Workshops

Digital and institutional repositories: emerging architectures
Steve Hitchcock, University of Southampton

The question for repositories is not which software you should choose, but which applications and services you want to support. With growing numbers of institutional repositories and increasing commitment within institutions, alongside an active and growing programme of development more broadly in digital repositories, notably that sponsored by JISC in the UK, this is a picture that could change significantly in the next few years. This workshop will provide the opportunity to explore and discuss, from institutional perspectives, some of these developments, with a view to anticipating emerging architectures that could support expanded repository capabilities.

'I haven't got time' - library services and competing demands on researchers' time
Martin Wolf, Social Sciences Librarian, University of Warwick

In this workshop, delegates will explore issues surrounding the dynamic environment in which researchers work, looking at where and how libraries can best offer their services. Delegates will be encouraged to share examples of good practice, and generate ideas from discussion with others.

Student expectations: promoting evidence-based practice – a political issue?
Ian Butchart, Director, Library & Information Services, University of Teesside and
Oliver Pritchard, Assistant Director (Services), University of Sunderland

This workshop will consider student expectations of University Library services. Libraries have long been expected to deliver an increasing range of services to high quality standards. The change in fee regimes for 2006 entry is likely to heighten student expectations of service quality and delivery. Knowledge of student views can be helpful in service development. Our own internal surveys are important indicators as are national initiatives including the National Student Survey. The way we use this information can be a political issue and often underpins our advocacy within our own institutions. Using a case study approach we will explore current expectations, question if these are realistic and representative and share current best practice and experience.

Value and impact measurement: the SCONUL VAMP Project
The VAMP subgroup

What assistance do Sconul members require in order to provide evidence of the impact and value of library services? What tools and measures already exist to assist us? What new methodologies need to be developed to help fill the gaps? Members of the VAMP Subgroup of WGPI will introduce the programme, seek feedback from participants on the findings from the first phase, and facilitate the definition of new measurement tools and products to be commissioned in the second half of 2006. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of how they persuade senior stakeholders in their own institutions of their library's value or impact, and ideas for filling gaps in existing measurement frameworks.

Changing the physical learning space
Anne Bell, University of Warwick, Jane Core, Northumbria University, , Bob Hunter, JISC Learning Spaces Programme, Les Watson, Gladgow Caledonian University

Libraries are under increasing pressure to meet the needs of new learning and teaching methods, innovative technologies and customer minded students. The library learning space is evolving to accommodate social and informal learning needs. This a huge challenge in both new and refurbished spaces, and brings with it an imperative to seek innovative service solutions and building designs which are leading to significant reflection about the core values of academic libraries.

The workshop will include a panel of speakers to encourage us to consider lessons learned from recent learning space design - including Glasgow Caledonian Saltire Centre, Warwick Learning Grid and Outcomes of the JISC work in this area.

Google and the new library of Alexandria (Wednesday 21 June)
Todd Miller, President, WebFeat

This workshop will be discussing the rise of Google and the challenge that internet based information services places on the role and value of the library in an academic setting. What do we need to do to engage with this? What tools might we use moving forward to ensure that our library resources are visible, competitive and provide value for money and educational benefit to our students?

Disruption the Library 2.0 way - opportunity or threat? (Thursday 22 June)
Dr Paul Miller, Senior Manager & Technology Evangelist, Talis

In this workshop, we'll look at the concept of Library 2.0 and explore ways in which it offers opportunities to reach out and engage with library users in ways that fit with their goals. In an online environment in which users expect rapid and (apparently) comprehensive answers to their queries, libraries are adopting approaches and technologies that reach beyond the boundaries of the library building or website, and engage directly with current and potential users, offering new services and raising awareness of existing online and offline offerings

Resource Discovery Network. Advancing education and research by promoting the best of the web: strategic relevance past, present and future
Caroline Williams, Executive Director of RDN, University of Manchester