Open distance learning in public libraries
The European Commission, DG XIII, has published a report outlining the results of a study on open distance learning (ODL) in Europe carried out in 1995. The "Open Distance Learning in Public Libraries" (PORLIB-ODL) study, known as ODIN, was commissioned by the Telematics for Libraries sector of the Community's specific RTD programme in the field of Telematics Applications. The principal objective of the study was to investigate responsibility for ODL in the Member States in order to judge how far public libraries can be involved as direct players or, failing this, as mediators providing gateways to the various interests involved on the supply and user side. On the basis of a state-of-the-art review the study examines how libraries can contribute to ODL, specifying those aspects which deserve special care and attention. The ODIN study is part of a series on "Libraries in the Information Society" published by the European Commission and is considered as a key contribution to the expanding role of libraries in the networked environment.