Title of the proposal
Virtual Library : access to your library without walls and without time limit
Bio
Dr. Carmen Betancourt, Virtual Learning Director Prof. Jane Canfield, Librarian
Dr. Carmen Betancourt heads the Institute of Virtual Education at the Pontifical Catholic University of PR since 2009. He holds a DBA in Management Information Systems. In the past 10 years has successfully integrate technologies dedicated to the development of online courses and programs. She has been president of the Puerto Rican Association of Distance Learning and presented in both local and international in Dominican Republic, Peru, Brazil, Canada, Panama and Ecuador forums.
General description of the initiative or project
The purpose of the Virtual Library Project is to integrate into online courses the use of videoconferencing technology and the internet so that the user can obtain information at the moment it is required and obtain better grades in required course assignments. The student can initiate an online consult with a virtual librarian ( a librarian in person who will use virtual communication methods to meet with the student). The virtual librarian will orient the student about the resources available in the library, including traditional and digital resources. Professors can compare the results of projects completed using the resources of the library through questionnaires, exams and evaluations. The impact of this project will be to increase the use of and access to library resources and at the same time, increase student retention and satisfaction in online courses. Wyss (2008) indicates that the demand and necessity created in some libraries has required the creation of a distance librarian position.