Libraries that reach the learners others can't 

Professor Andrew McDonaldDirector of Library and Learning Services& Head of Lifelong Learning CentresUniversity of East London

themes

types of collaborationSunderland experienceBarking Learning Centrechallenges of joining up

it will never catch on……

joint university projectsHE and FEacademic and public librariesschools and community accesscultural and heritage centresperforming arts centresmuseums and archivesshopping centres and cinemasother public serviceshousinglearning malls, hubs, streets, kitchen, research villages and more……..

how joined up?

vision and missionmanagement, policy and planningculture buildingsaccessservicescollectionscatalogues and management systemse resourcesinformation skills trainingstaffing – salaries, conditions, spacefinancemarketingand so on…..

some reflections from the past

Libraries Access Sunderland Scheme

City College LibraryPublic Library University Library

open access to all 29 libraries in Cityanyone who lives works or studiesplace to study, use collections & ITcurrent membership card

ladder of learningpromote learning, remove barriers use nearest, most convenient libraryencourage public into libraries & campusremind academics about public libraryreciprocal FE/HE access

activities

staff training & developmentonline cataloguesweb siteelectronic journalslearning initiativesresearch

lots of benefits

lifelong learningrecruitment women returnersLearning North Eastrecognition

concerns we thought we had!

busy timeshealth & safetyin another buildingloss, damage & behaviourrestricted services rules & regulations

challenges we did have

interlibrary loanspornographystructures

the myths

overwhelmeddifficult costly

challenges

consenting collegesculture of lifelong learningcontentconnectivitycompetenciesconfidencecollaboration vs competitioncost & charging critical mass copyrightcustomer focus

understanding lifelong learners

barriers and confidencelifestyle and pressures of timeopening hoursinformation skillslearner/provider/libraryentitlement & indicators

some barriers

government & funding councilsuniversity management & librarianssector culture & fundinggeographycustomer learner focusaccess & ICTfunding

messages

think learnerjoined-up“just to it” risksstaff attitudes & leadershipinstitutional vision & support

SAILS project

Cross Sectoral Library Cooperation

model of good practice for successful cross sectoral collaboration

1. Vision2. Commitment3. Shared strategic direction and committed

leadership4. Changes in traditional thinking and attitudes5. Flexible management6. Sensitivity to differences amongst partners7. Good communication and staff training and

awareness8. Publicity9. Demonstrable initiatives and achievements10. Understanding the needs of learners

Barking Learning Centre

a new ‘brand’

partnership

LB of Barking & DagenhamUniversity of East LondonAdult CollegeBarking FE College

local lifelong learning regeneration

joined-up learning centre

curriculum offer

learner support

employment service

and Borough’s Customer First

course information, advice and guidance crèche coffee shop

early years and childcare sport, hospitality and tourism health and social care school support services business/public sector administration

and more?

curriculum offer

support workers

professional/graduate

practitioners

entry level

senior supportworkers

work placement‘tasters’

4/5/6

3/4

2/3

1/E

learner support

integrated public/academic library with access for everyone

seamless services extended hoursjoint collectionselectronic resourcescombined library management systemonline cataloguecutting-edge technology (RFID, self-services)joint staff training and development

process and progress

2,323m²£6.45mEaster 2007Management BoardCentre ManagerCurriculum Group Marketing GroupOperations Group

thank you