Innovation in the Open University Library: the Interactive Open Learning Centre and Media Archive
| Pages | 25-29 |
| Published date | 01 March 1997 |
| Date | 01 March 1997 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb040640 |
| Author | Robert van der Zwan,Nicky Whitsed |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
Innovation in the
Open University
Library:
the Interactive Open
Learning Centre and
Media Archive
by Robert van der Zwan and Nicky
Whitsed,
Open University Library,
Milton Keynes
The Interactive Open Learning Centre and
Media Archive at the Open University Library
is a collection of OU-produced audio-visual
materials. The archive is being enhanced by
the cross-campus provision of
online
access
to a showcase of
locally-
and externally-
produced multimedia software, and (as part of
Carnegie Mellon University's Informedia
project) by the creation of
a
automatically-
indexed collection of digital OU TV
broadcasts. The OU plans to create a digital
archive not just of its video materials, but also
of its copyright photographs and printed
course materials, as it works towards the
establishment of
a
hybrid
library.
The Library
The Open University Library is undergoing major
changes(l). A recent refurbishment has improved
the working environment for staff and users and an
extension, due to be opened in 2001, will provide
much needed additional space for collections, their
use and an expanding range of services. However,
a major change in direction, has come about as a
result of the service opportunities afforded by
networking and the growth in electronic publish-
ing. The Library's remit has been extended to
develop a strategy for supporting students through
networked access to information, which will also
enrich services for the campus community. Cur-
rently, the Student Services Project is underway to
investigate student information and library support
needs and to determine how the library might
realistically meet those needs(2). Additionally, the
Information Technology Development Group has
been established with a remit to promote, support
and lead technological innovation and to undertake
a programme of research into all relevant aspects
of the electronic library. The development of the
Interactive Open Learning Centre and Media
Archive — relevant to the campus community and
external visitors initially — is a third component
of the changing environment in the Library.
Technology strategy for
academic advantage
The Library projects for which IOLCMA staff are
responsible and which are discussed here, have
mainly been funded by the Office for Technology
Development at the Open University under the
umbrella of the Technology Strategy for Academic
Advantage (TSAA)(3). The TSAA is a comprehen-
sive,
university-wide plan for the introduction and
expansion of the use of new technology across the
full range of Open University teaching and re-
search activities. The strategy builds on the
five-year INSTILL programme which aims to
Integrate New Systems and Technologies Into
Lifelong Learning through a series of linked
projects. The strategy provides the strategic frame-
work for the full integration of these technologies
into the mainstream of Open University teaching
and research, and encompasses all the current
activities and future plans in this area.
The overall aims of the TSAA are '(i) to put in
place a policy and implementation framework
capable of achieving academic advantage from the
use of new technologies, and (ii) to contribute to
the maintenance of the University as a learning
organisation'(4).
Interactive Open Learning
Centre and Media Archive
The Interactive Open Learning Centre and Media
Archive (IOLCMA)(5) has evolved from the Open
University Media Archive based in the Library. It
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