Students enrolled in distance learning classes are entitled to library services from their home campus as if they were enrolled in traditional, on-campus classes. “Home” campus is defined as the institution from which the student is taking the distance learning class. To optimize access to these services, a patron record must exist in the local library system of the student’s home institution. If one does not exist, then it must be created at the home institution before services can be offered. Other OhioLINK libraries will serve as a ‘host’ for the student by serving as Pick-Up-Anywhere locations - for the delivery of requested materials and other services as listed below.
Direct Borrowing. The student is allowed to borrow materials from the home library or from any OhioLINK library through direct checkout and/or through PCIRC. Borrowing privileges should match the student’s rank of undergraduate or graduate. The home library is responsible for negotiating for the return of borrowed items when necessary.
Many distance learners are not supplied with regular student IDs. For checking out OhioLINK materials either via Pickup Anywhere or Visiting Patron, it is appropriate for the person to present a picture ID instead of a student ID as long as they know their credentials that will allow them to check the item out. Their home library can provide them with the correct credentials if they do not know them.
Interlibrary Loan. The home library provides traditional ILL services for the student and is responsible for requesting the materials and for the delivery to the student.
Electronic Databases. The student should have remote access to all electronic databases and full text sources that the home institution subscribes to locally or receives access through OhioLINK.
Reserve Materials. The student should have access to reserve materials associated with the class he or she is taking. If the materials are not available online from the home institution, special arrangements may be made by the home library to provide the materials at a host location near the student.
Reference Services & Collections. The student should have access to reference services from the home library. Preferably this should be offered online or through a phone service, but the student may need access to materials at a local host library. All OhioLINK libraries should allow access to their reference collections for any distance learning student enrolled at an OhioLINK institiution.
Home Campus Services. The student should have access to appropriate authentication services from the home institution that allow full access to all services whether the student is remotely accessing these services or is on campus.
Access to Services from Host Campus. Access to the Internet from host institutions should be allowed from on campus for OhioLINK resources and for the home library resources.
Original Policy Written 9/1/1999; revised 11/16/2000, 9/10/2010, 8/23/2012
