Information Management in University Libraries in the Context of Distance Education

Perspectives of Brazilian Library Directors

Abstract

Distance Education greatly contributes to the universalisation and democratisation of knowledge in society. However, there are problems that hinder the management of information resources with regard to the availability, access to, and use of these resources by Distance Education users; these constitute the research questions. The study covers federal universities from the five regions of Brazil, focusing on Federal University Library Systems, Distance Education Support Centres, and students from the following institutions: Southeast region – Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP); Central-West region – University of Brasília (UNB); North region – Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM); South region – Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS); and Northeast region – Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRP).

The general objective is to describe the panorama of Library Systems and their integration with Distance Education in Brazil, identifying critical aspects and/or contributions of University Libraries to actions related to distance learning, highlighting guidance and support provided to users of this mode of education. The specific objectives include: identifying whether the Systems have units or sectors responsible for supporting distance education students; identifying whether these Systems offer services and products for students of this modality and whether they work in partnership with the Distance Education Support Centre; and determining whether they interact with the libraries of the learning centres (Polos).

The research uses three data collection methods: documentary research and interviews with directors of Library Systems, which constitute the focus of this article. The results revealed that distance education has been increasingly valued, ensuring universal access to education. Challenges were identified, most of which are associated with the need to publicise services, as well as the lack of human resources and infrastructure to guarantee equal access, especially for students who use the learning centres. This reinforces the importance of integration among the stakeholders involved (Libraries, Support Centres, and Learning Centre Libraries). The study recommends that institutions remain attentive to this new reality. Librarians must act as information mediators in conjunction with the institution’s Support Centres and the Learning Centre Libraries, promoting actions, services, and products so that technical and scientific information support reaches the distance education community.