Distance Learning Library Services
KYSU Distance Learners
General Information
The State of Kentucky offers a wealth of resources to Distance Learning students through Kentucky Virtual University. Kentucky State University offers access to Kentucky Virtual University; Interlibrary loan borrowing privileges, and several dozen subscription databases.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 502-597-5930
Email: raphael.jackson@kysu.edu
Mail:
Distance Learning Services
Blazer Library
400 E. Main st.
Frankfort, KY 40601
What do I need to access Library Services?
You may access KYSU library services online and off campus by using your student email and ID number as your login and password. Students and faculty from outside universities, or members of the community may apply for a Borrowers card in person or by filling out and submitting the following form.
Borrowing Privileges.
Students and faculty affiliated with the Kentucky State University System have reciprocal borrowing privileges at all public academic institutions in the state. These privileges are governed by the policies, terms, and conditions set forth by the lending library.
Interlibrary Loan
Students, faculty, and staff affiliated with a State University of Kentucky institution may request materials from KYSU or any participating university within or outside of the state. All requests originating from Kentucky State University will be delivered to the KYSU campus and may be returned to the KYSU campus.
Off Campus Access to the KYSU Catalog and Databases.
KYSU electronic resources are available both on and off campus to current KYSU students, faculty, staff, and affiliates. Basic services of the Effie KYSU Library catalog are unrestricted to the public. In addition to the basic access, KYSU affiliates are permitted access to subscription databases. Subscription databases may be accessed off campus with a KYSU login. The login and password is the student’s KYSU e-mail and 8-digit student number. Special borrowers may also access subscription databases with a temporary password. The passwords are database specific. In order to obtain a temporary password for off campus please contact the reference librarian by email, or phone 502-597-6857.The terms and conditions of database use are set forth by the database provider.
Technical Support
If you are having a problem connecting to a specific KYSU resource of service you can contact:
The IT support Desk @ 502-597-5733
For assistance in accessing or retrieving information from an electronic resource you may contact:
Reference Desk
502-597-6857
Electronic Resources
Logging in off campus
Blazer Library Home Page
Database Tutorial
Library Catalog
Blackboard Information
Who can borrow material?
KILT
Helpful tips for Distance Learning Students
As a Distance Learning Student you must meet all the challenges of a traditional student in addition to the added responsibility of taking initiative in your education. Some students may find it challenging to keep up with course readings, instructor’s directives, and pertinent submission deadlines without face to face reminders. Thus it is important for a distance learning student to take advantage of available technology when planning their academic term. Some students find it helpful to retype their entire syllabus into Microsoft outlook, or a similar online appointment software, such as Google Calendar. These applications can be synchronized with a mobile device for frequent reminders on deadlines. Technology can be used in conjunction with simple planning devices such as an AT-A-GLANCE calendar. These wall calendars are 36”X 24” and laminated for reuse. The ones that cover 4 months are ideal for a student making a layout of his or her entire semester. They sell for around $25-$35 at your local office supply store, or can be ordered online. The advantage to the low tech solution of a calendar is that the entire semester can be seen at once and placed in an area designated for study.
Academic Integrity
Students must do original coursework and abstain from all forms of plagiarism and academic dishonesty, as defined in the Kentucky State University Student handbook.
Time management
As a general rule an undergraduate student should spend no less than 2 hours per every hour of class time. This time should be adjusted for the difficulty level of the class. Although the distance learning student may not be physically present in the class that they are registered for, they may find it helpful to accord the same importance to a virtual course that they would to a course which is taught in person.
Netiquette
Having minimal physical contact with your peers and professors has both benefits and drawbacks. It is important to make a lasting first impression in all learning environments. In the virtual learning environment writing can make or break a first impression. Professors who teach online courses cannot make judgment based on appearances and personalities. Therefore a student should be mindful of his or her digital identify and carefully monitor all of his or her online communications with peers and professors. Humor and sarcasm are not always easily recognizable in an anonymous online setting and should be either used sparingly or avoided outright. It is also a good practice to type up communications on a word processing editor such as Microsoft Word and scrutinize the communication for syntax and grammatical errors before sending it. Abbreviations and short hand commonly used in text messaging, chatting and social media boards should be avoided as well.
Suggested books
For Faculty
Assessing the online learner: Resources and Strategies for Faculty by Rena M. Palloff and Keith Pratt
For Students
Online Learning: Concepts, strategies, and Application by Nada Dabbag
Bears Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning by Mariah P. Bear and Thomas Dixon
Campus Free College Degrees: Thorson's Guide to Accredited College
Degrees Through Distance Learning by Marcie Kisner Thorson
Bill of rights for the Distance Learning Community
(Taken from ACRL Distance Learning Standards)
- Access for Achievement of Superior Academic Skills
- Direct Human Access
- Additional Investment
- Mandated Support
- Technical Linkages
- Institutional Involvement of Library and Other Personnel
- Written Agreements
- Meeting Needs, The primary responsibility
- Strategic Planning
- Outcomes Assessment
- Information Literacy
The Blazer Library at Kentucky State University Must provide information literacy instruction programs to the distance learning community in accordance with the ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for High Education.
Distance Learning Tutorial Homepage