specific course in collaboration with the instructor

Distance Learning Library Services  
The Research
Step 1: Identify and develop your topic

• It is useful to state your topic as a question. For example, if you are interested in the psychological effects of drug abuse by college students, you might pose the question,
         "What effect does the use of drugs have on college students?"
• Identify the main concepts and/or keywords in your question.
• List concepts as keywords or search terms. Dictionaries and thesauri are helpful.

Step 2: Find background information

• Use encyclopedias, handbooks, manuals, directories, selected websites and other reference works to find background information and set the context for your research.
• Most disciplines have subject encyclopedias you can use to get an overview of your topic.   Check print and online sources, for example, the print source, Encyclopedia of Psychology [REF BF31.E52 2000] or the online source The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social Psychology in netLibrary.
• Note any relevant items in the bibliographies at the end of the encyclopedia articles.  
• Additional background information may be located in books, journals and selected websites.

Step 3: Use the online catalog to locate books and journal titles

• The Online Catalog is a good place to start to find more substantial information on your topic.
• Use the keyword search for a specific topic.
• Look for the Library of Congress Subject Headings used for the topic in the record notes of an entry.   For example: 'Myocardial Infarction' for 'Heart Attack'
• Copy the information in the citation (author, title, etc.), the location in the library and call number.   Also, note the status, is it available?
• Look for book-length bibliographies on your subject; they list citations to hundreds of books and articles in one subject area, for example, Executive Coaching: An Annotated Bibliography [Z7164.O7 D68 2000]

Step 4: Use online databases and print indexes to locate journal articles and other relevant information

• For the most current information on a topic use scholarly journals. For some topics such as current events, magazines and newspaper articles are appropriate.
• Use the online databases and print periodical indexes to locate citations, abstracts and full text articles.   For example, use the online database ERIC for topics on education.   Also see the print source Education Index  [REF Z5813.E39].

Step 5: Evaluate what you located

• Look for recurring concepts, areas of disagreement and agreement by various experts and trends associated with your topic.
• Evaluate the information you have gathered for depth of content and authority of authors, for example.
• If you have located too many or too few sources, you may need to narrow or broaden your topic.

Step 6: Cite your sources using a standard format

• Check with your instructor to find out which style is required for citing your sources.
• The two most common formats are the Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA).

Distance Learning Library Services

Circulation Procedures

Borrowing Materials at C.G. O'Kelly Library
All Winston-Salem State University distance learning students and faculty may check out materials from O'Kelly Library.

• You must first be registered with the library.
• If you visit the library, let the staff know you are a distance learning student.
• A photo ID such as a driver's license will be required to check out materials.
• You may also request that materials be sent to you by mail.
• Contact the Distance Learning Librarian for more information.

Loan Periods

• Materials are checked out to distance students for six weeks.
• Materials can be renewed by phone once as long as the item is not overdue.
• Materials may be renewed once, unless the items are on hold for another patron.

Lost and Damaged Materials

• Lost materials are items declared missing by the borrowing patron or items overdue for 60 days or more.
• Damaged materials are items that are not usable by another patron or items that will not survive checkout to another patron.
• The patron is charged a replacement cost plus a processing fee for lost or damaged materials.

Borrowing Materials from Other UNC Libraries

• As a registered Winston-Salem State University student or faculty member, in good standing at your home school library, you may borrow materials from any of the sixteen University of North Carolina Libraries.
• If you live near one of these campuses, going to the location may be the easiest ways to acquire the materials you need.
• You must be registered at O'Kelly Library, first.
• At the time of check out at the lending library, you will be asked to show a photo ID such as a driver's license.
• All policies and procedures of the lending library should be followed.
• Contact the participating library before visiting to get a clear understanding of library policies.

Distance Learning Library Services

Interlibrary Loan Procedures

Through Interlibrary Loan services, students and faculty may request resources (that are not in O’Kelly Library) from other libraries. The materials may be picked up at O'Kelly Library at Winston-Salem State University, or you may wish to have materials mailed by the Distance Services Librarian. Patrons are responsible for all overdue charges. It is suggested that all interlibrary loan materials be returned about three days in advance of the due date, so that materials arrive on time at sponsoring library. 

Renewing Interlibrary Loan Materials

If users wish to renew materials, they must (1) contact the sponsoring library for renewing policies, or (2) contact the Distance Services Librarian so that arrangements can be made well in advance. Patrons can have no lost, damaged or overdue materials at the time of the request.
To effectively use these services, observe the following guidelines:

1. Search the Online Catalog in O'Kelly Library and libraries within your immediate community.
2. Allow at least 10-14 working days for the delivery of the requested items.
3. If materials are not returned, fines accumulated or materials not picked up, Interlibrary Loan services are suspended.

Submit requests through the online forms via the Distance Services page.
Interlibrary Loan Requests: Steps

• From the library’s homepage click on Distance Services:
• On the left side of the page, click on Interlibrary Loan for students or faculty:
• Complete the interlibrary loan form:
• Click ‘Submit.”

Important Contacts

Email Reference 

• Send a reference question to the Distance Services Librarian by email at: wssu.distance@gmail.com
• Use email reference for brief, factual information, basic guidance in conducting library research and to answer questions about library resources, services, polices or procedures.
• A response can be expected within 24 to 48 hours, but usually sooner.
• On weekends, holidays and semester breaks the response time may be longer.
• Another option is to email the Reference Desk at: wssu.distance@gmail.com.

Telephone Reference

• If your question is more in-depth, please call our toll free number, 877-269-8813, the Reference Desk, 336-750-2454, the Distance Learning Librarian, , or Information Services, 336-750-2449