Bridget Faricy-Beredo

Bridget Faricy-Beredo, Clinical Medical Librarian at the Mulford Library, University of Toledo, has been named our 2013 Distance Learning Visionary. Bridget's work helps enhance evidence-based practice through collection development, teaching and mediated searching. Bridget's continued support for distance learning has been demonstrated through her work with faculty outreach, providing tools that can be used to help faculty better support the research needs of distance students. Bridget will share some of her experiences working with faculty and students at the DLIG/IIG Spring Workshop.

Save the date!  The DLIG/IIG Spring Workshop is scheduled for Monday, June 3rd at the Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester, Ohio (on I-75, just north of Cincinnati).  Details about additional sessions and registration will be forthcoming in April.

2012 Distance Learning Visionary

Kenneth Burhanna

Kenneth Burhanna, Head of Instructional Services for Kent State University Libraries, has been named our 2012 Distance Learning Visionary.  Kenneth's leadership and vision in supporting distance learning has been demonstrated through his commitment to developing strategic partnerships on campus, providing professional development opportunities, and by developing support tools and resources for librarians and instructors.

Ken shared his distance learning experience & philosophy at the 2012 DLIG Spring Workshop in a session entitled "A Strategic Action Plan for Distance Learning Support." Attendees were able to learn about:

1. A clearer vision for the strategic role their libraries can play in distance learning.
2. Tools and approaches for providing leadership on distance learning initiatives.
3. Models for creating guiding documents and online support tools.
4. An awareness of key challenges for libraries in distance learning.

"Distance learning is a strategic priority at many colleges and universities. It is a tremendous opportunity for libraries to contribute expertise and resources in supporting these initiatives.  After all, it's really an opportunity to help meet institutional strategic goals while having those discussions about library instruction, services and resources that librarians always want to have.  Distance learning could also be a threat.  If libraries don't act with some sense of urgency to support online initiatives, we could be left behind."

--Ken Burhanna