CAT-TI - E-learning, Goal-Setting, and Cataloging - benefits and drawbacks of goal-setting programs in online cataloging training

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dawugda

E-learning, goal-setting, and cataloging techniques are examined through an online tutorial that trains library staff to catalog the title field, addressing recurring challenges in time, cost, motivation, and persistence. The discussion contrasts online instruction’s advantages—on-the-job access, just-in-time learning, and structured goal support—with drawbacks including learner dropout risk and hidden implementation costs. Evidence from surveys and research highlights how time for practice, technology requirements, and resource constraints affect training outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

E-learning: Pros and Cons

Time

Cost

Location Independence

CAT-TI: E-learning, Goal-Setting, and Cataloging Jacqueline Snider, University of Iowa Abstract This article describes the techniques of applying a goal-setting program to an online tutorial on cataloging the title field. Training staff to catalog presents many challenges to librarians in management positions. The task, while necessary, is sometimes considered tedious. In addition, researchers report an extremely high learner dropout rate for online tutorials. Goal-setting programs enhance work performance, and facilitate the completion of online tutorials. For some librarians, training staff to catalog presents a major challenge to their managerial and instructional skills as there are issues of time, cost, motivation, and persistence. To address the first two concerns of time and cost, e-learning or online instruction provides an effective domain in which to learn. An online tutorial allows staff to learn on the job, reduces travel and classroom training costs, and provides “just-in-time” training when information is needed the most. For motivation and persistence issues caused by the e-learning environment and the tutorial’s subject matter, a goal-setting program offers structure to the training process. This article describes the benefits and drawbacks to online learning, and the techniques of applying a goal-setting program to an online tutorial on cataloging. E-learning: Pros and Cons A recent survey of corporate training reveals that e-learning in the form of self-study more than doubled from 7 percent in 2005 to 15 percent in 2006 (“2006 Industry Report,” 2006) . Librarians too are beginning to use online instruction for staff development purposes. According to a survey of 651 public, academic, special, and state libraries conducted by WebJunction in 2005, 70 percent intend to implement online learning in the next three years, while 49 percent will start within the next 12 months (Mason, Chesemore,& Noord, 2006; “Trends in E-learning,” 2006) . In their meta-analysis of fifteen major reports, Waight, Willing, And Wentling list the major features of online instruction as time, cost, location independence, “just-in-time” access to information, and learnercentered control (2002) . Depending on the article, researchers describe these features in either positive (Rossett, 2002; DeLuca, 2002), or negative terms (CIPD, 2006; Clark & Mayer, 2003) . Time If employees do not need to leave their offices, and in some cases, travel long distances, to attend instructor-led training, then online instruction should save workers and employers a great deal of time. The flip side of this argument, however, is that employees feel that they do not have sufficient time to train (“Savvy Employers,” 2001) . By staying at their computers, they experience distractions. Ideally, employees should take online courses in an area away from their offices. They need adequate time to thoroughly work through the courses, and familiarize themselves with the technological requirements (DeRouin, Fritzsche, & Salas, 2004) . In two studies, Brown (2001; 2005) concluded that participants needed sufficient time to practice what they learned in their online courses as learning occurs through practice. However, he found that those who had the heaviest workloads were least likely to spend time training and practicing even though additional instruction would improve efficiency, and ultimately reduce their workload (Brown, 2005) . Cost According to ASTD, employers spend on average $1,424 per employee each year for training (Ketter, 2006) . Other figures include an annual total of $50 billion (Hudson, Bhandari, Peter, & Bills, 2005), or $55.8 billion (“2006 Industry Report,” 2006) . E-learning appeals to employers because it reaches more employees at the workplace, and reduces the amount spent on travel. While this may be true in theory, there are hidden costs. First, employers must install computer systems to deliver training online. This E

FAQs

How does an online tutorial support staff training in cataloging the title field?

It enables staff to learn on the job, reduces travel and classroom training costs, and provides just-in-time training when information is needed most.

What are the main time-related benefits and concerns of online instruction?

Online instruction can save time by avoiding travel for instructor-led training, but learners may feel they lack sufficient time and experience distractions while working at computers.

Why can the cost of e-learning be higher than expected?

Beyond course delivery, employers may need servers, networks, elearning vendor contracting, office computer upgrades, and potentially expensive courseware for specialized skills.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dawugda