LEARNING UNLIMITED UPDATE!

LIBRARIANS CONDUCT VIRTUAL LIBRARY WORKSHOP
FOR JOHNSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY,
NEWEST LEARNING UNLIMITED PARTNER

Two VU Librarians visited the Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, Ind., in February to provide a training workshop for over 13 participants in the newest Learning Unlimited education center.

VU’s Information Services Librarian Anita Slack and Reference Librarian Richard King made a presentation to Johnson County Public Library librarians and staff about VU’s Virtual Library, explaining how electronic resources such as periodical databases and e-books can be used to assist students.

The Participants completed hands-on exercises focusing on library resources such as LexisNexis, Proquest, and other research tools.

Learning Unlimited is a program administered by VU’s Distance Education department that provides partnerships among VU and several Indiana public libraries in geographic areas considered underserved by higher education opportunities. It is a unique, grant-funded opportunity that combines traditional distance education courses with the use and resources of Indiana public libraries. Grant partners are the Indiana State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Participating public libraries become mini-VU campuses with mentor-coaches meeting regularly with students.

In addition to Johnson County, participating libraries include Brownsburg Public Library, Hancock County Public Library, Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (College Avenue), Morgan County Public Library, Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, and Shelbyville-Shelby County Public Library.

Thanks to Indianapolis-based Librarian Daria Stafford, the Learning Unlimited Coordinator, for establishing these training sessions between VU librarians and staff of participating libraries. For more information, search for “Learning Unlimited” on the VU web pages or visit http://www.vinu.edu/cms/opencms/future_students/distance_education/lu/contact.html .