University of Essex

1. Implementing Talis
Aspire Reading Lists
at Essex
Attempts at academic
engagement

2. The background
Initial purpose: streamline library processes and improve resource
levels for courses
Improving student experience of reading lists in order to maximise
engagement with reading
Students get more out of their courses / Teaching more rewarding
Talis Aspire purchased beginning of academic year 2014/2015

3. First attempts at engagement
 Visits to departments by subject librarians
 Bookable training sessions by members of
reading list team
 “Let us do it for you” approach to existing
lists.

4. Results
 Some resistance from departments and
individuals
 Low attendance at training sessions
 Expectation that library would add / edit
lists
 Delays and confusion at “rollover”

5. Change of approach
 Drop in sessions offered in conjunction
with IT support
 Targeted emails
 Office visits offered
 Gentle but firm push back on requests to
edit and construct lists

6. Results
 After initial confusion, largely positive
response
 Low turnout at drop ins, but some requests
for visits – with positive results
 Increase in academics now editing and
publishing lists with the help of
instructions.

7. However…
 Still some resistance
 Mixed messages from colleagues
 System still seen as “Library System”
 Issues with usability awaiting resolution

8. What have we learned?
 One to one preferable to group training
 Demonstrate value to academics and students
 Be clear and consistent
 Take the training out of the library
 Emails work, the more personalised the better
 Find “champions” to advocate in departments
 There will always be CAVEs but some reluctance to
engage is due to professional pride

9. Onwards and upwards!
 Core resource coordinator appointed
 Ongoing review of processes/workflows
 Pilot department for new training approach
 New UX should improve usability

10. Contact
Lucy McCaul
Metadata & E-resources Coordinator, Albert Sloman Library
University of Essex
lmccaul@essex.ac.uk
Reading list team: libread@essex.ac.uk