| Abstract: | A new class of post-secondary education has emerged in recent years—the virtual university—in which educational opportunities are delivered worldwide without regard to time constraints or location. Supporters of virtual and transnational learning environments abound as do those who question asynchronous on-line learning for its alleged impersonal nature. They note the limitations of its enabling technologies, and contend that such traditional instructional supports as access to physical libraries are shortchanged or non-existent. This article explores some of the issues surrounding library and information technology support for virtual learning environments through a focus on four models, each illustrated by a world-class example, that demonstrates good practice. The article concludes with observations on the mutual need that virtual and physical libraries have, one for the other. |
