SHINE AGMInterim and the Novice Writer Michelle Kirkwood Shona McQuistan

SHINE AGMInterim 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 AGMInterim 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 AGMInterim 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 AGMInterim 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 AGMInterim 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 AGMInterim 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 AGMInterim and the Novice Writer Editorial Board Copy Editor Online Editor Guidance for Research Guidance for writing Further reading News/Events Ideas/Networking

SHINE AGMInterim 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 AGMInterim and the Novice Writer What can you do now? Suggested topics Personal –Conference –Training –CPD

SHINE AGMInterim 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 AGMInterim 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 AGMInterim 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?