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The Ph.D. in Leadership and Change offers an electronic 'library without walls' with academic research capabilities for doctoral learners working at geographically dispersed locations. The Library of Antioch New England Graduate School (ANE) provides the Ph.D. Program with a complete service-centered library in full support of the curriculum for the Program's students, as well as faculty. The library services can all accessed off this website. Librarian support is also available via phone, fax, and email.
Adult students, especially, have special needs in terms of research support and the technical know-how to access this support. Returning students find the library of their undergraduate days has changed radically. The complexity of library databases, media formats and document delivery systems is unfamiliar and intimidating. Added to this confusion and discomfort around libraries is the stress that adult students, often still practicing in their career and actively responsible for families, feel when they undertake the financial and time-consuming responsibilities of an advanced distance degree Program.
Thus, while the Program will do a great deal to enhance the library's relationship with the students online, the library's success also requires real human contact. Networked learning works best with human interface when possible. At initial residency meetings, the library faculty and staff will meet with students and help dispel any natural intimidation to avoid asking questions. Students will have formal and informal opportunities to feel they know the people who are helping them throughout the Program.
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