Communication, Collaboration, and Enhancing the Learning Experience: Developing a Collaborative Virtual Enquiry Service in University Libraries in the North of England

ABSTRACT

This article uses the case study of developing a collaborative “out-of-hours” virtual enquiry service by members of the Northern Collaboration Group of academic libraries in the north of England to explore the importance of communication and collaboration between academic library services in enhancing student learning. Set within the context of a rapidly changing UK higher education sector the article considers the benefits and challenges of collaboration and the contribution of library services to the student experience. The project demonstrated clear benefits to student learning and evidence of value for money to individual institutions as well as showing commitment to national shared services agendas. Effective communication with students, with colleagues and stakeholders in our own and other Northern Collaboration member institutions, and with OCLC, our partner organization, was a critical success factor in the development, promotion, and uptake of the new service.

KEYWORDS:

• university libraries
• collaboration
• students
• reference services

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Northern Collaboration Project Team: Jackie Oliver (Teesside University) and Russ Jones, (Leeds Beckett University) (Co – Leads); Jane Robinson (University of Cumbria); Anne Middleton (Newcastle University); Claire Smith (Durham University); Sue Hoskins and Nicola Haworth (University of Salford); Anthony Osborne (University of Huddersfield), and Andrew Hall, Chris Jones and Susan McGlamery of OCLC for their contributions to the success of the project.