Revealing your value through meaningful messages

Our role, as librarians and information specialists, must be viewed as relevant and important to stakeholders. Yet key services traditionally associated with libraries now appear to be easily available elsewhere and people often underestimate what we do. We can help redefine these perceptions by changing the way we communicate. Value propositions are simple, yet compelling, messages that summarise the benefits stakeholders will obtain by using our services and resources. These statements are written for a specific audience, based on what they value and what we offer that is special and unique. This article provides the tools to create your own value proposition statements; so that you may articulate your true value in a way that matters, to those that matter

Unpicking The Myth Of “The Test”: Using Masters’ Level Investigations To Develop Trainees Teachers’ Understanding Of Effective Assessment For Learning

‘How long are we meant to be using that **** thing – two stars and a wish?’ ‘Er….I think it’s meant to be forever, mate.’ (overheard in a secondary school staffroom

Library associations: making connections to enable effective change

Decisions by library associations impact on everyone involved in library and information services. The committee of the Library Association of Ireland, Health Sciences Libraries Group conducted an online survey about association and group membership. Our (49) responses and literature review provide a useful guide to what is wanted and needed. We learned about the value of taking a holistic, connected approach to enhancing expertise through continuing professional development, progressing the interests of our profession, and supporting collegiality and knowledge exchange by uniting us as a community. Our findings show the importance of belonging to a professional group that not only provides comprehensive tangible supports but also facilitates a network of stakeholders with whom we can engage, share and collaborate