Jisc Launches ‘Library Lens’ Toolkit to Drive Digital Transformation in Academia
By David Lee, Education Technology Correspondent September 30, 2025
LONDON — Jisc, the UK’s expert body for digital technology in higher and further education, has unveiled a new strategic resource: the Digital Transformation Library Lens. This toolkit is designed to empower academic libraries and archives to take a leading, recognized role in institution-wide digital transformation efforts.
Developed in collaboration with key sector bodies, including SCONUL, RLUK, and CILIP, the Library Lens offers a specific, library-focused perspective on Jisc’s established digital transformation framework. It highlights the vast, often undervalued, contributions library teams make across six critical areas of institutional change.
From Collections to AI Strategy
For decades, university libraries have been pioneers in digital innovation—leading the charge on managing digital collections, advancing scholarly communications, and enhancing student digital capabilities. Yet, many library leaders have reported feeling insufficiently involved in broader digital strategies.
The new toolkit directly addresses this by providing a structured, evidence-based approach for library leaders to amplify and evidence their expertise. It provides practical examples of how libraries contribute to essential institutional goals, such as:
Developing robust AI strategies and digital wellbeing initiatives.
Enhancing research infrastructure and promoting Open Access policies.
Co-creating inclusive digital environments and cutting-edge learning spaces.
Supporting evidence-based decision-making through data and analytics.
A Unique View of the University
Leaders within the library community strongly support the initiative. David Prosser, Executive Director of Research Libraries UK (RLUK), noted that libraries possess a "unique view of the whole of the university—across all disciplinary subjects, and from undergraduates to leading researchers."
Librarians bring more than just technical expertise; they offer a deep understanding of the ethical considerations involved in digital change, alongside a person-centered approach that prioritizes the needs of the learning community.
Jisc is encouraging university provosts and senior leaders to actively involve library professionals, stating that the Library Lens is a resource intended to "empower libraries in their role of shaping and leading digital change." Seven university libraries are currently piloting the framework, with results expected in 2026.
