Collection Development in a demanding Open Distance Learning milieu addressing the challenges of transactional distance, access and time barriers

Abstract

The Unisa Library’s aim is to ensure that transformation of resource selection practices are directed to support enhanced throughput of our learners by providing study, teaching and research materials to them regardless of transactional distance or time barriers. The poster’s intent is to illustrate the division’s objective to portray the developmental activities performed within the team of selectors, and to highlight areas of service excellence identified in our particular environment, due to Unisa’s unique character for serving all of its remote clients. Highlighted in the presentation will be a brief description of the use of different input data and information used to inform decision-making for the selection of resources. The poster will illustrate the different areas that the Library needs to plan for, to ensure that the information reach of our services are aligned with the vision and mission of the University, which are the ultimate drivers of our planned service delivery. Attention will also be given to the particular strategies that are followed, to gradually move towards developing resources in line with the demands of emerging technologies that inform libraries’ operational activities, but not neglecting the immediate needs of our clients who have no or limited access to these technologies.