EXPLORING THE USE OF DIGITAL LIBRARY SERVICES IN A BLENDED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: A MALAYSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION PERSPECTIVE

In Malaysia, university libraries are always looking for innovations to support learning activities. These might include conducting library tutorials via mobile podcast, Youtube and Slideshare; interacting with library users via Library 2.0 tools such as Facebook and Twitter; and developing electronic repositories. However, the emergence of blended learning has raised new issues and challenges as libraries consider how to better support students in their learning. This paper will discuss partial findings of a research project that explores the use of digital library services in blended learning environments in a Malaysian university. The research used a qualitative case study approach, utilizing interviews and documents analysis, to explore students’ experiences of using digital library services. Two cases studies were conducted – one in a high technology and the other in a low technology blended learning environment. Analysis of the interviews with students revealed four main influences in the use of the digital library by students. They are: first, accessibility and relevance; second, the characteristics of the blended learning; third, language barriers; and fourth, personal preferences. Based on these findings, this paper will discuss the potential for further innovations in digital library services such as increasing publication of e-books in the local language.