The Learning Library (a digital object repository)

The RMIT Library's Digital Learning Team is exploring viability and models to deliver a Digital Learning Object Repository as outlined in RMIT's Education Plan as part of the concept of an Open Learning Library.

During 2023, RMIT Library's Digital Learning Team ran a project exploring user needs, viability and models for a digital learning object repository outlined in RMIT's Education Plan as an open Learning Library. 

The Learning Library digital object repository will collect, make visible, and allow for distribution of DLOs (Digital Learning Objects), to offer efficiencies between teaching areas, and to support Open Scholarship at RMIT. An enterprise-wide repository solution would ensure that materials accepted into the repository meet a collection criteria system that determines quality, relevance, usefulness, accessibility, and can be managed in a sustainable way over time. 

Imagined digital learning object workflow in and out of the Learning Library by producer, consumer and manager user types. This diagram represents a continuous and cyclical model of the flow of DLOs - showing many functions, aggregations and cycles of use and reuse, flow in and out of the repository and learning environments, review and end of life cycle. Details of these activities are outlined in the report. Imagined digital learning object workflow in and out of the Learning Library by producer, consumer and manager user types. This diagram represents a continuous and cyclical model of the flow of DLOs - showing many functions, aggregations and cycles of use and reuse, flow in and out of the repository and learning environments, review and end of life cycle. Details of these activities are outlined in the report.

A report of our findings and recommendations was presented to the Education Portfolio and key stakeholders in the Colleges and across the University in July 2023. The Digital Learning Team received endorsement from Sherman Young DVCE in November 2023 for the report findings and recommendations, and for project continuation, recognising the value this project has as part of the Education Plan, Open Scholarship policy, and other Library and University-wide strategies.  

What's happening in 2024?

In 2024, the Library Digital Learning Team will begin work on recommendations from the 2023 report including:

  • Further technology solution investigation, evaluation and scope for the requirements for a 2025 pilot and MVP (Minimal Viable Product)
  • Continued relationship building with colleges and portfolios within RMIT
  • Returning to stakeholders to locate, secure and appraise DLOs to determine extent, and seeking champions within the colleges to assist with survey and appraisal of DLOs

By the end of 2024 we anticipate a proposal and clear timeline for work in 2025 including the implementation of a technical solution via a pilot and MVP project. We will also identify collections of DLOs that meet the criteria for inclusion in the repository and develop a process for identifying new and emerging DLOs that can be collected in the future. 

The benefits that will come from realising this project include:  

  • better working practices, processes, methods and productivity for DLO managers and producer
  • better access to quality learning resources for DLO producers and consumers
  • sustainable, secure, managed storage for DLOs with minimisation of risk and technical debt.

2024 proposed timeline

Timeline diagram of proposed work for 2024 showing staggered milestones across the year starting in February with DSC College and moving through CoVE, CoBL and STEM colleges each two months - covering discovery, appraisal, reporting and collection phases. Activities that span across most of the year are: engagement with internal and external stakeholders, establishment of a Library steering committee, and ongoing vendor and technical solution investigations. Timeline diagram of proposed work for 2024 showing staggered milestones across the year starting in February with DSC College and moving through CoVE, CoBL and STEM colleges each two months - covering discovery, appraisal, reporting and collection phases. Activities that span across most of the year are: engagement with internal and external stakeholders, establishment of a Library steering committee, and ongoing vendor and technical solution investigations.

More information

RMIT community members can learn more about the project and read updates at the SharePoint site.

External parties, please make contact via the project leads below.

RMIT University Library contacts

Jack Dunstan

Associate Director, Quality and Engagement

Email address: jack.dunstan@rmit.edu.au

Lisa Cianci

Manager, Digital Learning

Email address: lisa.cianci@rmit.edu.au

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.