MAP community began as a small group of like-minded librarians in the UK, who, through mutual enthusiasm and a desire to collaborate, created an online resource to enable health libraries to demonstrate value and impact. As we developed the toolkit, we shared learning, expertise, ideas and knowledge. \u00a0Working collaboratively on the project has not only created a resource for other librarians, but has cultivated a community of practice for\u00a0those of us developing\u00a0the project.<\/p>\n
A community of practice is defined as ‘a group of people who share a concern or passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly’ (Wenger, 1998). \u00a0For the MAP Toolkit project team, the learning that we’ve experienced as professionals has been unexpected and unintentional; a bi-product of working together in pursuit of\u00a0a shared goal.<\/p>\n
After struggling for a few years as a small, regional group, the project team expanded in 2013 and invited involvement from other librarians across the country.\u00a0 Ten \u2018Content Editors\u2019 were recruited who brought with them additional expertise and differing perspectives.\u00a0 Since then, the group has only met once face-to-face, with the majority of communication taking place via email discussion list and teleconference. \u00a0Often our teleconferences digress into discussions about other issues currently facing health libraries in the UK today, which really benefits our understanding of the challenges that library staff face in demonstrating value and impact.<\/p>\n
Personally, I’ve developed professionally in many ways since working on the project. \u00a0I’ve\u00a0broadened my understanding of strategic drivers in the NHS, which as a relatively new library manager has been invaluable to my development.\u00a0 I\u2019ve incorporated elements of the project planning template into my local promotional activities, so that they are aligned with local and national drivers.\u00a0 I\u2019ve used the case study template to write articles and case studies that we\u2019ve used locally to demonstrate our impact on the wider organisation.\u00a0 My team have written case studies for the toolkit and contributed to the KM Stories section of the site.\u00a0 Being part of this project has been really exciting.\u00a0 Working alongside librarians from across the UK is a brilliant experience and it really does feel like we\u2019re part of something cutting edge in libraries.\u00a0 As a whole, my involvement in the project has contributed to my own development, as well as that of my team, and has led directly to improvements in the service that we deliver locally.<\/p>\n
We are currently looking for additional Content Editors who feel that they have a couple of hours a month to spare to work on this national project. \u00a0If you’re a health librarian in the UK who’s interested in joining our small but perfectly formed project team, please get in touch!<\/p>\n
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