Distance education in North American library and information science education: Applications of technology and commitment

Abstract

The author traces the development of distance education as a concept driven by educators who have used the available technology, almost at the time of its inception, to extend education to individuals who are without formal learning alternatives. The similarities between the developments in distance education generally, beginning with correspondence study in the 1800s to the present day use of the Internet, compared with a similar evolution by library and information science education are stressed. The author concludes that library and information professionals have been given the opportunity to participate in a model which reflects the best human service possible as well as a demonstration of the profession's commitment to the use of technology to meet the needs of individuals and groups in our society. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.