Live from LibraryLand I am working on an empirical study to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of library instruction delivered via podcast to both traditional on-campus students and distance education students. As the library liaison to the Nursing Department here at Cal State Fullerton, I work closely with the faculty to help meet the information needs and expectations of their students through efforts like library instruction sessions, online research guides, electronic handouts, and personal reference assistance with students in person, on the phone and via email. But most of our Nursing students are RNs working in the field and may not come to campus very often (if at all for those distance folks). So I am putting together some online modules that describe and demonstrate some of the resources and services available through the Pollak Library. These can be viewed online with any media player or downloaded to an iPod for the more mobile student. I have chunked the information into sections so that users can select which components they want to learn more about – or can repeat a specific section if needed. During the summer I surveyed the faculty in the Dept. of Nursing to solicit their input on the content of these modules. And I have created these podcasts based upon faculty feedback. I will promote these to the faculty and students in the department throughout the fall semester. About October I will offer an online survey to nursing students asking them about their experience with the podcasts (successes, shortcomings, etc.). I should note here that the CSUF Dept. of Nursing has been very forward-thinking in terms of technology and opportunities - in fact they have been our participants for several pilot projects. So my thanks to this fine department. I’ll post my progress on this blog and provide links to the podcasts. If you have any comments or suggestions, I’d be delighted to hear them!