> CILIP Benchmarking Network for Workplace Libraries
> 
> Commitment to best practice, to develop and enhance services with a vision of what a service could look like are all crucial to enhancing value to the organisation.
> 
> But do you know whether what you do, and how you do it, are the best you could achieve?  When you are a unique element within an organisation it could be difficult to compare your success (or otherwise) against internal units.  Far better to measure effectiveness against external services who, although different to look at, have a comparable role within their own organisation.
> 
> Hence the development of a CILIP Benchmarking Network.  Sheila Corall writes (in Strategic management of information services: a planning handbook. ASLIB 2000) that
> 
>  > '> benchmarking is about seeking out and examining superior processes in other organisations with a view to improving your own processes> ...> . It involves measuring and comparing existing process, product or service against that of recognised top performers> ...>  to identify best practices that lead to sustained superior performance.> '> 
> 
> Hence the development of the CILIP Benchmarking Network for Workplace Libraries, which will provide a vehicle to help workplace libraries pinpoint and demonstrate their value to parent organisations.  The Network grew from an idea bought to the Workplace and Information Services Panel (WISP) of CILIP by Lesley Cox of the Consumers Association.  A working group, chaired by Caroline Oades of Loughborough University, has since progressed the initiative and is launching a pilot project this Spring.
> 
> The Benchmarking Network will be launched on 30th March, and will concentrate on identifying, sharing and implementing best practice in 3 key areas:
> ·   information dissemination / services provided
> ·   administration / processes conducted
> ·   management / strategies adopted
> 
> Operating initially as a pilot, the Network> '> s activities are planned to span some nine months, with the first six concentrating on the identification and sharing of best practice; the following three on the accommodation / implementation of change, where necessary.
> 
> Much work will be expected from Network members.  Groups will be action-focused; workshops, rather than meetings will be held and driven by the achievement of specific, previously agreed outcomes. Additionally, Network members are expected to disseminate their experiences / findings via CILIP.  More information can be found in the Information Sheet which is appended to this email.
> 
> If you would like to be part of this exciting, interactive opportunity, we> '> ll be pleased to hear from you.  Please complete the application form (appended and available on the CILIP website), and return to Lyndsay Rees-Jones [via email [log in to unmask] or tel. 020 7255 0635], no later than 30 January 2004.
> 
> We look forward to working with you
> CILIP Benchmarking Network for Workplace Libraries, Working Group.
> 
> __________________________________________________
> Lyndsay Rees-Jones
> Workplace and Solo Adviser
> CILIP
> 7 Ridgmount Street
> London  WC1A 7AE
> Tel: 020 7255 0635
> Email: [log in to unmask]
> www.cilip.org.uk
> __________________________________________________
> 
> Celebrate the value of libraries to people and their communities
> 
> The CILIP / LiS Libraries Change Lives Award open for entries until 30 January 2004
> 
> For further details visit www.cilip.org.uk/lcla
> _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
> 
> INFORMATION SHEET:
> CILIP Benchmarking Network for workplace libraries
> INFORMATION SHEET
> 
> 
> Benchmarking groups
> 
> Composition
> The Benchmarking Network will concentrate on identifying, sharing and implementing best practice in three, key areas:
> *     information dissemination / services provided> 
> *     administration / processes conducted
> *     management / strategies adopted.
> *     Each Group will comprise up to 10 Workplace libraries.  Applicants can join as many groups as they wish but must indicate which one of the three groups they wish to join.  
> *	
> *     We would like the groups to be made up of practitioners ie those directly involved in information dissemination, admin processes and management/strategy 
> *	
> *     Membership criteria
> *     Applicants must fit the following criteria:
> *     operating as a workplace library/information centre
> *     with between five and 10 staff
> *     operating in the public, commercial or not for profit sectors
> *     serving internal clients only
> *     from anywhere in Britain [NB: initial meetings will be held in London, so applicants must be prepared to travel at least the 1st couple if times. Meeting locations after this will be up to the group to organise.]
> *     with at least one CILIP member on staff.
> *	
> *     Duration of pilot project
> *     Six months information/best practice exchange
> *     Further three months:  change/implementation
> *     After one year:  
> *     CILIP dedicated event for all Network members
> *     dissemination via articles in Update; CILIP website etc, written by CILIP Benchmark Network members.
> *	
> *     Ways of working
> *     To be discussed and established by Groups at launch. Likely format will include meetings, invited speakers and an e-discussion list via CILIP.  
> *	
> *     Expectations of groups
> *     Identification and sharing of best practice
> *     Regular communication between group members
> *     Regular meetings between group members (minimum bi-monthly)
> *     Incorporation of best practice 
> *     Dissemination to CILIP members
> *     Identification of expert group panellists
> *     At least one article for professional press (eg. Update or Freepint) or journal such as LIRN/Library Management
> *	
> *	
> *     CILIP support
> *	
> *     Facilitation
> *     Facilitation of first two meetings, using trained facilitators
> *	
> *     Free services to Groups
> *     Regular alert from CILIP Information Centre to articles relevant to benchmarking focus 
> *     CILIP steering group member at each meeting
> *     Regular e-mails from CILIP steering group to help ensure motivation
> *     CILIP steering group members will be closely involved in Network operation and of each Group
> *     Reasonable travel expenses met by CILIP (with prior agreement)
> *	
> *	
> *     Key dates
> *	
> *     Enrolment
> *     Network selection 30th Jan - 13th Feb
> *	
> *     Launch
> *     March 30th
> *     one day event
> *     morning:  outline purpose; objectives; logistics plus inspirational speakers
> *     afternoon:  facilitated breakout groups to establish detailed way of working; focus; plan of action
> 
> First meeting
> First meeting to be held by w/e April 23rd and attended by facilitator
> 
> 
> Further information / contacts
> 
> Lyndsay Rees-Jones, CILIP.
>       Telephone:  020 7255 0635
>       e-mail:  [log in to unmask]
> 
> Caroline Oades, Department of Information Science, Loughborough University
>       Telephone:  01509 228053
>       e-mail:  [log in to unmask]
> 
> Lesley Cox, Consumers> '>  Association
>       Telephone: 0207 770 7210
>       e-mail:  [log in to unmask]
> 
> 
> ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
> APPLICATION FORM:
> CILIP Benchmarking Network for Workplace Libraries
> 
> Application form
> 
> I would like to be considered as a member of the Benchmarking Network for Workplace Libraries.
> 
> Name:	
> 
> CILIP membership number:	
> 
> Job title:	
> 
> Organisation:	
> 
> Contact details
> 
> Telephone number:	
> 
> e-mail address:	
> 
> Address:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> *How will you/your workplace library gain from being a member of CILIP> '> s Benchmarking Network for Workplace Libraries?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> *What will you/your workplace library bring/contribute to the Network?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> *Maximum 250 words.
> 
> Please complete and return to Anita Lakhani on email: > [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>, tel: 020 7255 0637, no later than 30th January 2004.  All applications will receive a response no later than 13th February 2004  
> 
> 
> 
>