Jisc launches Digital Transformation Library Lens
Jisc is launching a new tool – the Digital Transformation Library Lens (DTLL) specifically designed to support digital transformation in libraries across higher education, developed in collaboration with SCONUL, CILIP and RLUK.
The tool helps to highlight the value of library and archive services and also encourages the involvement of library professionals in digital transformation initiatives. Jisc is working with seven pilot HE institutions that will be implementing the DTLL over the next year
Developed in collaboration with senior library leaders and representatives from the Society of College, National, and University Libraries (SCONUL), Research Libraries UK (RLUK), and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), the Digital transformation library lens (DTLL) offers a library focused perspective on Jisc’s established Framework for digital transformation in higher education.
It highlights how library and archive services contribute meaningfully to institutional change across the six key areas of the framework: organisational digital culture, knowledge creation and innovation, knowledge development, knowledge management and use, knowledge exchange and partnerships, and digital and physical infrastructure.
Harnessing the value of libraries as critical partners
University libraries have long been pioneers in digital innovation, offering significant expertise to lead on digital collections, scholarly communications, and student digital capabilities. Yet, many libraries have stated they don’t often feel sufficiently involved in institution-wide digital transformation efforts, or that their contributions are not always recognised.
The DTLL aims to change that by providing a structured, evidence-based approach for library leaders to amplify, enhance and evidence their role, impact and expertise. It provides practical examples of how libraries contribute to institution-wide digital transformation goals and can enhance provision in areas such as:
- Developing AI strategies and digital wellbeing initiatives
- Enhancing research infrastructure and open access policies
- Co-creating inclusive digital environments and learning spaces
- Supporting evidence-based decision-making through data and analytics
“The Digital Transformation Library Lens has been developed with the support of leaders from the university library community who have lent their considerable proficiency to develop and pilot this toolkit,” saidAnn Rossiter, executive director, SCONUL. “Their expertise derives from the three decades of digital transformation in libraries touching all aspects of their work including collections, discovery and research tools; online learning environments and teaching the skills required to navigate these. Hence librarians bring more than just technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the ethical considerations in play, and a person-centred approach that foregrounds the needs of the research and learning communities with which they work.”
“Library, knowledge and information services are not always involved as equal partners when it comes to overall organisational changes such as digital transformation. In fact, such professionals have many unique skills and a wealth of experience to offer to such projects,” addedLouis Coiffait-Gunn, CEO of CILIP. “Jisc’s library lens for digital transformation is an excellent tool to support and guide service leaders to play an essential role in digital transformation projects, helping them lend their expertise to business partner across the organisation on mission-critical projects.”
“Our libraries have been at the forefront of digital transformation over the past 25 years. Whether it is the shift to online delivery of books and journals, the digitisation of special collections, or the provision of online research and learning environments, libraries have continued to innovate to meet the needs of researchers and students,” said David Prosser, executive director, RLUK. “Libraries have a unique view of the whole of the university – across all disciplinary subjects, and from undergraduates to leading researchers. As such they are ideally placed to contribute to the institution’s digital transformation and the Library Lens provides the perfect framework for Libraries to take their learning and experience to the wider university.”
A call to action for university leaders
Jisc is encouraging university provosts, senior leaders, and digital strategy teams to actively involve library professionals in digital transformation initiatives.
Liam Earney, managing director of higher education and research at Jisc, said:“The DTLL is a resource to empower libraries in their role of shaping and leading digital change. The lens was co-designed with our members in response to the current challenges that library teams are facing. This builds on our well-respected framework for digital transformation, and we look forward to working with our seven research pilots who will be sharing their use of the lens over the next year.”
The DTLL is available alongside a suite of supporting materials including a maturity model for digital transformation, action plan templates and stakeholder engagement tools. Jisc is inviting universities to explore the DTLL and integrate it into their strategic planning.
Jisc is working with seven university libraries to pilot the DTLL framework with results to be published in 2026. University leaders and library directors are invited to:
- Access the Digital transformation library lens
- Explore the DTLL and related resources: Jisc digital transformation toolkit
- Join Jisc’s DTLL working group: JISCDTLL Jiscmail list
- Discover the findings from Jisc’s digital transformation research pilot
- Use the Jisc toolkit to consider all aspects of digital transformation: Taking digital transformation forward in your organisation