From Diigo to Aspire –

a Tale of Two Resource Lists

Sharon Boyd

What is Diigo?

Student groups

• MSc/Dip/Cert in Equine Science– Replacing WebCT blog tool – Share a Resource

• Veterinary CPD courses, e.g. Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP)– In response to request for social networking opportunities/CPD

diary

• Course/programme aims– Open flexible space– Individual input and responsibility– Guidance

Introducing Diigo

Use of Diigo Features

0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%80.0%90.0%

100.0%

Features

% U

se

Never

Rarely

Monthly

Weekly

Daily

Survey Feedback

• Simple tool, easy to use• Share and access group resources (programme group)• Keep personal and group bookmarks separate• Keep in touch with other members of the group after the course

finishes

Survey Feedback

I joined Diigo at the invitation of Edinburgh. I used the group related to my course using lots of the facilities each day and weekly. Since my course ended I do not use it that often. I am thinking of going on another course with another education establishment. I would very likely use it again. I could actually use it more than I have though so maybe I will. - Vet CPD participant

I've come to use this extensively for my personal bookmarking. I absolutely love it! – MSc Equine student

Felt part of a group while using it rather than isolated whilst doing a distance learning course. It was good to be able to chat with like-minded people.

– Vet CPD participant

Since 2011?

• Lack of interest – student focus less on “sharing”, more on “accessing” – primary route for information/links from staff

• Use of diigo phased out from 2012-2013

• Increased use of Talis Aspire reading list, which has been very well received by staff and students in its pilot year at the Dick Vet (2013-2014)

Talis Aspire

• A variety of resource types can be added to a list, including, books, e-books, book chapters, journal articles and webpages

• Bookmarklet tool in browser makes it quick and straightforward to add resources

• DOI (Digital Object Identifier) provides metadata, e.g. for ejournals

• Central support and training from library Information Services team

• Further information: http://edin.ac/17q777a

Google Books Preview where available

Embedded YouTube videos where available

Benefits

• Similar option of personal and course

bookmarks, key requirement as per student feedback on diigo

• Monitor reading– staff perspective (analytics dashboard - aid to course review)

– student perspective (reading intention – time management)

• Open reading lists – insight for prospective students, alumni, and staff and students at other institutions, though limited access to resources outwith University system/pre-registration

• Multimedia resources embedded well

• Reading lists/resources can be exported to PDF or citations to CSV, PDF, RefWorks or RIS (Research Information Systems citation file)

• Easy to use – resource lists quick for staff to create/edit

• Example reading list: http://edin.ac/1ocxbyc

Questions?

Contact:

sharon.boyd@ed.ac.uk