Online Resources — A Systematic Solution

Abstract

In 1997 the Faculty of Science at the University of Adelaide re-assessed the nature of its commitment to the provision and use of information technology into the future. We sought to articulate the IT needs of staff and students and describe the key attributes of a system that would best meet those needs. While flexible and remote delivery haven’t been seen as priorities for the University of Adelaide (as an established sandstone University with a desirable address) but, for obvious reasons, the need to participate in this area is growing. It is recognised that IT can and must support effectively our teaching, research and administrative activities but will fail to do so without careful planning and a strategic approach. The description of the characteristics of a suitable IT system for us has encouraged us to adopt a particular approach to the development and management of our on-line resources.