Libraries that reach the learners others can't Professor Andrew McDonald Director of Library and Learning Services & Head of Lifelong Learning Centres University of East London
themes types of collaboration Sunderland experience Barking Learning Centre challenges of joining up
it will never catch on…… joint university projects HE and FE academic and public libraries schools and community access cultural and heritage centres performing arts centres museums and archives shopping centres and cinemas other public services housing learning malls, hubs, streets, kitchen, research villages and more……..
how joined up? vision and mission management, policy and planning culture buildings access services collections catalogues and management systems e resources information skills training staffing – salaries, conditions, space finance marketing and so on…..
some reflections from the past
Libraries Access Sunderland Scheme City College Library Public Library University Library
open access to all 29 libraries in City anyone who lives works or studies place to study, use collections & IT current membership card
ladder of learning promote learning, remove barriers use nearest, most convenient library encourage public into libraries & campus remind academics about public library reciprocal FE/HE access
activities staff training & development online catalogues web site electronic journals learning initiatives research
lots of benefits lifelong learning recruitment women returners Learning North East recognition
concerns we thought we had! busy times health & safety in another building loss, damage & behaviour restricted services rules & regulations
challenges we did have interlibrary loans pornography structures
the myths overwhelmed difficult costly
challenges consenting colleges culture of lifelong learning content connectivity competencies confidence collaboration vs competition cost & charging critical mass copyright customer focus
understanding lifelong learners barriers and confidence lifestyle and pressures of time opening hours information skills learner/provider/library entitlement & indicators
some barriers government & funding councils university management & librarians sector culture & funding geography customer learner focus access & ICT funding
messages think learner joined-up “just to it” risks staff attitudes & leadership institutional vision & support
SAILS project Cross Sectoral Library Cooperation model of good practice for successful cross sectoral collaboration
1.Vision 2.Commitment 3.Shared strategic direction and committed leadership 4.Changes in traditional thinking and attitudes 5.Flexible management 6.Sensitivity to differences amongst partners 7.Good communication and staff training and awareness 8.Publicity 9.Demonstrable initiatives and achievements 10.Understanding the needs of learners
Barking Learning Centre a new ‘brand’
partnership LB of Barking & Dagenham University of East London Adult College Barking FE College local lifelong learning regeneration
joined-up learning centre curriculum offer learner support employment service and Borough’s C ustomer First course information, advice and guidance crèche coffee shop
early years and childcare sport, hospitality and tourism health and social care school support services business/public sector administration and more? curriculum offer
support workers professional/ graduate practitioners entry level senior support workers work placement ‘tasters’ 4/5/6 3/4 2/3 1/E
learner support integrated public/academic library with access for everyone seamless services extended hours joint collections electronic resources combined library management system online catalogue cutting-edge technology (RFID, self-services) joint staff training and development
process and progress 2,323m² £6.45m Easter 2007 Management Board Centre Manager Curriculum Group Marketing Group Operations Group
thank you