Date: 5-30-2001
To: Task Force Members
From: Tommie J. Wingfield, Jenifer O. Flaxbart
Subject: Task Force on Distance Learning Library Services Welcomes You

Dear Task Force Member:

Welcome to the Task Force on Distance Learning Library Services! This task force is comprised of library contacts at each of the UT System components who are doing work related to the provision of library services to distance learners, whether it’s through local distance education courses or the UT System TeleCampus. Your library Director has identified you as the appropriate person to represent your institution, and we’re pleased to have you as part of the group.

The mission of the task force is to foster the exchange of information between the System components about distance learning library services, to support and streamline existing services, and to spearhead new initiatives for the mutual benefit of all UT System libraries, students and faculty.

For a full listing of task force members, please visit the Off Campus Library Services Support (OffCamp) page that Lexie Thompson-Young, Distance Learning Librarian (UT System Digital Library), has created at http://www.lib.utsystem.edu/offcamp/. This page also provides instructions for subscribing to the OFFCAMP e-mail list, which we’re hoping will facilitate interaction by providing an easy, inclusive way for all of us to communicate with each other.

We have agreed to co-chair the task force in its developmental stages, and we’re beginning to assemble an agenda for the proposed meeting in August (see the OffCamp web page for details). One of the developments we’d like to discuss is the idea of creating service-specific subcommittees to work in conjunction with the new task force. We anticipate the need for input and guidance from experts at each System component regarding services for distance learners, particularly interlibrary services, reference services and circulation services.

You should receive a print copy of this letter in the mail soon. We look forward to your active participation in the task force as we examine issues and exchange ideas.

Sincerely,

Tommie & Jenifer

Tommie J. Wingfield
Reference and Information Services Manager, UT Arlington
(817) 272-2658

Jenifer O. Flaxbart
Communication Bibliographer/Off-Campus Library Services Coordinator, UT Austin
(512) 495-4255