Download ppt - SHINE AGMInterim and the Novice Writer Michelle Kirkwood Shona McQuistan

SHINE AGM Interim and the Novice Writer

Interim and the Novice Writer

Michelle KirkwoodShona McQuistan


Why Write?

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

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


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


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


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


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.


Editor of Interim

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


Editorial Board

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


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


What can you do now?

• Suggested topics• Personal

– Conference– Training– CPD



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

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



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

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


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?