Dear Lis-linkers,

I recently asked the list for examples of models of funding new
programmes.  We currently top-slice a proportion of our annual bookfund to
finance the resourcing of new programmes.  I have only received four
replies but I suspect from other responses that there is a lot of interest
out there in new approaches.

Here is a summary of the responses received:

A ‘New Initiatives’ fund, which allows monies to be set aside to support
the first year of newly validated courses.  New initiatives funding is only
for year 1, before student numbers kick in (much of the rest of the
bookfund is allocated to Departments using a formula incorporating FTE
student numbers).  They also require that their course development
committee has to complete and submit a library questionnaire/audit.

At another, all new proposals have to include a ‘business plan’ with a full
consideration of all resource issues [staff, space, learning resources] and
there is a check box on the plan that has to be signed off by the
University Librarian.  It works reasonably well as the responsibility for
pump priming new units and courses lies with the Faculty so existing book
funds are ‘protected’ from new course development funding.

Another has done away with top slicing and prioritise new modules and
other ‘areas of need’ such as those with increased student numbers or
identified in feedback (course committees, module questionnaires) as having
insufficient material.

At the last institution, the rule is that any out-of-the-ordinary costs
associated with a new course are paid for by the academic department.  For
example, if the University suddenly set up a course in Medicine, they would
need huge amounts of new stock.  The bill would go to the School creating
it.

Thank you very much those who replied to my request.  Your emails were
helpful and thought-provoking here at Edge Hill.

Lindsey Martin
Academic Liaison Co-ordinator
Learning Services
Edge Hill College of HE