SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Interim and the Novice Writer

Michelle KirkwoodShona McQuistan

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Why Write?

• Share knowledge and best practice• Raise profile of library and/or

parent organisation• Funding• Charter/CPD• Challenge• Fame & Fortune

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Before you Start

• Gain support– From manager, colleagues, peers, co-

authors• Get a topic

– Check the literature– Original research– Check the rules and guidance for

authors– Contact the editor

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Getting Started

• Structure– Short: Beginning, middle and end– Medium: Introduction, background,

literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusions

– Long(er): Headings, subheadings, list main points for subheadings, write a short paragraph for each point

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Tips for Writing

• Get a style and stick to it– Informal/formal– Should relate to what you are writing,

and the intended audience.• Avoid jargon• Short sentences that make a point• Edit ruthlessly

– Read it as it is, not as it should be

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Exercise

• Get yourself into two’s or three’s• Get a pen and paper• From the randomly selected six

words create a short sentence using all the words, in any order and with any ending.

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Editor of Interim

• What do I look for?– Willingness to write– An original idea– Current area of interest– Above all else – relevant to SHINE

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Editorial Board

• Copy Editor• Online Editor• Guidance for Research• Guidance for writing• Further reading• News/Events• Ideas/Networking

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Future of Interim

• Value added online version• Research articles• Provision of peer review• Increased participation• Special issues

– Research June 2004– History of SHINE/Interim December

2004

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

What can you do now?

• Suggested topics• Personal

– Conference– Training– CPD

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

What can you do now?

• Local– Library Profile– New Services/Resources– Audit– How to guides

• Budgeting• Funding• Database training• Web-site development

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

What can you do now?

• National– New roles for librarians– Impact of NHS Scotland eLibrary on

local library service– New technologies– Cataloguing systems– Collaborative working

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Interim and the Novice Writer

• Conclusion– A writer who waits for ideal conditions

under which to work will die without putting a word to paper. E.B.White

– You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. Jack London

• Questions?