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Exploring the 'it' in IT

This article explores the role of information technology (IT) in law schools, discussing its impact on various aspects such as cybersecurity, IT's role as a strategic partner, and expectations from IT departments. It also highlights the need for collaboration between IT and other departments for successful implementation of technology solutions.

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Exploring the 'it' in IT

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  1. Exploring the 'it' in IT John G. Keyser Associate Dean for Administration and Technology Washington & Lee University School of Law Gary Francis Banks Assistant Dean for Information TechnologyUniversity of VirginiaSchool of Law

  2. Exploring the 'it' in IT 2004 Conference for Law School Computing Topic I: Gary Topic II: John Topic III: Questions, some answers and discussion

  3. What is ‘it’ IT does? 2004 Conference for Law School Computing Gary Banks www.law.virginia.edu/gbanks

  4. Overview • Why this talk? • What is IT’s role? • Example IT revised roles in Law Schools

  5. Why this talk? • Spam, hackers, spy ware, worms, virus, fraud, identity theft • Nicholas G. Carr, "IT Doesn't Matter," Harvard Business Review (May 2003), 5–12; • U.Va. projects 2003/04 mostly were upgrades and reactionary • Leveraging existing technologies • Relatively easy things to do • Obligations of due diligence w/out improving IT

  6. Why this talk? • Cali optimistic themes • “Going the Distance” in 2000 • “Virtual Reality” in 2001 • “Revolution” in 2002 • Corresponding IT sessions • Elmer Masters 2000 -- IT Career Path in Law Schools • Mitch Davis & Pablo Molina 2001 How to Think Like a Law School CIO

  7. Why this talk? • Cali themes more pragmatic • “Devil in the Details” in 2003, • “There and Back” in 2004 • Corresponding past sessions from John & me • Wireless 2002 • Closing computer labs 2003

  8. Why this talk? • What is our role? • Do we exist merely to feed the “machine”? • What should we expect • IT? • Others? • What to do if IT & markets change quickly but our institutions slowly?

  9. What is IT’s Role: Fighter pilot of old? • How many fighter pilots does it take to change a light bulb? • How do you know if there is a fighter pilot at your party? • What's the difference between God and fighter pilots?

  10. What is IT’s role: fighter pilot of future? • What is the ideal cockpit crew? • IT does not • just “feed the machine” • just make ‘careful transition”

  11. What should we expect from IT?Pablo Molina Cali 2001 • Budgets • Organize tech • Fundraising • Tech acquisition approval • In charge (involved) with all tech

  12. What should we expect from IT?Pablo Molina Cali 2001 • Tech directors report to you • Meet w/senior staff • Report to Dean • Work on developing Law School strategy • Long term thinking – 3 to 5 years

  13. What Should We Expect from IT Today? • Adopt “best of” strategy by investing in people • Faculty, student, staff tech advocates • Stronger ties with and training in HR • Pay the price now for learning • Mindful that non-IT folks are your partners in tech solutions • IT is service oriented but… • IT does not work for or only promote one entity • Provide a touch of tech excitement

  14. What should we expect from others?Project Management • On the road to excellence we make mistakes & plan for it • Observe the technology’s impact • Corrections along the way

  15. What should we expect from others?Project Management • Recoverable • Assess when to do something now & mindful of long run • Balancing quality, cost and time is difficult

  16. What to do if IT and markets move quickly but.. • Project IT traits (ideally) • Long haul • Purposeful • Next big thing or radical • Scalable • Flexible

  17. What to do if IT and markets move quickly but.. • Partner traits • Know that project is not a guaranteed service or success • Better than before • Informed consent regarding technology

  18. Example revised IT roles in action • Partners • Communications • Recruiting/Admissions • Alumni • Career Services • Faculty • Technology • Portals

  19. Questions, comments • After John’s presentation

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