JISC

JISC Collections is expanding its role licensing online resources for the FE and HE sectors by launching a new Becta-funded initiative giving UK schools access to millions of online images, newspaper archives, dictionary entries, and art, music, history and science resources for a fraction of the original cost.

‘JISC Collections for Schools’ will allow schools to use invaluable resources from a range of trusted'This landmark new initiative will enhance the teaching and learning experience at schools across the UK'., high-quality online subscription services at a specially negotiated discount rate.

Eleven resources including the Guardian and Observer Digital Archive, the Times Digital Archive, the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, and the Education Image Gallery will be available to primary and secondary schools, including Academies. The greatest savings will be achieved where Regional Broadband Consortia (RBCs), who are playing a key role in co-ordinating interest within their regions, or Local Authorities, are able to aggregate the requirements of individual schools in their area.

The online resources were selected according to strict criteria, including proven quality, usefulness, value for money, and fit with the National Curriculum and A/AS syllabi. Thanks to direct negotiation with publishers by JISC Collections, discounts of up to 75 per cent are available to schools.   

Lorraine Estelle, Chief Executive Officer of JISC Collections said: “JISC Collections is delighted to be working with Becta and the National Education Network, which is provided as a result of the RBCs, on this landmark new initiative which will enhance the teaching and learning experience at schools across the UK. The considerable discounts that have been achieved through negotiation at a national level mean that a wide range of trusted online resources, invaluable for education, are within the reach of school budgets for the first time.”

For further information and the full announcement go to: JISC Collections for Schools