Welcome to IWMW 2013

Abstract

Brian Kelly gave the welcome to the IWMW 2013 event.

Resources

The slides are hosted on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/iwmw-2013-welcome

Open Education: The Business & Policy Case for OER

Abstract

The Internet, increasingly affordable computing, open licensing, open access journals and open educational resources provide the foundation for a world in which a quality education can be a basic human right. Yet before we break the "iron triangle" of access, cost and quality with new models, we need to develop sustainable open business models with open policies: public access to publicly funded resources. Dr. Cable Green, Director of Global Learning at Creative Commons, will discuss specific examples where institution, provinces / states and nations have built effective business cases for OER. He will also explore how to build effective teams for institution / system-wide OER projects in a way that both builds high quality OER and takes your institutions through the cultural shift to open.

Resources

The slide are hosted on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/green-23500590

Mozilla, Open Badges and a Learning Standard for Web Literacy

Abstract

Today learning happens everywhere, not just in classrooms. However, it's often difficult to get formal recognition for this kind of learning and to present it in a meaningful way. The Mozilla Foundation has been working for the last two years on an emergent ecosystem to provide a distributed way to demonstrate learning via the Web. This system is Open Badges and constitutes a new inclusive standard to recognise and verify learning throughout interdisciplinary knowledge networks. In addition, Mozilla is working with the community to define a new, open learning standard for Web Literacy. In this talk, Doug Belshaw will explain what prompted Mozilla to undertake work around Open Badges and Web Literacy, how delegates can get involved in Mozilla's work and what's next.

Resources

The slides are hosted on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/dajbelshaw/iwmw13

Et tu MOOC? Massive Online Considerations

Abstract

An increasing number of leading-edge institutions are investing heavily in providing individuals globally with access to high quality learning materials and tasters of exciting and innovative topics which are taught in higher education. Furthermore, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) forefront the fact that learning is a social experience which extends beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. This talk will explore some of the opportunities and challenges MOOCs pose to educational institutions wanting to partake in such developments. Considerations that need to be made when embarking on such initiatives and the implications for those engaged in e-learning and web-development fields will be discussed.

Resources

The slides are hosted on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/et-tu-mooc-massive-online-considerations

Turning Our Attention to Supporting Research Projects

Abstract

Universities support their faculties with learning and teaching web content. Although elearning activity support is often distributed across the institution, it is nevertheless recognised as a core requirement to provide online services. The web provision for research projects is less well understood, and is in the spotlight due to new rules on research data management, and the emphasis on research impact and public engagement. This talk will describe the way the University of Warwick is looking to improve technology support for research, particularly the provision of web sites and services to support research in the Arts and Humanities Faculty. What can university web professionals do to support the presentation, reach and impact of research?

Resources

The slides are hosted on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/academictechwarwick/iwmwsupportingresearch

Parallel Sessions A

Summary

Delegates could attend one of the following parallel sessions (or view the complete list):

• A1: Digital Storytelling
• A2: Analytics - What is Changing and Why Does it Matter?
• A3: How Responsive Do You Want Your Website?
• A4: The Institutional Web Site and the Institutional Repository: Addressing Challenges of Integration
• A5: Living in Uncertain Times... or How to Become More Resilient
• A6: Interfacing Google Analytics with Google Sheets for Primary and Secondary Data Analysis
• A7: WordPress Beyond Blogging
• A8: Technical Project Management: Top Tips for Our Times
• A9: Birds of a Feather session 1
• A10: Connections, Connecting, Connected
• A11: Opening up university space online using Google Street View, Interactive Maps & Dynamic web design

Stop Trying to Avoid Losing and Start Winning: How BS 8878 Reframes the Accessibility Question

Abstract

Accessibility is all about checklists, HTML and assistive technologies. Its only impact on User Experience is to stop designers from being creative. Sometimes, you'd be forgiven for thinking that those two statements are true. Professor Jonathan Hassell has spent much of his last three years disproving them, both at the BBC and in other organisations, and coding how accessibility should be seen in the context of user-centred design into BS 8878. In this presentation, he'll show how BS 8878 provides a framework for helping web professionals embed accessibility considerations into their work, how it can empower and free them from onerous constraints, how it can challenge them to be more creative, and how the results can benefit all users, not just those with disabilities.

Resources

The slides are hosted on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/jonathanhassell/stop-trying-to-avoid-losing-and-start-winning-how-bs-8878  

Adapting to Responsive Web Design

Adapting to responsive web design has required a complete redefinition of how we approach the web at Jisc infoNet. It's had an effect on every part of the service; not just in web development but from content management and creating resources, to our processes, workflows and how we manage web projects. Most importantly, it's highlighted the need to work more closely together; specifically to tackle large-scale responsive redesigns. In this talk David will share Jisc infoNet's story, explore the challenges they faced and offer some lessons learned in designing and adopting responsive web design. This talk is aimed at helping cross-disciplinary teams with some of the challenges we faced in adopting a responsive approach to our recent large-scale redesign:

• Designers - to think in proportion, not pixels
• Developers - a foundation for building websites mobile-first
• Content producers - updating your processes and tools for managing content that embraces the changing face of the web
• Product owners/managers - creating the right culture and shared vision to bring responsive websites to life

The slides are available on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/cornforth  

The Inside-Out University

Abstract

It's a truism that Universities are going through a period of enormous change. This talk will focus on one particular development - the move to being "open by default", in which the web community will play a key enabling role. There are many practical considerations around opening up institutional information such as course data, educational resources and research datasets. Until recently these might typically have been considered to be "private" to the institution or even the individual academic, and our systems and services have tended to be constructed on this basis. Being open by default also has a lot to do with changing the institutional culture so that we are used to working more broadly and deeply with external partners. These include service providers, consumers of the information that we are making open, and facilitators such as the Open Data Institute. In this talk I will look at some examples from Loughborough University including our recent Jisc projects on Open Course Data and Business & Community Engagement. I will also use crowdsourcing to solicit feedback from the community on their own experiences of the open access transition, and fold these into the talk.

Resources

The slides are available on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/comth/the-inside-out-university-crowdsourcing-a-jisc-innovation-strategy  

Working With Developers

If institutional web managers are to stay on top of their game, they need to be able get the most out of the software and systems they rely on. One approach to ensuring that software and systems are working for you effectively is to learn how to work well with the developers who build and maintain them. This talk will outline some of the key things to understand about how developers work, and how they would like to work with you. A good relationship with developers can pay dividends in terms of your ability to deal with challenges which are part of any busy, institutional web service. The slides are available on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/paulwalk/iwmw2013  

9am, 16th August, 2012: ‘What the fcuk just happened then?’

Abstract

Universities around the country got a shock on the morning of 16^th August 2012 when the A level results came out: The education market in the UK had significantly changed in nature and purpose. Ranjit will analyse these changes and discuss how they may effect strategic thinking for individual organisations and for the sector generally. He will also comment on how it is never been more important for individual organisation to work out what they should be analysing and how to go about it or whether to bother, as their jobs, departments and even universities' survival may just depend on it.

Resources

The slides are available on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/9am-16th-august-2012-what-the-fcuk-just-happened-then  

Institutional Culture Is Crippling Your Web Strategy!

Abstract

Most internal web teams in higher education agree their web strategy is being held back by the culture and organisation of the institution. Internal politics, devolved leadership and committee structures are incompatible with the fast moving nature of the web. Unfortunately most web teams feel unable to bring about change. They feel like a small cog in a very big machine. In this talk Paul will challenge those pre-conceptions and point out that if you don't change things nobody else will.

Parallel Sessions B

Delegates could attend one of the following parallel sessions:

• B1: A Practical Guide to Delivering Content Strategy in the UK
• B2: Open Up: Open Data in the Public Sector
• B3: Managing Your Professional Online Reputation
• B4: Creating a Multimedia CV or Project Summary
• B5: Adventures with Augmented Reality
• B6: Save Money and Make Things Better with Linked Open Data
• B7: Getting the Best out of Consultants
• B8: Institutional Use of Social Media Services
• B9: IWMW: The Digital Story
• B10: Are We Too Easily Distracted by Shiny Objects?

IWMW and the birth of a Content Strategist

Abstract

As the importance of Content Strategy continues to grow, Richard Prowse discusses the role of a Content Strategist in Higher Education. He reflects on the challenge of content and opportunities that lay ahead and how a chance meeting in Edinburgh changed everything.

Resources

The slides are available on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/prowse  

The University in a Bind

Abstract

Universities find themselves subject to increasing financial, regulatory and marketplace pressures which are pushing them in a number of different directions. Consequently institutions are constrained in their ability to adapt or reinvent their identity. This talk looks explores these contradictions at multiple levels, and discusses the practical implications for the future of universities, and particularly for those with the profile of the Million+ Group. The slides are available on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/griffiths-23607744  

The Delicious Discomfort Of Not Knowing: How to Lead Effectively Through Uncertainty

Abstract

These are times of rampant uncertainty heralded by technological, financial and social pressures. Occupying such a space can feel disorientating. We might be bewildered, afraid, excited or overwhelmed. What will it take to enable you to continue to move forward when you are no longer even sure which way you are facing? How will you make progress in your career and your organisation and how will you recognise that progress? What must you do both as individuals and, where applicable, as decision maker or leader to let go of the old solutions when they no longer apply to your rapidly changing environment? This plenary will provide a framework for individuals, both the innovative and the not so radical to make sense of what it means to live and thrive within uncertainty and to be able to face the challenges that such uncertainty presents. It provides a solid framework for coping with "Not knowing" and establishes an optimistic angle on the potential that not knowing holds - potential that can be multiplied through effective cross-department and cross-institutional collaboration. Now, if only we could make that work ...

Conclusions

Abstract

Brian Kelly will give the conclusions from the IWNMW 2013 event

Resources

The slides are available on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/iwmw-2013-conclusions

Digital Storytelling [A1]

Abstract With squeezes on resources in the education sector it is becoming increasingly important for organisations to demonstrate the impact of the work they do. When done well, digital storytelling offers an innovative and engaging way to communicate in a more meaningful way with audiences both inside and beyond an institution. Netskills, based at Newcastle University, has been helping Jisc-funded technology-inspired change projects to tell their stories. In this session we will share the lessons learned from this. We will consider the potential of digital storytelling in supporting organisational change, how teams can identify important narratives in their work and how they can find an authentic, personal voice whilst balancing corporate responsibilities. Participants will have the opportunity to plan and create a short digital story using provided or captured media and web-based tools. Outcomes: by the end of the session participants will have:

• Considered the potential of digital storytelling for teams and organisations.
• Applied proven techniques to the planning and development of a digital story.
• Evaluated a range of tools for creating a digital story.

Facilitators: Steve Boneham and Hanna Miettinen, Jisc Netskills, Newcastle University

Analytics – What is Changing and Why Does it Matter? [A2]

Abstract As described in the CETIS Analytics Series: Analytics; what is changing and why does it matter? (available in PDF format): "Analytics are not new to education. Collecting, using and sharing data about various activities from research publications to exam results is well established in the sector. Recent changes in statutory requirements for institutions, for example the presentation of Key Information Sets (KIS) data on all UK university websites, are currently focusing attention on the gathering and presentation of data. But, as the CETIS Analytics Series illustrates, there are increasing opportunities for the sector to use analytics to produce innovative and meaningful ways to evidence performance and success. With the growing interest and emphasis on Big Data and open data coupled with technological advances in data gathering and interest in business intelligence in general; analytics have been identified as a key trend for education in the short to medium term. In tandem, the emergence of new research fields such as educational data mining and learning analytics, are focusing attention on the potential impacts of educational data on improving teaching and learning practice and in turn the student experience." This session will provide an overview of the CETIS Analytics Series which provides a history and analysis of the main areas of interest from an educational point of view in adopting analytics based approach. Data from non teaching specific online sites (such as institutional web pages, Facebook, twitter etc) can provide valuable insights to help improve the student experience. Increasingly data is available from a range of off site sources. How can these data sources be integrated with more traditional data sources and workflows to increase knowledge and understanding of interactions with an increasing number of institutional "touch points"? From a web manager point of view, this session will provide an opportunity for delegates to explore with and share: the types of data and data analysis techniques which they are currently using; any common trends, and potential ways to make data collection and re-use more effective both within their own institution and at a sectoral level. Facilitator: Adam Cooper, CETIS  

How Responsive Do You Want Your Website? [A3]

Abstract 2012/13 saw the redesign of the University web templates into a responsive design suitable for both central University and departmental use. We chose to be as responsive as possible and (finally) took delivery of a set of templates only a couple of months later than planned. We used a studio for the design process that had some expertise in responsive design, but was that enough to give us what we needed and is it resilient enough for day-to-day use? I'll be telling you about the theory and the practice, and how delivery of complex templates affects the community of users in the University. All and any mobile devices are welcome! Note that due the the popularity of the session it was repeated on Thursday 27^th June 2013 from 16:00-17:30. Facilitator: Helen Sargan, University of Cambridge

The Institutional Web Site and the Institutional Repository: Addressing Challenges of Integration [A4]

Abstract "Where are university websites hiding all their research? asked Claire Shaw in the Guardian back in January. The answer, perhaps, is that it is in the institutional repository and while repository managers might invest time on SEO techniques to ensure results are included in Google Scholar, for example, there is still a need to liaise more closely with institutional web teams to ensure that repositories are better embedded in the University web site, with bibliographic data feeds on staff profiles, for example, or research centre pages. Technically this is not necessarily difficult to achieve and most repositories will output RSS or other XML based formats which can be embedded elsewhere; examples of this approach include the Open University Open Research Online (e.g. see this example) and Glasgow University's Enlighten (e.g. see this example). In addition, commercial research management software and "CRIS" (Atira Pure, Converis, Symplectic) are increasingly supplementing or even replacing repositories and offer sophisticated APIs to generate data feeds (an example of this approach is Symplectic at Leeds Metropolitan University - see this example). In addition, Open Source software like VIVO offer the possibility of data visualisations (see this example at Bournemouth University). Data can also be leveraged from 3^rd party APIs including bibliometrics from Web of Science and Scopus or Altmetrics. This workshop will consider some of the issues in embedding research data in an institutional web site including underlying software and infrastructure and communication. Facilitators: Nick Sheppard, Leeds Metropolitan University and Stephanie Taylor, UKOLN  

Living in Uncertain Times… or How to Become More Resilient [A5]

Abstract This workshop session will introduce delegates to techniques that will help them begin to understand and deal with the myriad of changes that might be facing them in this era of budget cuts and uncertain futures. During the workshop delegates will look at the theory behind change and start to consider how they feel about change themselves. They will examine what makes people resistant to change and be introduced to strategies to help them become more resilient. Delegates will also look at ways people are affected by stress and consider ways to find help and support. Facilitator: Lisa Jeskins, Lisa Jeskins Training  

Interfacing Google Analytics with Google Sheets for Primary and Secondary Data Analysis [A6]

Abstract A recent conservative estimate indicated 88% of UK universities use Google Analytics on their main website. At the IWMW 2010 event Ranjit Sidhu highlighted the value of using Google Analytics data to justify the roles of web teams. One of the issues with Google Analytics data is it is often the domain administrator is the gatekeeper, selectively releasing the data in a controlled way can be a challenge and often the only option is all or nothing. In this workshop delegates will learn how Google Sheets and Google Apps Script can be used to selectively extract data from Google Analytics making it possible to analyse using built-in Google Sheet tools like tables, charts and pivots, or selectively republished for use in other tools like R or InDesign. Additionally participants will also learn how using Google Sheets data can be combined with other datasets such as Twitter, providing near realtime insight to website traffic and interaction. Facilitator: Martin Hawksey, CETIS  

WordPress Beyond Blogging [A7]

Abstract In this session Mike Nolan and colleagues and Edge Hill University will describe how the open source WordPress platform has been used to develop a variety of solutions which go beyond WordPress's roots as a blogging platform. Facilitator: Mike Nolan, Edge Hill University  

Technical Project Management: Top Tips for Our Times [A8]

Abstract: What are the golden rules for successful management of technology projects? No matter whether your technical projects involve small, incremental developments or large, complex change programmes, knowing how to define and apply contextually appropriate project management principles is important in each case. This workshop (based in a computer lab to facilitate development of collaborative notes) will provide an opportunity for participants to consider and discuss how to manage technical projects effectively across a range of scenarios:

1. Selecting traditional / agile methods and tailoring key principles to the project environment
2. Identifying and managing business, supplier, and user stakeholder requirements / interests
3. Defining and monitoring continual business justification (with a focus on tracking of measurable benefits both during and beyond technical development stages of the project)

As economic circumstances are likely to make it increasingly important for tech development projects to deliver with 'good value for money' within agreed time, quality, and scope, this workshop is designed to help you focus on those core principles of technical project management that can help your projects consistently produce successful results in challenging contexts. Facilitator: Thom Bunting, UKOLN  

BoF 1 [A9]

Abstract: Fancy meeting up with colleagues who have a similar interest in a particular subject area? This birds-of-a-feather session allows you to do this. Facilitator: Self-managed  

Connections, Connecting, Connected [A10]

Abstract Within institutions and beyond there is an emphasis on connectivity and connecting with people to ensure we are globally aware of trends, current research and innovations in technology. Dobbins (2009) said that Learning Lunches can often provide new and existing members of University staff with an opportunity to meet new colleagues and forge new friendships. Dobbins case study of a series of Learning Lunches which had been successful at the University of Birmingham in 2007 led to innovation as a key to a successful teaching or research career and that innovation is best described when it is as a conversation where people can exchange feelings and descriptions to suit the listener or audience which cannot always be conveyed in print. This inspired me to create a staff club called the 'Friday Fry Up Club' at the University of Dundee, as clubs or meetings go, good intentions can quickly become lost in an endless list of e mail or calendar invites. To prevent this, the club began and still exists with a personal invitation through myself and also now through other personal connections of those who attend. The importance of the club is that membership is not limited to the academic staff within the institution but includes academics from different disciplines, technicians, librarians, support staff and even occasionally senior management. This evolving innovation has led to further thinking about linking those who are connected to Higher Education in the broadest terms. Who are you, what do you do and how do we link, collaborate support and each other rather than been seen in silos of professions? It is often a personal interest or a face to face meeting which prompts and sustains connections and it is important to develop new ways of making friendships and collaborations which last beyond the necessity of the current project or crisis. Facilitator: Lynn Boyle, University of Dundee  

Opening up university space online using Google Street View, Interactive Maps & Dynamic web design [A11]

Abstract This session will introduce delegates to the different ways universities can use interactive maps, virtual tours and dynamic web design to help guide users' online experiences for both current and prospective students. During the workshop we will be comparing the differences between Google Maps and Open Street Map, a collaborative project to provide a free editable map of the world. Delegates will be introduced to some ways these mapping technologies can be integrated online across desktops and mobile devices to help celebrate, promote and attract people to their physical home, online. We will also be introducing Google Floor Plans, a project still in public beta, which allows venues to submit floor plans of their establishments. Abstract: This session will introduce delegates to the different ways universities can use interactive maps, virtual tours and dynamic web design to help guide users' online experiences for both current and prospective students. During the workshop we will be comparing the differences between Google Maps and Open Street Map, a collaborative project to provide a free editable map of the world. Delegates will be introduced to some ways these mapping technologies can be integrated online across desktops and mobile devices to help celebrate, promote and attract people to their physical home, online. We will also be introducing Google Floor Plans, a project still in public beta, which allows venues to submit floor plans of their establishments. Facilitator: Edward Miller, Re:Axive    

IWMW: The Digital Story [B9]

Abstract Do you have a story to share about IWMW? Do you have digital resources, such as photos, video clips and audio recordings, which you'd be willing to make available. This informal session is aimed at people who have attended porevious IWMW events and wish to contribute to a digital history of the event. This intention is to: Help in the planning and development of digital stories about the IWMW series of events and the role the event has played in shaping the development ofthe Web management community of practice. We will collect a variety of digital resources ahead of the session with the intention of providing a brief summary which will be shown at the final session of the IWMW 2013 event. Facilitators: Mark Power, CETIS and Adrian Stevenson, Mimas  

A Practical Guide to Delivering Content Strategy in the UK [B1]

Abstract In this workshop session you will learn what Content Strategy is and how to implement it in your own institution. This session will provide a step by step guide to Content Strategy, including practical examples from small scale projects to larger websites. You will also learn about the benefits of Content Strategy and how it can help you meet the challenges you face. Facilitators: Richard Prowse, University of Bath and Clare Kennedy, University of the Arts London  

Open Up: Open Data in the Public Sector [B2]

Abstract Public sector organisations around the world are opening up public data like never before. This offers both opportunities and challenges for many of us interested in making use of the rich, yet sometimes complex, unstructured and unreliable data that is available. This parallel session will look at the opportunities, challenges and current initiatives in this area, at HEIs and beyond. For example, the Open Knowledge Foundation has many projects carrying out exciting and relevant work:

• The LinkedUp project pushes forward the exploitation and adoption of public, open data available on the Web, in particular by educational organisations and institutions. It also hopes to capture open Web data success stories - innovative and robust scenarios of deployed tools integrating and analysing large-scale open Web data in the education sector.
• The School of Data project offers online courses for anyone interested in using open data.

The session is aimed at people who are likely to be working with open data at some point in the future. During the session there will be opportunities to experiment with open data and try out some mashing techniques. Facilitators: Tony Hirst, Open University and Marieke Guy, UKOLN  

Managing Your Professional Online Reputation [B3]

Abstract The growth of importance of the Social Web is providing new opportunities for those with skills and expertise in the use of Web-based tools. Not only can services such as LinkedIn and Twitter be used to enhance networking and dissemination activities carried out in institutional Web teams, knowledge of the tools and use of the tools is likely to be of interest to others within the institution, including staff in other support services (such as the Library and IT services), academic staff, researchers and students. This session will explore ways in which Social Web services can be used to enhance one's professional profile, tools for monitoring their effectiveness and best practices for using the tools. Facilitator: Brian Kelly, UKOLN  

Creating a Multimedia CV or Project Summary [B4]

Abstract You may know how to write a conventional CV. You may also have experience in writing summaries of your projects or areas of work. However, as the Web moves towards greater use of video, there will be an increasing need to make use of multimedia in order to stand out from the crowd and to get key messages across in a fast and memorable way. The first half of this session will provide participants with the opportunity to learn techniques and best practices for producing a multimedia CV or project summary. We will discuss how to prepare for the filming of a video summary for your CV or project, and how to encourage more natural behaviour in front of the camera, even for those who are instinctively shy in such situations. We will also review what works and what doesn't work in terms of getting your message across succinctly in video, and how to use video as part of a wider multimedia CV or project promotion. In the second half of the session, participants will have the opportunity to put this into practice. Participants will be invited to prepare a brief summary about work they have been involved in or even a brief personal CV. This summary will be used by Kirsty Pitkin, who will interview participants based on this information. Rich Pitkin will film each interview and will provide a professionally-produced video, which you will be free to take away and use. Participants will also have the opportunity to get first hand experience of the editing process, with a practical video editing challenge. Note: Due to the interview processes involved, this session will be restricted to a maximum of 10 participants. Facilitators: Kirsty Pitkin and Rich Pitkin  

Adventures with Augmented Reality [B5]

Abstract The use of Augmented Reality (AR) in the worlds of entertainment and commerce has increased rapidly in the last couple of years, bringing to life objects, printed matter and even locations by augmenting what is seen around us with additional digital resources. And now we are also starting to see education exploring the possibilities AR offers both for marketing as well as for enhancing teaching and learning. This session will introduce some of the work we have been doing at the University of Bath, focusing particularly on our experiences in using AR technology to enhance our annual, institutional Images of Research event. We will highlight our difficulties as well as our triumphs and through group discussion and activities aim to collect and share good practice around the current use of AR within institutions across the sector. Facilitators: Marie Salter, Kate Robinson and Nitin Parmar, University of Bath Resources: One of the slidesets used in available on the Slideshare repository and embedded below. http://www.slideshare.net/nrparmar/augmented-reality-in-practice  

Institutional Use of Social Media Services [B8]

Abstract Fancy meeting up with colleagues who have a similar interest in a particular subject area? This birds-of-a-feather session allows you to do this. This session on "Institutional Use of Social Media Services" provides an opportunity for those with responsibilities for or interests in institutional use of social media services such as Facebook and Twitter to share experiences and practices. Facilitator: Christopher Eddie, University of Oxford  

Save Money and Make Things Better with Linked Open Data [B6]

Abstract How can we get the most value from open and linked data? Funding is tight so in this session we'll look at the ways open and linked data can provide a good return on investment for individual institutions and the wider community. It can help you do more with the resources you already have. We will also cover linking up data beyond a single organisation; data.ac.uk is looking to make aggregated datasets of UK University's open data, building on the open data work done at Southampton, Lincoln, Oxford, Open, Bristol etc. creating services such as http://equipment.data.ac.uk/ with as little cost as possible. Facilitator: Chris Gutteridge, University of Southampton  

Getting the Best out of Consultants [B7]

Abstract The use of contractors and consultancies, whether for design or technology expertise, has long been common for institutional web teams. With shrinking budgets, high expectations from institutions, and the constant changes and developments in web technologies, the use of external contractors to deliver specific pieces of work, or to help shape strategy and direction is likely to increase. In this environment it is important for both institutions and any consultants they engage, that any work commissioned delivers to institutional requirements and offers value for money. This session will provide an opportunity to discuss approaches to requesting work from consultants, including preparing a tender document, evaluating responses, engaging consultants, ensuring good communication throughout the project, that both clients and consultants are happy with the outcomes and that projects are completed and signed off appropriately. Facilitator: Owen Stephens, Owen Stephens Consulting  

Are We Too Easily Distracted by Shiny Objects? [B10]

Abstract We probably all subscribe to the credo "content is king", but how does this work out in practice? Is the temptation of playing with new toys and technologies - and the clamour of "we must have ..." from on high distracting us from what might be argued to be a web managers primary purpose? IWMW has, from its inception, stressed the importance of information management, highlighted areas in need of attention and proposed strategies. But how much progress have we really made? This session will look at where we were and where we are now in terms of content management - consider which technical developments have helped (or hindered!) us, compare experiences and attempt to identify those areas where work still needs to be done. Facilitator: Colin Work, University of Portsmouth