The DiVLE Programme: outputs and outcomes
| Pages | 64-69 |
| Date | 01 March 2005 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/03055720510588506 |
| Published date | 01 March 2005 |
| Author | Nicole Harris |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
The DiVLE Programme: outputs
and outcomes
Nicole Harris
JISC London Office, King’s College London, London, UK
Abstract
Purpose – The paper proposes to investigate the themes and findings of the ten-month Linking
Digital Libraries with Virtual Learning Environments (DiVLE) programme.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the themes and findings of the DiVLE
programme.
Findings – A key challenge in higher education is to reduce barriers to learning technologists and
library staff working together. By investigating the potential connection between digital libraries and
learning environments the programme contributed to this. Key findings were the need for consensus
on and maturity of standards and identification of clear benefits for end-users. Project outputs
included tools, evaluations of commercial products and proof of concept trials.
Originality/value – The paper provides useful information on the DiVLE programme.
Keywords Electronic media,Learning, Higher education, UnitedKingdom
Paper type Research paper
One of the biggest problems faced by institutions within the Information Environment
has little to do with understanding new technologies, implementing standards or
financing research but finding ways in which traditionally isolated groups of people
within an institution can work together. Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are
becoming increasingly popular as the primary route for reaching and communicating
with students, and are being championed strongly within learning and teaching units
throughout the UK. The more that these environments are developed and utilised , the
more evident it becomes that a major strand within the workspace is missing in the
form of the library and its services. It would be simple to assume that new online
developments could easily subsume and replace the library in offering access to
information to students, as a debate at this years’ Alt-C conference argued (ALT, 2003).
This approach is provocative, and can easily create a tension between VLEs and
libraries as each strives to be the first port of call for learners. A bigger challenge is to
bring development together across an institution in order to look at and challenge
traditional working practices and investigate joined-up solutions that truly benefit the
user.
The “Linking Digital Libraries with Virtual Learning Environments (DiVLE)” call
was issued by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) in July 2002 as a direct
result of outcomes from the Learning and Teaching Programme (JISC, 2002, 2004). It
addressed specific recommendations made by the Investigating Portals for
Information Resources and Learning (INSPIRAL) project regarding potential issues
with join-up between VLEs and digital libraries (http://inspiral.cdlr.strath.ac.uk). It
also invited bidders to progress the work being carried out by several of the Learning
and Teaching projects, and to focus on embedding this development within institutions
through pilot work.
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/0305-5728.htm
VINE
35,1/2
64
VINE: The journal of information and
knowledge management systems
Vol. 35 No. 1/2, 2005
pp. 64-69
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0305-5728
DOI 10.1108/03055720510588506
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