NEWS
Period support tackles stigma
THE latest event from CILIP Scotland’s #WINspiration feminism series takes place from 11am-12pm on 25 August and will explore at The Period Library at the University of Dundee. The webinar will look at how the collabo- rative collection is being used to tackle misinformation around periods, helping reduce stigma and driving social justice around menstrual education. The webinar is free for members and will include the opportunity to discuss what measures can be taken to support women in the infor- mation professions. Book now at
https://tinyurl.com/2s3wuz6f.
Journal publisher sustainable wrap
JOURNAL publisher Taylor & Francis has taken a step forward in reducing plastic waste by changing the way it mails out copies in the UK.
By introducing Paperwrap for all its UK journals, Taylor & Francis will reduce its reliance on single-use plastic wrap. Taylor & Francis said that it had faced a number of issues surrounding Paperwrap use, due to small print runs for some of its jour- nals, but that advances in the process had helped overcome these issues.
Reflective writing and practice session
CILIP Ireland is holding a free webinar for members to develop their reflective practice and reflective writing. The online session is led by Cynthia
Banfield, and it will give attendees an understanding of reflective practice and its importance, as well as exploring a number of different methods for reflective writing. The session will be repeated in Novem- ber for anyone unable to make this one, which takes place from 12pm to 1.15pm on 12 September.
To register for the event visit https://tinyurl. com/4xdfvxff.
6 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL
Public libraries delivering public value
NEW research has shown that pub- lic libraries are creating billions of pounds of value for local economies in England every year. The research comes as part of Librar- ies Connected East’s report into public library activity and its impact on lives – Libraries for Living and for Living Bet- ter. Carried out by the University of East Anglia, the analysis put a financial value on library services running in the East of England. A new tool, developed by academics from Creative UEA and UEA Health Economics Consulting, was used to ascertain how much services would cost if they were delivered by commercial entities, as well as looking at savings for the tax payers through early interven- tions, signposting and other key areas that reduce risk within communities. By looking at individual library branches, the research them estimated that each of them creates an average of £1m of value through its activity – on a national level that equates to £3.4bn annually. Professor John Gordon, Director for CreativeUEA, explained: “Our holistic methods demonstrate the very signifi- cant economic value of library services – even with a conservative figure. We also identify their benefits for health and wellbeing, digital inclusion and chil- dren’s literacy – and the links between them. The innovative tools developed by UEA researchers in health economics,
health sciences, education and comput- ing sciences can help others to gauge and express the value of libraries in precise terms, for investment and to support the many impacts that benefit us all.” Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive of Librar-
ies Connected, said the research would provide library heads with a valuable tool to advocate for the services they run. She said: “For the first time, we have rigorous academic analysis the demonstrates the far-reaching economic and social impact of libraries. This innovative research by UEA should be a game-changer for pub- lic libraries and how they are viewed by local and national decision-makers. The evidence is clear: investing in libraries brings huge returns for local communi- ties and the public purse.” The work was funded by Arts Council England, who contributed a £30,000 to the project, with its Director of Lib raries, Luke Burton saying: “Rigorous independent research like this is critical in speaking a language that is understood outside the sector. We hope it can help make the case to potential partners and funders locally, regionally, and nationally to support libraries in improving the lives of people in the communities they serve and shine a light on the services modern library services provide.” Read the full report at
https://bit.ly/46OQLcD. You can also read an interview with Luke Burton in this issue of Information Professional on page 32.
Researching the skills of reaserchers
CILIP’S Library and Information Research Group (LIRG) is looking to find out more about library, information and knowledge (LIK) practitioner’s experi- ences of leading research. LIRG Committee has created a quick survey for LIK workers that will help create a baseline of knowledge, skills and confidence around conducting research. The aim is to look at how LIK profes- sionals can develop skills that will enable them to create and deliver research that supports decision-making.
As well as taking part in the survey, some participants will be invited to be part of further discussions through interviews. The results from the project will identify training needs and help to build a strategy to encourage and embed evidence based decision-making in the LIK professional sphere. The survey is open to anyone working in library, information and knowledge management fields and participants do not have to be members of CILIP. To take part, visit
https://tinyurl.com/mr35zmnh.
July-August 2023
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