Supporting the transition to higher education Jane Mortimer

About De Montfort University 1992 university, formerly Leicester Polytechnic Now 2 sites at Leicester only previously 10 across Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire 5 faculties Art & Design, Business & Law, Health & Life Sciences, Humanities, Technology

More about De Montfort University 20,000 students (plans to grow to 22,000+) Most students are full-time undergraduates –Also taught postgraduates –200 current research students Partner college (FE) network in UK and international links Active promotion of widening participation For transitions this means …

About Library Services 2 libraries, plus one branch Not IT converged but runs main open- access computing service (500+ PCs, plus wireless capabilities) Now includes learning support and development –Centre for Learning and Study Support (CLaSS) –Maths Learning Centre –IT Training

Promotional video Captures the student voice Produced by a professional documentary maker Used in induction since September 2007 Available on the library web pages, YouTube and for download

Other induction activities Tours – personal, audio, self-guided Welcome desk Prize draw Library fleece waistcoats and lanyards Public library presence

Ask Gateway Launched last year but still in development One-stop shop for support Library-led but resources provided from across the University

Writing Quiz: available via Useful starting point for students to identify priorities for developing writing skills Quiz links to a wide range of helpful writing resources Relevant to students at all levels ‘It was easy to use, made me realise where I was going wrong and then motivated me to find out more’ (DMU student 2008)

Library guides Print and web based –Library services –User guides –Internet guides –Study guides –IT help

Using Web 2.0 and e- learning technologies To add interactivity to teaching and learning activities Makes a contribution to the development of an inclusive approach But, not just because they are there! In development …

Referencing and law tutorials using Course Genie Podcasts to produce bit sized chunks of information Adding narration to presentations with Articulate Screencasting with Captivate for demonstrations Inclusion of mindmaps in presentations

The value of collaboration Drop-in lunchtime workshop programme – librarians, CLaSS, Maths Learning Centre, IT training, Counselling, Royal Literary Fund Fellow in residence Library Disability Team input to –pre-enrolment events –disabled student inductions arranged by the faculties and Disability Advice and Support –support worker training

Contacts Jane Mortimer, Academic Team Manager (Resources and Services) - disability Amanda Poulton, Academic Team Manager (Learning & Skills Development) - Ask Gateway, Web 2.0 and e-learning Mary Pillai, Academic Team Manager (Centre for Learning and Study Support) – Ask Gateway, writing quiz Jo Webb, Head of Academic Services – library video