After a one year pilot project, beta testing, and student focus groups, Library Blackboard version 2.0 launches for September 2009. Library Blackboard is a "Content Link" that embeds a customizable guide to library resources within Blackboard courses. These resources might include indexes/databases, course reserves, Quest searching, web links, library floor plans – basically anything that directs students to the tools they need for their course.
For faculty, this is an opportunity to provide guidance to students as to what constitutes appropriate, relevant research tools, all available in their course environment. Library Blackboard can also act as a conduit, in tandem with such tools as RefWorks, to UNB-subscribed online readings without having to upload them to Blackboard.
Students have told us time and again that teaching practices must catch up to expectations of how learning occurs in an increasingly networked, interconnected world. They aren’t asking us to do more, just to do differently. Library Blackboard will bring faculty and the library together to address such concerns and provide the advantages required for students to feel well-served in their studies.
Library Blackboard is a joint venture between UNB Libraries, the Centre for Enhanced Teaching and Learning, and Integrated Technology Services. Information sessions for faculty on how to both activate and customize Library Blackboard in their courses are running from late summer onwards.
For more information, please contact Marc Bragdon (mbragdon@unb.ca/458-7741) or your liaison librarian. Updates will appear here as fall term progresses.
Simple instructions for activating Library blackboard inside your courses