Evidence-Based Recommendations for Library Writing Groups

Abstract

Writing groups in academic libraries and clinical health settings can support faculty in research and scholarship requirements. Faculty in these settings typically have scheduled, location-fixed obligations. Writing groups can provide focused time or other support for research, writing, and creative activities. These groups can foster collaboration within and beyond their units by presenting opportunities to find co-authors or draw on expertise and resources from specialists across their institution. Literature in librarianship and health sciences provides guidance for creating and operating writing groups. Two studies of best practice and research supports were synthesized to create an evaluation tool for group formation and assessment. This was then applied to published case studies in the two fields and to the authors' own writing group. That criteria was used to evaluate the group and identify areas of improvement, such as utilizing colleagues’ expertise.