Digital Dexterity: A Sustainable Model for Building Essential Skills for the Future Workforce

Authors

Carmel O'Sullivan
Alison Slocome
Clare B. McKenzie, University of WollongongFollow
Fiona Salisbury

RIS ID

146052

Publication Details

O'Sullivan, C., Slocome, A., McKenzie, C. & Salisbury, F. 2019, 'Digital Dexterity: A Sustainable Model for Building Essential Skills for the Future Workforce', 40th IATUL Conference,

Abstract

The importance of digital dexterity in achieving institutional and business missions led the Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) to establish a Digital Dexterity Program in 2018. The aim of the CAUL Program was to ascertain the current state of play of digital literacies at member institutions and to establish best practice principles for developing the skills and understandings necessary for staff and students to become effective global citizens and lifelong learners. The Program consisted of three project teams tasked with developing resources that would provide: ● a framework for the development of digital dexterity skills, ● tools to assist CAUL members to improve their capability in digital dexterity, and ● a strategy and means to engage with stakeholders and advocate on digital dexterity. CAUL’s approach with the Digital Dexterity Program is unique in that it was practitioner-led, and involved industry engagement, particularly around the sustainability of the model. Each team consisted of CAUL member library staff with a passion for enabling and empowering staff and students through the development of digital dexterity skills. Team members were drawn from 14 institutions across six Australian states and territories and this collaborative work has enabled the development of a truly national approach. The grass-roots engagement included consultation with industry stakeholders outside of CAUL, including the Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet), CAVAL and the Australian Research Data Commons. The Digital Dexterity Program, (launched in February 2019) included a Digital Dexterity Framework, and the establishment of a Community of Practice, which will ensure the continued development and sustainability of the program.