Content Managment System (CMS)
IT Services went through a lengthy process of researching and shortlisting in order to obtain a CMS for Goldsmiths. The CMS enables our websites to be managed more efficiently. It also gives non-technical staff the ability to update their section of the website via a simple web interface (no need for HTML or requesting updates from Web Services).
The CMS needed to meet a wide range of criteria. For example, it needed to work with existing and planned IT systems, be easy for non-techical staff to use, and be suitable for our College users and branding requirements. Various stakeholders across College were invited to view and approve the final shortlisted systems. Thanks to those who attended the Content Management System presentations. After a detailed tender process we chose 'SiteManager' by Terminal Four. The Terminal Four system is widely favoured across the HE sector and was selected (generally) as it provided us with the most flexible and easy-to-use system. The system was installed in December 2007 with dedicated servers. Web Services were trained on how to configure the system to Goldsmiths' specific needs.
Training on the CMS
When you wish to be trained on using the CMS please contact the Web Team (webteam@gold.ac.uk) to arrange training on an ad hoc basis. This is for small groups and training takes about 1.5 hours. Larger groups can be accommodated in our termly classroom training sessions. You can download the CMS training guide version 1.3 which is used in the sessions (50 pages pdf). You can also download a 2 page pdf showing CMS templates examples (this will make more sense if you attend a course or read the guide!).
Future developments
Once this is all done and all staff have been trained on the new system, Web Services will move onto our next big projects which are mobile-specific content and the e-portal project. The e-portal project will look at finding ways to customise and personalise your pages and to allow a single sign-on system (you login to all your online facilities just once). More on this shortly.