scholarly journals Aspiration to implementation: building an enterprise digitization capability at the University of Melbourne

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 11-14
Author(s):  
Donna McRostie

Purpose – The aim of this study is to use the guiding strategy, Melbourneâ™’s Scholarly Information Future, which is a ten-year strategy that identifies in its aspirations the importance of building effective access to the rich cultural, scholarly and research collections of the University of Melbourne and acknowledges the critical role that digitization plays in achieving this vision. The University of Melbourne has a rich, complex and ultimately voluminous array of cultural, scholarly and research material that is of great interest and value to the its community, scholarly researchers and the global community. Since the strategy endorsement in 2008, the authors have progressively moved from a digitization environment that was uncoordinated, ad hoc and lacked centralized expertise that led to a proliferation of isolated, under-resourced areas producing inconsistent and indifferent quality images to our goal of an exemplar digitization framework, program and enterprise capability for the University to leverage. Design/methodology/approach – Case study of the journey taken by the University of Melbourne in building an enterprise digitization capability. Findings – This article outlines the journey and the approach in building this capability in a challenging economic environment, the engagement strategies to gain support and funding, skills and equipment and the unique challenges of the digitization of a diverse array of University collections. Second, it also explores digitization as transformation and outlines some of the infinite and extraordinary possibilities created from digitized content of library collections. Originality/value – This article will be of value to institutions that are considering taking similar steps.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Clara Carvalho Tourinho ◽  
Sabrina Andrade Barbosa ◽  
Özgür Göçer ◽  
Klaus Chaves Alberto

PurposeUsing the campus of a Brazilian university as case study, this research aims to identify which aspects of the outdoor spaces are the most significant in attracting people.Design/methodology/approachThis research relies on the application of different post-occupancy evaluation (POE) methods, including user tracking, behavioural mapping and questionnaires, on one plateau of the campus.FindingsThree group of aspects (socialization, proximity and infrastructure) were identified as key elements in explaining the impact of the campus physical characteristics on users’ behaviour. The results indicate that having characteristics of at least one group of aspects in those spaces can guarantee their vitality and, if there is presence of attributes of more than one group, liveliness can be increased.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies should be conducted on an entire campus to identify other spatial elements in the three groups.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the planning of future campuses and to solutions to the existed ones, indicating the most relevant spatial characteristics to be considered. Additionally, the combination of different methods may be useful to future research.Originality/valueMost of the investigations on the university campuses focus on the buildings, and little research has investigated the outdoor spaces, although they play a critical role in learning and academic life, where people establish social, cultural and personal relationships. In addition, studies using several POE allowed a consistent and complete diagnostic about the aspects of the campus, giving recommendations for future projects.


2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 109-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Salisbury ◽  
Jennifer Peasley

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an Australian perspective of impact and value by examining how the broader international and national perspectives play out in practice in the Australian context and where adaption for local requirements is necessary. Design/methodology/approach This paper will explore the assessment of impact and value in academic libraries and the tools available to translate today’s inputs into future impact and value. It will focus on a range of methods and procedures, including international and national standards, frameworks and benchmarks. Findings The La Trobe University Library is presented as a case study to examine the challenges of leveraging tools to assess impact and communicate the value of the library across the university community. Originality/value Assessing the impact and demonstrating the value of the academic library in a digital environment is a constant challenge. While usage and service data are plentiful, traditional metrics no longer sufficiently demonstrate the academic library’s contribution to university learning, teaching and research outcomes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-690
Author(s):  
Katherine Ortegon ◽  
Pilar Acosta

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, as few universities have assessed their ecological footprint (EF), a benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. Second, a practical calculation tool for measuring the EF in educational institutions (EIs) is developed. The purpose of this tool is to facilitate the process of assessing the EF in EIs that are starting sustainability initiatives and to unify criteria with those already involved. Design/methodology/approach The development of the Ecological Footprint for Educational Institutions (EFEI) calculator is detailed showing the seven categories analyzed and the adaptation to the Colombian context. Findings Results are presented from a case study of EFEI implementation at Universidad Icesi. Furthermore, the relation between these results and the action taken to mitigate EF at the university is detailed. Practical implications Colombian EIs have recently joined the sustainable campus movement. The EF methodology and this tool serve to assess impacts and identify what EIs can do to ameliorate their environmental stewardship. Social implications EIs are called on to lead by example in terms of sustainability, not only in teaching and researching cutting-edge technologies but also in being sustainable and transferring this knowledge to future generations. Originality/value First, an EF benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. In addition, a unified methodology for EIs is developed. The availability of a standard tool will encourage other EIs to move forward in the effort to achieve a sustainable campus.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-132
Author(s):  
Sharon Warren ◽  
Patricia Black ◽  
Elizabeth Mills

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the introduction of an online induction programme including an interactive webinar on a distance learning course and to present student feedback on the programme. It focuses on lessons learnt and implications for others implementing similar induction programmes. Design/methodology/approach – A self-completion questionnaire was sent to all students enroled on the programme, including those who did not attend the webinar or participate in the online induction programme. This was followed up with a semi-structured interview. The analysis focused on the student experience of the induction programme. Findings – Overall, students reported to be satisfied with the online programme. The webinar encouraged engagement with some elements of the online workshop and was felt to complement the other learning opportunities available online. The webinar was particularly valued for providing a “face” to the course, facilitating interactivity among tutors and students and helping the students to feel part of the University. Students also reported that the webinar had the advantage of allowing a social interaction between them. Practical implications – A number of key changes related to multiple offerings of the webinar and the timing of activities in the online workshop were highlighted to encourage participation. Greater clarity on what is required in the induction and how long it would take would also encourage participation. Originality/value – This case study is one of the few to evaluate the inclusion of webinar technology within an online induction programme and, therefore, has value in this context.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzana Xavier Ribeiro ◽  
Marcelo Seido Nagano

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how certain characteristics of the university–industry–government collaboration facilitate knowledge creation and management, hence innovation focusing on particularities of the Brazilian scenario. Design/methodology/approach As a conceptual basis, there are correlations between theories of knowledge management and the Triple Helix, a model referenced to university–industry–government cooperation. The research was conducted through a multiple case study at two National Institutes of Science and Technology (INCTs in Portuguese). Findings The main results show the importance of participation in the INCT program, as it enables the creation of an organizational structure with the coordinator’s leadership, who directs the flow of knowledge among organizations and stimulates innovation. Originality/value The choice of the topic is justified by the lack of studies on the identification and analyses of the main aspects of this type of collaboration in an integrated way.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 977-992
Author(s):  
Rebeca Roysen ◽  
Tânia Cristina Cruz

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pedagogical tools that can enhance transdisciplinarity in higher education and stimulate sustainability transitions, based on the case study of a partnership between the University of Brasilia and an ecovillage in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study was carried out, based on professors’ experience, students’ reports and registration data. Emergent themes were discussed based on the concepts of sustainability transitions, transdisciplinarity and active/experiential learning methods. Findings Undergraduate classes at the ecovillage have motivated students to work towards sustainability transitions by presenting them with new repertoires of sociotechnical configurations and social practices, by promoting a feeling of belonging and co-responsibility for the world and by a horizontal sharing of knowledge and affections that instigated reflections about their purposes in personal and professional life. Practical implications This experience demonstrates the potential of transdisciplinary pedagogical approaches to education for sustainability that promote collaboration with different stakeholders and the reflection on individual and collective motives and values – the inner dimension of sustainability. Originality/value It describes an innovative and transformative initiative in the heart of Latin America.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 149-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Phillips

Purpose – Most libraries in higher education are facing the challenge of providing valued and improved services with the same or fewer resources. Focussing on the library learning service at one university, the purpose of this paper is to consider how libraries can find new service models with contracting resources while aligning with institutional and professional values and providing value-in-use for end users and key stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – Following a discussion of sustainability as relevant to library services, the paper presents a case study of one library’s approach to sustaining its library learning service. Findings – The sustainability of library services is aided by developing a service blueprint that provides direction and structure yet is dynamic and responsive. To be successful the approach should be grounded in resource realities, encourage scalability where possible and address the values and needs of key stakeholders. Originality/value – The paper presents a workable, integrated approach to managing a library learning service so that it delivers value and is sustainable.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 259-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabor Feuer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how, with minimal budget, lots of goodwill, and successful collaboration, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) – at the time Ontario's newest university, could rapidly build an ETD collection. Design/methodology/approach – The project was sponsored by the UOIT library. DSpace was selected as the software platform. The paper describes the collaboration between the library, the faculty of graduate studies and the campus information technology department which resulted in the successful launch of the ETD program, Ontario's first example of establishing a born digital theses program and publishing platform. Findings – Innovative and risk-taking approaches combined with intra- and inter-organizational collaboration were the key factors contributing to success of the library ETD project. Originality/value – This case study emphasizes the value of entrepreneurial thinking. Other organizations can learn from the pitfalls and benefits encountered during the implementation of this project.


2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 636-646
Author(s):  
Thomas S. Howe ◽  
Vladimir Kotomin ◽  
Min-Yu (Stella) Liao ◽  
Abhishek Varma

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to document and compare the characteristics of two student-managed investment funds at the University. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a case study approach to achieve this purpose. Findings Consistent with other studies, this study finds considerable differences in funding, oversight and the structure of the courses in which the students manage the portfolios. This is the case even though the portfolios are managed by students in courses offered by the same department at the same university. Originality/value This study presents different possible ways of obtaining funds and structuring courses in which the students manage investment portfolios.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arda Putri Winata ◽  
Raisa Fadelina ◽  
Sulistyo Basuki

Purpose This paper aims to share the activities of library services in the new-normal era. The paper describes libraries’ circumstances since their reopening in early June 2020. Furthermore, it provides details on how libraries have adopted several most appropriate practices changing physical to online services. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes various university library services in Indonesia in the new-normal era by using literature and documentary reviews as the approaches. The data were primarily collected from webpages, blogs, social media, newsletters and specific journals organized by university libraries. The survey was carried out by involving 126 university librarians incorporated in the University Libraries Forum. It highlighted the current conditions of university libraries and the most appropriate practices of library services in the new-normal era. Findings The most appropriate practices of university library services in the new-normal era are provided. Libraries in Indonesia have experienced a service transformation implementing the COVID-19 health protocols. Likewise, almost all university library services became virtual. Accordingly, there were several challenges faced by librarians and users in carrying out virtual activities in the library. Originality/value This paper provides a great value for libraries in responding to COVID-19 and those starting to reopen. It reveals the most appropriate library service practices and challenges in the new-normal era, which are useful for current and future insight development.


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