Driving value and impact through a community of practice: a case study from Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand University libraries
Abstract
Purpose
This study addresses a recognised need in workforce development, a committee of the Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) facilitated the establishment of the Value and Impact community of practice (the community) between 2016 and 2017. The aim of this study is to create a structure that allows staff in Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand university libraries to promote best practice and build common capability in planning, performance, evaluation and measurement across a range of activities.
Design/methodology/approach
Membership is extended to those with roles focusing on quality, standards, analytics, communications or marketing and those with an interest in developing their understanding of these topics. A core group of members play a guardianship role to oversee the operations and liaise with CAUL. In walking the talk, an annual survey gathers performance measures that are reported to CAUL with examples of benefits and shared initiatives. Feedback is used to improve the operations of the community and determine meeting topics. The data and manaakitanga (support and care for each other) have driven these librarians to meet regularly as a community.
Findings
Meetings offer a chance for a “round robin” to share practice and trouble shoot or cover a special topic with members or visiting experts presenting and facilitating discussion. At least 75% of the membership consistently report contact with other members outside of the meetings and that the community contributes to building their capability.
Originality/value
The community’s operating template and lessons learnt will be of value to those seeking to build community beyond a one-off professional development engagement.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Sue Owen (2021), CAUL/CONZUL Library Value and Impact Community of Practice: Report for the period 2017–2020. Sue Owen is the former Director, Library and Learning Spaces, Federation University Australia. As co-convenor of the CAUL/CONZUL Library Value and Impact Community of Practice, she was a primary driver and champion who contributed to the ongoing success of the community.
Citation
Hart, S., Logan, J. and Wallbutton, A. (2024), "Driving value and impact through a community of practice: a case study from Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand University libraries", Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/PMM-11-2023-0039
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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