[okfn-coord] JISC bid with University of Lincoln

Thu Apr 24 15:32:24 UTC 2008

Joss Winn of the University of Lincoln has invited the OKF to join a bid 
for funding to JISC. Joss summarises the proposed project as follows:

"There are clear indications that the ‘open source’ software development 
model of collaboration may translate to a productive organising 
principle in other scholarly disciplines yet a central characteristic of 
this model, which is the legal license by which any open project is 
defined, appears to be at odds with efforts since the 1980s to 
commercialise the academic product and process. Firstly, we will 
undertake a nationwide survey of current ‘open projects’ in HE which 
have adopted both ‘open source’ methods of working and licensing their 
work. Secondly, based on suggested generic success factors, we will 
develop and test an interdisciplinary model of ‘open teaching and 
learning’ which aims to reform the Student as Consumer into the Student 
as Producer. Finally, this project will produce a Toolkit for university 
policy-makers and Educational Development Units who may need to 
re-examine the application of traditional IPR and consider the issues, 
risks and benefits associated with an increasing number of staff and 
students wishing to adopt this model for open research, teaching and 
learning."

Is everyone alright with the OKF proceeding with this?

Joss is still working out the best focus for the bid and any input would 
be much appreciated.

Jonathan