University of Leeds Academic Services How I learned to stop worrying and love the e-strategy Tracey Stanley Head of E-Strategy and Development Leeds University Library

University of Leeds Academic Services The E-Strategy conundrum “I know who I was when I got up this morning but I think I must have been changed several times since then” (Alice in Wonderland)

University of Leeds Academic Services An E-Strategy might include... Virtual Learning Environments Managed learning environments Portals E-prints Student information systems Collaborative working tools Campus intranet University web site Management Information Systems Grants management systems Electronic library services External content (eg: RDN)

University of Leeds Academic Services Challenges for an e-strategy l The strategy requires accompanying changes in working practices, attitudes and organisational behaviour. l The key challenges are organisational and political NOT technical. l There are many routes to get to the same place!

University of Leeds Academic Services Guiding principles l Information held on campus needs to be fit for its purpose (accurate, current, consistent, complete). l Information should be accessible. l Information should be collected in electronic format wherever possible l The institution needs a commitment to reviewing it’s processes in order to use resources and information more efficiently. l Interoperability between systems is required (avoid the ‘data silos’ mentality).

University of Leeds Academic Services Key challenges (1) - the campus intranet l Need for single sign-on and integration of systems across campus: –business solutions systems –virtual learning environments –virtual working environments l Increased demand for tailoring, personalization etc. l Should we be using commercial ‘portal’ tools or developing our own solutions?

University of Leeds Academic Services Case Study: University of Nottingham

University of Leeds Academic Services University of Nottingham l Using U-Portal (open source) to develop a campus portal. l Includes tailored news, access to VLE, links to modules, library link, external content, links to academic records etc. l Single-sign on to all resources. l Demo available at

University of Leeds Academic Services Key challenges (2) - VLEs and MLEs l Develop your own in-house system or buy ‘off-the-shelf’? l Levels of local customisation? l Integration with other systems on campus? (eg: student information system, library management system) l Increased demand for personalisation

University of Leeds Academic Services Case Study: University of Leeds l Home-grown VLE - Nathan Bodington. l Developed and run by Flexible Learning Development Unit. l Well-established - all departments have a presence. l Small development team.

University of Leeds Academic Services Key challenges (3) - research environment l Increased need for managing research outputs (publications and other evidence of esteem). l RAE driving increased monitoring culture. l Need to improve impact and visibility of research outputs and expertise by making available to a wider audience.

University of Leeds Academic Services Case Study: University of Leeds l University Publications Database l Commercial links supported through the Virtual Knowledge Park l Contacts management and expertise capture through the Kimera system

University of Leeds Academic Services Discussion sessions l Work in groups to discuss topics. l Choose someone to take notes and report back.