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Cut cost of accessing research catalogues or lose RLUK business, publishers told. Paul Jump reports

A former management consultant who claims extensive experience "at the heart of rapid change" has been appointed the British Library's head of higher education.

'Bipolar' system is likely to exacerbate rather than ease inequality, Hepi report finds. John Gill writes

Hertfordshire rates itself highly on a graph showing the best-value institutions. Jack Grove reports

The closure of the Natural Environment Research Council's small grants scheme could reduce its overall applications-to-awards success rate, the council has admitted.

Annual survey shows future low-cost institutions scoring well against the £9K set. Jack Grove writes

These instruments (see image, right) - inhaler, ether mask, bedpan, a syringe made by Philip Harris and Company and a device used during anaesthesia that contains a Sparklets bulb similar to those in soda siphons - are all held by the Seacole Library at Birmingham City University.

Swelling ranks of non-academic staff decried by US political scientist. David Matthews reports

Scenes of riots and looting beamed around the world last week could affect the recruitment of overseas students to UK universities, experts have said.

Canadian universities in row over licensing fees as US awaits fair-use ruling. Jon Marcus reports

US government suit over company's use of federal funds rekindles row in UK. Sarah Cunnane reports

A college principal has called on the government to exempt specialist drama and music providers from proposals to open up competition for top A-level students, arguing that the plans have no relevance to their admissions policies.

Academics are turning to Facebook and Twitter as outlets for frustration. Sarah Cunnane reports

The majority of universities should stop designing curricula and awarding their own degrees, and offer programmes accredited by major research-intensive institutions.

Newer universities in London have enjoyed some of the biggest gains in student satisfaction, according to the results of the National Student Survey.

The Arts and Humanities Research Council has announced the four universities that will lead its new creative economy consortia.

US universities continue to dominate the upper echelons of world rankings, taking 17 of the top 20 spots in the Shanghai Jiao Tong ranking.

Deferring university entry until 2012, the first year of the new fees regime, may save some graduates money, finance experts have claimed.

More students from poor families are going to university, according to new data.

Student debt is set to double when higher fees are introduced, according to a new survey.

Science and maths courses should touch on topics such as gender, says the NUS. Jack Grove reports

The iconic theatre sees links with academe as a vital part of its role. Jack Grove reports

UK scholar brings higher education to Thai camps for Burmese refugees. Sarah Cunnane reports

The cause of the lettori - the foreign lecturers in Italian universities who have long been campaigning for improved employment and pension rights - has received support from the highest levels of the UK government, as well as a boost from a landmark court decision.

Critics claim proposals could threaten autonomy and may lead to opt-outs. Simon Baker writes

University employers say that the UK sector's £30 billion pension fund is performing better than expected - proof that "draconian" cuts to benefits were not needed, a union has claimed.

A head of school at a Russell Group university emailed academics urging them to be "VERY generous" when assessing postgraduate applications, warning them that they "simply cannot afford to be very choosy".

Gladys Aylward, the English missionary pictured with two of her adopted children (see image, right), became a household name when her heroic exploits escorting 100 orphans to safety through war-torn China were turned into a Hollywood biopic, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958).

Tensions mount as Michael Russell affirms multi-pronged reform agenda. David Matthews writes

Education expert locks horns with HEA chief over need to train academics to teach. John Gill reports

But Congress cuts billions from research and graduate loan provisions. Jon Marcus reports

New questions have been raised about the process for granting taught degree-awarding powers to commercial companies after a US for-profit bought a UK provider and promised to pay a further £4 million if it gained the right to confer degrees.

Concerns grow that framework programme is ignoring humanities research. Paul Jump writes

1994 Group fears proposed changes to teacher training could be devastating, reports Jack Grove

Queen's University Belfast plans to shed about 200 jobs as part of a £28 million "efficiency saving" in Northern Ireland's higher education sector.

A project to increase the number of students doing languages at university has been awarded an extra £1.2 million.

The oft-repeated claim that the riots that have broken out in London and other cities in recent days are “mindless” and “meaningless” is mistaken, an academic expert has said.

Universities should toughen up their demands for mathematical qualifications, including in non-science, technology, engineering and maths subjects, a taskforce has said.

By Scott Jaschik, for

Five institutions inspected by the quality watchdog over their partnerships with providers in Singapore have been advised to take action to ensure their written agreements are “fit for purpose”.

Further education colleges will be able to offer their own foundation degrees for the first time in a landmark step towards institutions obtaining full degree-awarding powers.

Lancaster University has appointed a senior manager at the University of Warwick as its next vice-chancellor.

Smaller specialist colleges have welcomed proposals from the government that would allow institutions with 1,000 higher education students to gain university title.

The number of Scottish applicants accepted on results day by Scottish universities and colleges has fallen by around 2 per cent on last year.

Despite annual reports that the A-level pass rate is rising, students expecting their results on 18 August have expressed a lack of confidence in attaining the grades they require.

Institutional self-interest could hit infrastructure as central funds shrink. David Matthews reports

Report advises transformation of management systems, faculty and curricula. Jack Grove writes

Universities' arrangements to uphold academic standards are "robust and effective", the Quality Assurance Agency has said.

Pakistan poses challenging problems for academics beyond politics and religion, writes John Morgan

Hesa data show worst performers on access will be best placed to benefit, writes John Morgan

The new vice-chancellor at a university emerging from financial woes has asked for a "warts and all" account from staff about their experiences and vision for the future.