Information Futures Commission 2008
The Information Futures Commission was established in 2008 to develop a strategy that positions the University of Melbourne as a leader in the application of scholarly information and technologies to underpin next-generation research, teaching, learning and knowledge transfer, binding the strands to achieve the Growing Esteem vision.
Under the guidance of a Steering Committee chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, the Vice Principal (Information) led a broad process of consultation to develop an inspirational, coherent and deliverable 10-year strategy. An internal Expert Panel and External Reviewers provided guidance and feedback.
To stimulate a wide-ranging conversation, the project team produced a Consultation Paper and issued a public call for comment. Seventy-five written submissions were received. In total, more than 400 students, staff and friends of the University participated by attending a focus group, workshop, scenario planning session, consultation forum or guest lecture; by completing a survey; or by commenting via email or the Information Futures weblog.
As well, the project team visited several US campuses and used internal, Australian and international data to identify benchmarks, trends and good practices.
At the close of the consultation period, the Commission produced two final documents: a final report describing the consultation process and learnings; and a proposed 10-year strategy for scholarly information and technologies.
Beginning in 2009, the Scholarly Information Future strategy will guide the development of the University?s scholarly information services, collections, systems, technologies and infrastructure. External and internal expert advisors will play critical roles in this process.