EU Projects

EU projects I'm currently  involved with.

I have seven projects on the go at the present. I lead three projects, and partner in another four.

Developing Trans-regional information literacy for lifelong learning and the knowledge economy (DIREKT)

Brief Overview: The DIREKT project aims to instill best Information Literacy (IL) practices in higher education systems in the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan & China. The project is much needed in order to up-skill library and academic staff specifically their transferable,  pedagogical and lifelong learning skills in the Information Literacy field thereby developing capacity and affecting all stakeholders including students. The project aims for improved, more relevant  University services in the Information Literacy area leading to better awareness, modernization and improvements in teaching and  learning.

Duration: 2016-2019

Specific objectives:

  • Development of Information Literacy (IL) programs for lifelong learning as part of the DIREKT Curriculum for Information Literacy,
  • Harmonisation of the IL programs with those currently active in the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan & China.
  • Strengthen the capacities of Higher Education Institutions for the strategic planning and implementation of Information Literacy  programs to instill transferable skills for a competitive, dynamic, knowledge-based economy.
  • To develop IL policy, guidelines, - goals, mission.

Grant Awarded:  €984,329

Led by: Limerick Institute of Technology

Structuring cooperation in doctoral research, transferable skills training, and academic writing instruction in Ukraine's regions (DocHub)

Brief Overview: This project is aimed at fostering better transferable skills such as Information Literacy skills in Doctoral students in the Ukraine. The project aims to design and pilot transferable skills (e.g.  Library and Information Literacy Skills, academic writing,  presentation, teaching skills, and other  specialised courses with the aim of developing and implementing key ”Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training” quality standards at each of the Ukrainian Universities.

Duration: 2016-2019

Specific objectives:

The project will establish infrastructure for academic writing instruction incorporating Information Literacy training (customized to thematic area) in each of the Doctoral School hubs, including developed and validated curricula  (online library resources  content, learning management system, in-class equipment), and instructors trained in relevant teaching methods.

Grant Awarded:  €992,450

Led by: Vilnius University, Lithuania

Communicative Approaches in University Vocational Teaching Methodology focusing on Improving Educational Yield and Sustainability [CATALYST].

Brief overview: This project is focused on providing hands-on practical skills to promote university vocational teaching and training in Vietnam and Laos.

The issue is that vocational education in Vietnam and Laos is based on traditional teaching and training methodology and outdated Library and Information sources and resources which does not support modern industrialisation development - a problem identified by many German and other foreign companies located in both countries.

Duration: 2016-2019

Specific Objectives:

The proposed modules will comply with the requirements and standards of the Bologna Process, drawing upon the expertise of EU partners where necessary and EU partners can learn from engagement with PCs in order to reflect upon the strengths, and weaknesses of the existing systems.

Grant Awarded:  814,524

Led by: Universitatea Politehnica Bucuresti, Romania

Library Network Support Services: modernising libraries in Western Balkan countries through staff development and reforming library services [LNSS]

Brief overview: LNSS aims to modernise and reform libraries in Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro focusing on the challenge of library development as a national issue requiring open and joint involvement of all affected parties, interaction and the readiness to strive for advanced library and information services in this Information Society.

Duration: 2015-2018

Specific objectives:

  • Reinforce and modernise libraries and improve the level of competencies and skills of library staff in HEI’s in Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro by developing innovative libraries as a support to education and lifelong learning
  • Develop a library staff development strategy focused on improving standards and quality of library performance in Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro so as to improve the quality of library services and higher education generally, enhancing their relevance for the labour market and society.
  • Enhance the management, governance, innovation capacities and accessibility of libraries in Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro through strategic planning and policy development.

Grant Awarded: €808,000

Led by: Limerick Institute of Technology

Library Network Support Services (LNSS): modernising libraries in Armenia, Moldova and Belarus through library staff development and reforming library services

Brief overview: LNSS aims to modernise and reform libraries in Armenia, Moldova and Belarus focusing on the challenge of library development as a national issue requiring open and joint involvement of all affected parties, interaction and the readiness to strive for advanced library and information services in this Information Society.

Duration: 2015-2018

Specific objectives:

  • Reinforce and modernise libraries and improve the level of competencies and skills of library staff in HEI’s in Armenia, Moldova and Belarus by developing innovative libraries as a support to education and lifelong learning
  • Develop a library staff development strategy focused on improving standards and quality of library performance in Armenia, Moldova and Belarus so as to improve the quality of library services and higher education generally, enhancing their relevance for the labour market and society.
  • Enhance the management, governance, innovation capacities and accessibility of libraries in Armenia, Moldova and Belarus through strategic planning and policy development.

Grant Awarded:  €791,000

Led by: Public Administration Academy of the Republic of Armenia, Armenia

Access to Society for People with Individual Requirements - ASPIRE

Brief overview: The ASPIRE program aims to foster the rights of individuals with special needs in Armenia and Georgia to access education and enjoy the right of participation in everyday society, to combat discrimination of the individuals with special needs by instilling awareness and acceptance in society as in line with Bologna Process and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Duration: 2012-2015

Specific objectives:

The objective of the project lay in three strand implementation of a comprehensive sustainable curriculum in Armenia and Georgia for the  following target groups:

  • Teacher Trainer Educators and Lecturers (Universities);
  • Government & State Employee & Policymakers (Public Administration Educators);
  • NGO (Non-university Educators).

Grant Awarded: 788,983

Led by: Ilia State University, Georgia

Developing Information Literacy for Lifelong Learning and Knowledge Economy in Western Balkan countries

 Overview: The main features of this project include the identification of best information literacy (IL) practice, transfer of knowledge, development and implementation of information literacy programs and training including online information literacy suites, development of IL policy and dissemination and exploitation of results. The project aimed to explore  inclusion of  IL competencies in curricula. And the creation with faculty, of curriculum-integrated IL programs ( embedded in the three cycle system (bachelor/master/doctorate), quality assurance and recognition of qualifications for the development of lifelong learning in society at large.

Duration: 2011-2015

Specific objectives:

  • Development of IL programs for lifelong learning and their use in curricula.
  • Development of  innovative online information literacy modules  for lifelong learning.
  • Harmonisation of the IL programs with those currently active in Western Balkan countries.
  • Strengthen the capacities of higher education institutions for the strategic planning and implementation of information literacy programs to instill transferable skills for a "competitive, dynamic, knowledge-based economy".
  • To develop IL policy, guidelines, - goals, mission.
  • To disseminate information about the approaches to IL development.

Grant Awarded: 1.2 million

Led by: Limerick Institute of Technology