turning talis aspire around at uni of edinburgh - angela laurins
DESCRIPTION
A description of using a reading list system in a complex university with many years of heritage and many evolved services that are not delivered centrally.TRANSCRIPT
Turning Aspire around
at the
University of Edinburgh
Angela Laurins Library Learning Services Manager
Talis Aspire at the University of Edinburgh
Resource Lists Pilot launched in July 2012 • Year 1(2012-‐13):1 published list • Year 2 (2013-‐14) : 33 published lists Now entering Year 3 • Year 3 (Session 2014/15): 50 new published lists* + 30 to rollover
*@end June 2014
Why did it take 2 years to reach
this point
?
Obligatory StaUsUcs
• University of Edinburgh founded in 1583 • 3 Colleges • 22 Schools • 5 campuses • 32,591 students (all levels) • 8571 (FTE) staff (academic/non-‐academic) • 3454 (FTE) academic staff • 5600 (approx.) courses delivered p.a.
Source: h`p://bit.ly/1plROJL
Yet more stats…..
• 1 converged service (InformaUon Services) • 5 divisions • 2 Library divisions (Library & University CollecUons and User Services)
• 14 Academic Support Librarians • 6 VLEs …… and counUng • 3 portals (at least) • 1 Library Learning Services Librarian • 0 dedicated resource
Danger Librarian’s head exploding !
Gartner Hype Cycle
Trough of disillusionment End 2012-‐ May 2013
• High expectaUons • Complicated & imperfect library workflows & processes
• No individual responsible • Overwhelmed by task ahead • Short window of opportunity
OrganisaUonal re-‐structuring
June 2013 • Library Learning Services takes on
rollout of Resource Lists using Talis Aspire.
• Approx. 20% of remit.
First steps towards enlightenment June 2013
• Being realisUc • Focusing on one thing at a Ume • SUll not understanding all exisUng workflows and processes but
realising, that with limited resources, you can’t do it all… and accepUng that this is ok ……
h`ps://www.flickr.com/photos/105427157@N08/
Milestones
• May 2013 – Advocacy begins • June 2013-‐ OrganisaUonal restructuring. Library Learning Services takes on Aspire
• June 2013-‐ Business case • July 2013 – IniUal webpage and first user guide published
• July 2013-‐ University's Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy published
• August 2013 – Hierarchy uploaded • Sept 2013 -‐ BriUsh History 1 & Veterinary Medicine lists published
• Oct 2013 – PresentaUons to various Library & College Commi`ees begin
Milestones
h`p://edinburgh.stv.tv/arUcles/279418-‐tough-‐mudder-‐returned-‐to-‐scotland-‐for-‐a-‐second-‐year/
Turning point • Nov 2013-‐ Approval for dedicated post • March 2014 – New Library Learning Services Assistant
in post
Source: www.allsparkfireworks.com/blog/
Plateau of producUvity
March 2014-‐ ?
Preparing for scalability
• Hybrid approach to list creaUon • Encourage D.I.Y. • Offer to create and then handover – Library Learning Services Assistant – Some Academic Support Librarians – Trained Library Helpdesk Staff – Interns
Increased programme of advocacy
• PresentaUons • Workshops • 1-‐2-‐1 sessions – Find the USP – Good customer service helped build relaUonships – Find Champions
• Academic Support Librarians • at College level • Student reps
Joined up markeUng & communicaUons
• Consistent brand: Resource Lists @Edinburgh (using Talis Aspire)
• New set of webpages • Blog • Twi`er account @ResourceListsEd • PromoUonal materials
h`p://libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk/resourcelists/
Images: h`p://images.is.ed.ac.uk Postcards and posters
Improving support materials • Producing short task-‐focused guides – anUcipaUng support needs (and awkward quesUons)
• Publishing example lists • to show good pracUce • PromoUng learning skills • to engage
Having support documentaUon removes pressure and reassures users
June 2014-‐ VLE integraUon
• Learn (Blackboard) • Moodle
Next on the ‘to do’ list
• VLE integraUon (Blackboard & Moodle ) • Rollover • Implement review stages • Integrate library processes (e-‐reserve, course reserve)
• Evaluate and plan for next year
Big challenges ahead • Meet academics’ expectaUons around course materials
• Prepare for impact of new Library Management Plaqorm (scheduled summer 2015).
Turning Talis Aspire around
• Don’t let the big picture overwhelm you • Focus on achievable milestones • Write a business case • Get buy-‐in from senior management (especially
from teams whose support you need)
• Find champions • Build relaUonships across the Library & University
• Find dedicated resource (if possible) • Advocacy with a smile – stay posiUve • AnUcipate support needs & awkward quesUons
• Provide good customer service • Speak to other insUtuUons (Thank You RGU & Glasgow J )
• Take advantage of the support offered by Talis Aspire.
Thank you
[email protected] SUll smiling J