University of Cumbria, The Learning Gateway, Carlisle
| Contact Details: | Margaret Weaver, Head of LIS MLWeaver@ucsm.ac.uk Paul Holland, Head of Customer Services PHolland@ucsm.ac.uk |
| Type of Project: | New build on existing site |
| Start/End Date: | March 2005-December 2005 (build) Jan-April 2006 (kit-out) Opened 5th April 2006 |
This Case Study was undertaken in early 2007, at which point the institution was known as St. Martin's College - now part of the University of Cumbria, formed in August 2007.
What Are Your Top Tips..
...For a successful new build? For embedding IT? For installing technology?
- Think about the vision and essence of the building before engaging an architect. This must relate to the strategic objectives of the institution and have top level support.
- Appoint an architect and project manager that really understands the project and what it is trying to achieve; don't be frightened to challenge the established wisdom that was once the province of Estates.
- Have a multi-professional approach; get the early support of your ICT department and academic community.
- Research the sector and look outside the sector for innovative approaches that fit in with the values and objectives of the project. Draw on expertise of JISC and EDUCAUSE.
- Keep the users of the build at the centre of your designs and processes; involve stakeholders throughout including students. Set up evaluation methods early on.
- Remember that the building will last for a lot longer than the technology that you are planning; future-proof the project by building an infrastructure that can support a range of options.
- Be bold; if the project is experimental - say so. Be sure to integrate evaluation into the project plan.
- Disseminate the benefits of the project and think about how best to engage your user community.
- Build in time for slippage in a clearly defined project plan.
- Think about the support for users at a very early stage.
- Plan security for media and IT equipment and include costs.
- Use language and terminology that describes the intended use of the building - not necessarily how it might have been used in the past.
- Keep rigorous records of decisions taken, audit trails and procurement.
- Consider contingency plans for technology teething problems, have alternatives available.
- Manage expectations: just because it is a new space it doesn't mean it can solve all problems for all people.
- Promote the environment heavily and welcome everyone in.
- Build trust in the users so they will feel empowered to use the whole range of equipment and ask for support when required.
