Washington State University Libraries

Vancouver-DDP students

1. What are the unique needs of this user group?

DDP students need library support to facilitate their coursework. The majority of DDP courses originate from the Pullman campus. Consequently, most DDP students have access to library services as supported by the most Pullman campus databases, Holland Reference, Library Instruction, and ILL.

Griffin - When a student is taking courses from a variety of campuses, their campus affiliation in Griffin is determined by the majority of institutional credits. Staff at WSU Vancouver know how to check this and do so in order to direct students to the appropriate resources and Web sites. All students can access all resources when on the Vancouver campus. However, it is important to determine their affiliation in order to direct them to resources that are available to them when they are not on campus.

Another great need is exam proctoring. During this past year, the WSU Vancouver Library proctored 590 exams.

2. How is this group currently supported by the Libraries?

Well-developed services via the integration of DDLS functions into Library Instruction, Holland Reference, ILL, and other units.

When on the Vancouver campus, students receive full reference services. If wanting to access resources from off-campus, their affiliation is determined and then they are directed to the appropriate resources and services - either DDLS or WSU Vancouver Library services.

3. How is this support communicated and promoted to them?

Library services are promoted within the standard DDP course syllabus and the DDP website. DDP also publishes a newsletter for their students which frequently contains information on the Libraries. GenEd 300 teaches a small percentage of these students skill and concepts of information literacy.

4. Does this group have an official liaison from the Libraries?

Distance Learning Librarian position liaisons with the Distance Degree Program department, and with the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology. This position also coordinates projects between librarian subject specialists and teaching faculty to support student research.

5. What problems does this group have with accessing library services?

The most significant problem is the enrollment-status issue, which has marked impact on the student and his/her ability to fulfill assignments and research. Frequently, students are confused about proper library service channels. In addition, many DDP classes contain students who rely on different library services from other campuses. Students may refer to themselves as being enrolled through "WHETS" or This makes it even more difficult to address the problem. There's no "one size fits all".