The interactive whiteboard is a learning technology that was introduced in the early 1990s, with the most commonly known product being the SMART Board from SMART Technologies. The main market for interactive whiteboards has been elementary schools, but other markets include secondary schools, higher education, libraries, and businesses. Librarians use the technology to enhance active learning and collaboration in instruction sessions. In January 2011, the University of North Texas Libraries installed two Hitachi StarBoards in the new Collaboration and Learning Commons of the Eagle Commons Library for patrons to use independently. Casual observation suggests that although the StarBoards are popular, the patrons are making minimal use of their interactive functions. The authors propose a study of independent patron use of interactive whiteboards in an academic library setting.

This paper discusses the needs of distance learners.