5 Impact on infrastructure and support services
This section reports on the findings relating to
the impact of networked learning on infrastructures and examines
technical issues,
technical support, staff development and library and learning resources.
The questionnaire asked about both the technical
and support infrastructure, and there were also references to changes
in the infrastructure
within the documentation. However, during interviews the respondents
were not asked any direct questions about the infrastructure,
nevertheless the interviews proved to be a rich source of information
about
both the technical and the support infrastructure. The information
presented in Figure 5-1 to Figure 5-7 below represents summaries
of some of the main issues arising.
5.3 Library and learning resources
Libraries appear to have undergone considerable change;
six HE and six FE institutions made various references to major
changes
in libraries and development or creation of Learning Resource Centres
(LRCs). The main changes are listed in Figure 5-6 below.
Changes most often mentioned were increasing demand for, and use
of electronic and online journals, the changing role of the library
to become a centre for flexible learning, and also as a major support
area for students and staff. Some of the universities were beginning
to integrate library resources with the VLE, this has been achieved
in H4 and there appears to be partial integration in H6 and H9.
CS |
Impact/changes LRC |
Integration with VLE |
| H1 |
Library and learning resources are being developed for students. |
|
| H2 |
Not discussed |
|
| H3 |
Not discussed |
|
| H4 |
There have been major changes in the Learning Resource Centre. |
Integration of the library with the VLE. |
| H5 |
Not discussed |
|
| H6 |
Impact varied, depending on subject librarians (note decentralised
institution). |
Some resource integration depending on individual departments
demand. |
| H7 |
Questionnaire data suggest impact on Learning Resource Centre
has been considerable. |
|
| H8 |
Not discussed. |
|
| H9 |
Electronic journals. |
Trying to link VLE to library catalogue via reading lists. |
| H10 |
Issues identified in relation to students accessing learner
resources if they are at a distance (so having to post them);
and the need to obtain clearance for using them online;
Emphasis shifted to online journals from hard copies. |
|
| F1 |
Not discussed |
|
| F2 |
Change in role of the library to the centre for flexible
learning and also a major support area for students and staff.
The library system plays a central part in supporting student
learning. |
|
| F3 |
Library and information services have undergone major change. |
|
| F4 |
Not discussed |
|
| F5 |
The librarians moved from providing learning materials to
becoming the centre for flexible learning and also a major
support area for students and staff. |
|
| F6 |
Considerable changes in this area with the development of
Integrated Learning Centres (ILC) - five for different subject
areas. |
|
| F7 |
Not discussed |
|
| F8 |
Increase in electronic resources. |
|
| F9 |
Seen as having changed hugely; but notes that students do
not always make good use of support provided here. |
|
| F10 |
Minor changes to LRC noted by one questionnaire respondent. |
|
Figure 5-6: Library and Learning Resources
|
