the resource discovery network
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Strategic change to meet the needs of the future information
environmenthttp://www.rdn.ac.uk
A JISC service with support from AHRC and ESRC
Caroline WilliamsExecutive Director of the RDN
The Resource Discovery Network
Outline of presentation
1. The Environment & user needs
2. Overview
3. Key services: HE & FE
4. Summary and questions
Environment
“92% of Internet users say that reliability of content is an important factor, including 63% saying it is very important ….
Over half of all current users (54%) of the Web use if as their preferred information source.” MORI survey February 2005
Environment
a changing
technology landscape
common standards and interoperability
harvesting
community tools: wikis, blogs, instant messaging
the semantic web
ever-improving search services
rapidly developing portal services and gateway management services
Environment
leading to a massive growth in online educational services
clamouring for attention
Library and other institutional portals, which can be highly tailored
Learning Resource Management Systems
Virtual Learning Environments
Higher Education Academy and subject centres
BBC and other national news services
User needs
Student
a. wants to get hold of specific info recommended by tutor
b. wants to get ‘just enough’ to be able to do assignment
c. not keen on browsing or wading through long lists
d. being easily available is more important than high quality
e. very familiar with web, but no formal training
f. no time for library guidelines - will take route of least resistance
User needs
Researcher
a. wants to quickly find out breadth of research available
b. drill down into more detailed information
c. generally know what they’re looking for, but may browse a bit
d. uses Google/librarian portal/Science Direct/Journals
e. focus on career progression - fast access, ’ahead of the game’
f. want funding
g. interested in networking and self-learning
User needs
Senior Academic
a. immersed in niche academic subject matter
b. wants recognition and to stay at the top
c. interested in what peers are doing
d. often use others for searching (secretaries/librarians)
e. more traditional, print-based habits
f. content advocates
User needs
Teacher
a. wants a safe environment within which their students can explore
b. want to help their students learn best practice with search technology
c. want inspiration and support in developing courses
d. need access to quick, cheap, effective teaching resources
e. know there’s lots of good stuff on the web, but of variable quality
User needs
Librarian/Intermediary
a. needs help educating users on web resources
b. wants to ensure the library service brand is paramount
c. wants to manage access to multiple sources through a single library-managed interface
d. worried about escalating costs and user demands
e. want to provide quality information and services
f. want help with metadata creation
support, trust, simplicity• quick and easy ways to find high quality information
• ability to explore and discover for themselves
• help with internet search and research skills
• different needs at different levels
• quality, relevance, ease of use and understanding
Overview
• We deliver the best of the Web for learning, teaching and research
• Experts select, catalogue and present high-quality Internet resources
• 8 universities host the RDN subject Hubs and many more universities and colleges support and contribute to its work
• Executive is based at MIMAS
Overview
We exist to advance education and research by promoting the
best of the Web through evaluation and collaboration
Our vision is to create knowledge from internet resources and
in doing so, enable people to fulfil their potential
Key services for FE
• Artifact and Altis
• Virtual Training Suite (VTS)
• Case Studies
• Study Packs
Key services for HE and research
• The Hubs
• Virtual Training Suite (VTS)
• World Guide, Spotlight, Timelines, Blogs, Grapevine …
2006 - integrating, embedding, multidisciplinary, niche, interactivity ….
Arts and Humanities
Health and Life Sciences
Science, Technology, Engineering and Geography
Social Sciences
Summary
