Leading Edge Curriculum
How we can support programme redevelopment with guidance around resources and embedded skills.
How the Library can support curriculum transformation
The Library is a strategic partner in the development of the Leading Edge Curriculum, supporting colleagues to create inclusive, engaging and sustainable learning experiences. As your programme moves through the Readiness and Design phases, we can provide advice, evidence and practical support to inform decisions about learning resources, skills development and the wider student experience
Our teams have a unique perspective on how students engage with learning. Through our teaching, one-to-one support, enquiries, resource usage data and direct feedback from students, we gain valuable insight into the challenges students face as they progress through their studies. We can use this insight to help programme teams identify potential barriers to learning, consider the skills required for assessment, and explore opportunities to scaffold students' development across a programme
We can also advise on the resource implications of curriculum change, helping to ensure that students have equitable access to the books, journals, databases, specialist resources and learning materials needed to achieve programme outcomes. Early engagement allows us to identify opportunities, constraints and potential challenges relating to availability, licensing, accessibility and cost.
What is the Academic Engagement team's role?
As your subject cluster enters the Design phase, you may meet your Academic Engagement Librarian during orientation activities and facilitated curriculum design workshops. Our role is to act as a critical friend, bringing insight from our work with students and expertise in learning resources, information literacy and academic skills development. We can help challenge assumptions, highlight potential student support needs, and identify opportunities for Library services to contribute to programme and module design.
Alongside the workshop activity, we are available to meet with Degree Programme Directors, Directors of Education and Module Leaders to discuss the specific resource and skills development needs of individual programmes.
To support curriculum design, programme teams will have access to:
- A Library Services for Education guide and checklist, outlining the support available from Library teams and highlighting key considerations relating to collections, Library resources, skills development, accessibility, copyright and licensing.
- A subject cluster profile, providing an overview of existing Library engagement within the curriculum, patterns of student engagement with Library services, resource considerations for the discipline, and insights into the themes, challenges and support needs we observe through our work with students.
As programmes move into implementation and module development, we will work with colleagues to ensure that reading lists, learning resources and embedded Library contributions are aligned with the needs of the new curriculum. By involving us early in the process, programme teams can make informed decisions about resources and skills development, helping students build the information, digital and academic capabilities they need to succeed at university and beyond.
Library Services for Education
Download a copy of our guide to Library services for education which includes a checklist of considerations for curriculum design.
Library subject cluster profile
View an example profile tailored to the needs of Engineering and highlighting existing Library engagement with the curriculum, resource considerations and observed student support needs.