A Bellwether for All Library Services in the Future: A Review of User-Centered Library Integrations with Learning Management Systems

Abstract

Much has been written about the academic library’s presence in Learning Management Systems (LMS). This literature mainly documents the functional design and implementation of the library tools within the parameters of a given learning management system at a given college or university. While these technology-driven articles can be helpful for institutions exploring how to connect their library to their LMS, many of the articles include limited or no reflection on user needs in the context of student learning. Those articles that do evaluate user needs often identify how well the system functions in order to make iterative functional changes, but the authors of this literature review believe user attitudes, expectations, and perceptions of library integrations are the foundation for a successful integration. In this review, the authors examine the current body of library-LMS integration literature that incorporates evaluation instruments and resulting data showing student and faculty expectations and perceptions of library integrations with the LMS.