The Role of Library and Information Science Professionals in the MOOC Environment in Institutions of Higher Learning

Abstract

There has been concern on how library and information professionals fit in the MOOC environment. This chapter documents the role played by LIS professionals in the MOOC environment. A literature review was done on what librarians are doing to help lecturers and students to meet their learning, teaching, and research activities in institutions of higher learning. It was noted that MOOCs provide opportunities and librarians are working with academics to assist in transition from the traditional teaching to suit the teaching requirements of a MOOC environment. Some librarians are involved in the development of MOOCs and some are taking advantage of the available MOOCs in librarianship to develop professionally. The major challenges faced are the copyright issues. The author recommends that librarians should be involved in copyright clearance, offering information literacy and alerting users on the available MOOCs, making MOOCs accessible to all users including the physically challenged. Librarians should develop a collection of open access materials that they can recommend for MOOCs.