Practical approaches to enhance your profile in your organisation – the BMJ

Evidence Centre Information Specialist Team experience

Olwen BeavenDeputy Information Specialist Manager

An unusual place to work!

BMJ Evidence Centre

• Publishing company• Information Specialists – 7 in team• Literature searching for evidence-based products• Nothing else like us in company• Not linked to BMA Library

Hidden/unknown expertise

• Not traditional part of the industry• Your needs and preferences overlooked• Lack of understanding about what work entails• Not aware of skills we have• Pigeon-holed, don’t see beyond limited role• No company mandate/imperative

Changes - Training

• BMJ Clinical Evidence was on NeLH – strong library influence – obvious involvement – lots of activity• Internal Marketing Dept changes• Technology – tutorials, podcasts, online• Occasional ‘Training the Trainer’ style sessions• Sometimes assist on exhibition stands if at a conference

Scanning service

• Routine checks of free resources on web• Mentions of BMJ products, trends, etc.• Select items for Sales/Marketing dept.• Developments in methodology, informatics• Send to interested individuals• Informal – what we’re aware of

Conference/Meeting reports

• Writing notes for rest of Team• Writing separate set of notes for Business Management and Sales/Marketing• Key points, useful ideas, that might be of interest to those parts of the company• A lot of library innovations are transferable• May have heard things all before - surprisingly well received

Internal Meetings

• Make the most of opportunities to have your say• Be prepared to highlight problems• Respond to organisation surveys/questionnaires• Make your preferences known• Don’t be afraid to stick your head above the parapet!

Social situations

Changing perceptions

• Part of Department charity quiz team • Christmas Party organising team• Head of BMA Library acted as host for ‘BMA Idol’ charity event• People always seem surprised it’s a librarian doing something

If all else fails…….

Bribery and corruption!

• Make a point of always showing gratitude to other teams or individuals who have assisted your staff• If particular extensive help has been offered, I buy small box of chocs for individuals• Buy the BMA Library biscuits at Christmas! • People remember you

And Finally

Why bother?

• Improves day to day working• Makes your job more interesting• More useful to your organisation• Keep a broader range of skills honed• Future proofing• Job security

Olwen Beaven: obeaven@bmjgroup.com

“BMJ Publishing Group Limited (“BMJ Group”) 2009. All rights reserved.”

Thank you!