UbuntuNet Connect 2008 workshop CONTENT is KING Nora K. Mulira 12 th November 2008

Overview 1.Background & Context 2.Why content networks? 3.Areas for content networks 4.Levels of networking 5.Content networks (examples) 6.Impact-the elusive requirement 7.Guidelines for content networks 8.Overcoming challenges

1.Background and Context Inter –organisational Networks Developments for securing improved Internet access for universities and research institutions in sub-Saharan Africa are characterised by: Increased tempo at which optical fibre communications networks are being deployed, Rapid emergence of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) as the organisational vehicles for inter-institutional collaboration. On going Concerns (BW), shift in priorities (CONTENT) TENET, KENET, RENU Band width affordability concern (BANDITS access to online library resources, AAU R& E networking for African univ ) Bandwidth management best practice for African institutions Inter –organisational Information service networks

TRANSITION LAYERS FOR INTER- ORGANISATIONAL COLLABORATION + Value collaboration/Band width

WHY content networks? New content initiatives are evolving but African institutions are yet to participate meaningfully in: Providing the kind of networks that facilitates dynamic content provision and also to collaborate with the content providers. To will bring about a measurable improvement in our education and research output

Sample Areas for content networks E-learning Climate change (National Center for Atmospheric Research Open Access (DRIVER and eIFL.net - Electronic Information for Libraries ) World-wide digital repositories, managing scientific information in an Open Access model increasingly demanded by researchers, funding organisations and other stakeholders. Global research community with high quality research output, Joint dissemination of best practices of Open Access scholarly communication NREN Library Consortia Intellectual property and protection

The levels of Networking The Levels of Networking

5.Strategies for promoting growth of national R&E Inter relations of the network levels are critical to development and sustainability of Content networks CORENA (Consolidating research and education networking in Africa) “To ensure that African Research and Education Institutions participate effectively in the global Research and Education networking community and Knowledge Society” FRENIA (Fostering research and education networking in Africa ) funded by the Andrew W Mellon Foundation to to engage institution; setting up the governance structure; developing intra-country connectivity – RENU beneficiary

6. Examples of Content Networks NET Africa African training and research institutions, Africa specific curricula and other resources that will contribute to building the capacity of African ICT policymaking and regulatory institutions and their staff. AVOIR (African Virtual Open Initiatives and Resources) The University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa is the driving force To unify software developers, educational specialists and others in Africa to build capacity to produce educational software Build software design, development, and support capacity in the higher education sector. RIA Network of African researchers it will generate the information and analysis needed to inform appropriate but visionary policy formulation and effective regulation of ICTs across Africa.

7. The illusive requirements 1.What are the priority requirements for Content networks? 2.How do these requirements compliment each other at the various network levels? 3.How can Content networks be sustained? (Tool kit)

8.Guidelines for Content networks Network Coordination At NREN level, Membership is all inclusive but should be limited to only those organisations that are actively involved in the provision and use of services of the research network under specified rules. Engage institutions (MOU Create awareness, educate and train members Establish governance institutions Publicise early gains, benefits of the network

Guidelines for Content networks Relational ties Reduce uncertainty by using relational and social ties between institutions. Eg same institutional agenda, relational forums, similar background. Sustainability is primary focus of interdependency, Revenue models are desirable but secondary Needs assessment and capacity building Use expertise of specialised groups like Afnog and Afrinic, and capacity building networks like to validate and update the training needs for effective implementation, operations and management of campus, national and regionanetworks.

Guidelines for Content networks User driven content Content creation must start with investigation of user profile, context and needs( focus area, potential, partners, strategies The user must be an active participant from creation to usage (feed back and buy –in) Inter –expert pool and Resource centres Establish centres of excellence and resource centres for shared training of scarce expertise. Create National Library Consortiums for sharing scarce resources Establish Campus Research networks

Guidelines for Content networks Roles of network members The multiple and changing roles of developer, provider and consumer by each network member must be clearly defined and members must commit to these roles -National and regional Resource centres (AFNOG) -Develop local capacities- open source platforms -Hybrid skills for improvisation -Training interventions for awareness, orientation, upgrade -Planning, Monitoring and evaluation

Guidelines for Content networks Value of Network membership is determined by optimization of technology and technical skills to support Research and education. Partnerships must be all inclusive with both reputable and non –influential institutions, infrastructure and content sponsors. RENU /IEEAF/Library consortia

Overcoming Challenges Emphasis on campus networks is the pivotal and critical starting point. Parallel Infrastructure /Content network development effort. Institutional Champions that leverage knowledge, skills and best practice to bring up less endowed institutions (TENET). Establish research networks in topical interest areas to generate own content and partnerships.

Thank you for listening.