The Library's role and challenges in implementing an e-learning strategy: a case study from northern Australia

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences Librarianship
• Educational Technology
• Public Health Administration

Background:

• The Northern Territory Department of Health and Families (DHF) Library supports staff education.
• DHF is implementing an organization-wide e-learning strategy.
• E-learning serves as a tool for coordinating educational functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of e-learning.
• To define the Library's role in implementing an organization-wide e-learning strategy.

Main Methods:

• Literature search on e-learning effectiveness in health professional education.
• Literature search on health librarians' responsibilities in e-learning.
• Case study of the Library's current role, future opportunities, and challenges.

Main Results:

• Four key areas for operational activity are proposed: integrating library resources as learning objects into a Learning Management System (LMS).
• Developing online health information literacy training programs.
• Establishing a physical and virtual 'e-Learning Library/Centre'.
• Developing collaborative partnerships, assuming new e-learning development responsibilities, and creating a dedicated e-learning librarian role.

Conclusions:

• The Library's role is fundamental to building the organization's e-learning capacity.
• The Library is essential for implementing an organization-wide e-learning strategy.
• Strategic planning context highlights opportunities for the Library to evolve its educational support.