Networked e‐information services to support the e‐learning process at UAE University
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470710754850 |
| Date | 12 June 2007 |
| Pages | 349-362 |
| Published date | 12 June 2007 |
| Author | Ahmed Taha |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Networked e-information
services to support the e-learning
process at UAE University
Ahmed Taha
Jimi Business and Engineering Library, UAE University, Al-Ain,
United Arab Emirates
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to focus on how the e-library interoperates with the e-learning process
within the academic computing environment (ACE) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).
Design/methodology/approach – This paper is inspired by the existing findings of a
questionnaire survey conducted by the Laptop Project at the UAEU (2002-2003) and sequel
research (2004-2005) on the acceptance and adoption of the Blackboard, a web-based instructional
platform, by the students. Personal interviews were conducted with the instructors who were involved
in the e-learning initiative to find out the appropriate e-information services that should be provided to
support their respective Blackboard-aided courses.
Findings – The paper finds that the instructors have viewed e-learning as a sound instructional tool
and an evolving genre capable of providing more than just textual information. According to their
viewpoints, the e-library could support e-learning courses with a bundle of networked e-information
services such as development of course-related electronic collections, virtual reference help, current
awareness and SDI, online document delivery, etc. E-literacy was found to play an essential role in
fostering adoption and acceptance of e-learning, whereas the language barrier has constrained
e-learning initiative in the colleges where Arabic is the teaching language, i.e. Blackboard does not
support creation of Arabic contents and interface so far.
Practical implications – The capabilities of the e-library in providing networked e-information
services have made the integration with the e-learning process a highly urgent requirement.
Originality/value – A model representing the integration of the e-library functions with the
e-learning process is presented in the paper. The proposed model could be applicable in learning
settings within an academic computing environment.
Keywords Libraries, E-learni ng, Information services, United Arab Emirates
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
In the ideal learning spectrum, university education forms the knowledge foundation
for basic professional understanding and development of new skills for in-depth
information acquisition. In this intellectual sphere, e-learning has sprung up in the
universities and private businesses getting the most benefits from the dynamic
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
This paper is an updated, modified and edited version of a conference paper presented at IADIS
e-Society Conference, Avila, Spain, 16-19 July 2004.
The author would like to give special thanks to Professor Adam Fadlalla, of Ohio State
University, for his thorough constructive comments. This work is dedicated to my late parents
Taha and Mariam. The author would like to give sincere thanks to his sons Amr, Omran and
Ghufran for cheering him up to complete this work.
Networked
e-information
services
349
Received 18 January 2006
Revised 25 May 2006
Accepted 7 June 2006
The Electronic Library
Vol. 25 No. 3, 2007
pp. 349-362
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470710754850
To continue reading
Request your trial