The electronic library and distance resourcing: The Exeter experience Available to Purchase

Changes increasing the school‐based component of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses have placed many ITT students in a distance learning situation. The one year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary course at the University of Exeter is numerically large with well‐above average loans amongst the Exeter ITT community. This article looks at the possibilities afforded by the electronic library in this context, considers alternative strategies and details the results of a questionnaire and analysis of library lending patterns of the PGCE group over a two year period. ‘Dial‐up’ use of the electronic library proved to be very small. However, the results demonstrate that electronic access to information services is technically feasible and should be seen as one option in resourcing distance learning although ideally used in combination with other features such as postal loans. Success of ‘dial‐up’ access has less to do with the technology involved and more to do with individual motivation and need, availability of alternative resources, access to computing equipment and the costs incurred.