COD Library Answers Student Requests Amid Distance Learning

As state and local health officials continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and College of DuPage officials navigate the recent transition to distance learning, College Library staff are working hard to keep COD students, faculty, and staff connected to valuable resources.

To continue to meet the needs of students while the College observes distance learning, Library staff has enhanced its existing online operation, McIntosh said. Reference, Circulation and Media Lab staff are available in real time online throughout the day via chat, email and voicemail, as well as online appointments. Liaison librarians also are working closely with faculty to assist with the transition and booking individual appointments with students.

Library Associate Dean Jennifer McIntosh noted a surge in Library card activations with staff assisting more than 230 users get connected in the last two weeks, compared to the typical mid-semester count of 25.

“I would definitely confirm that students and faculty are finding their way to resources,” she said. “We anticipate April usage will be particularly high as students return from Spring Break with renewed focus on success in this new reality. They will find extensive online collections for exploration and research with easy access to knowledgeable staff. Community members with a Library card can still access our popular ebook collection and reference staff can recommended quality free online resources.”

But the move to distance learning also presented a bigger problem – staffing a library many students rely on for their research and providing for technology to those without home computers.

“Our attention last week was split between moving to an online-only service model and preparing over 100 laptop computers as long-term loans to students,” said McIntosh.

Led by the College’s Academic Affairs Division in conjunction with COD’s Coronavirus Task Force, the long-term loans allow students resources vital to their success amid an unprecedented time in U.S. and world history, said COD Provost Dr. Mark Curtis-Chavéz.

“So many people were involved in the effort and were concerned about students who didn’t have any kind of access to technology,” he said. “We had to identify students in their classes that needed laptops and they sent that information to task force members, who were then able to work with Library staff. Our dedicated Library staff worked to get nearly 100 students technology to continue their studies when we transitioned to this new online learning environment.”

College President Dr. Brian Caputo applauded the dedication of the countless faculty and staff members working hard to ensure the continued success of COD students.

“The COVID-19 crisis is challenging industry throughout the country, and higher education is no exception. We are committed to our students and the notion that the distance we currently are experiencing will not divide us as an institution,” he said. “While we do not know how the COVID-19 story will unfold, we do know that College of DuPage faculty and employees stand at the ready to provide our students the resources they need to be successful in their educational pursuits.”