Working With Writers Toolkit
Networking Days
Time To Read has developed a model networking day, which works well as a means of getting writers, and library staff more familiar with each other's work. It is reproduced here to help others considering setting up similar events.
Helping writers understand the pressures that library staff work with (e.g. not enough time or staff, poor funding for marketing) is an important aspect of the day, as well as conveying some reader- centred principles to generate new ideas for potential activity.
The aims of the networking days were:
- to provide writers with an introduction to the library world and to give tips on how to improve promotion of work to this sector
- To host discussions between library staff and writers as to what makes a good event in this setting
- To discuss new and exciting ways to work with readers' groups - more than just reading /q&a sessions
- To host discussions to encourage writers to think how they could use their own work in interesting ways
Outline content for a day
- Welcome and introduction. Find a host who is enthusiastic about the aims of the day and willing to join in and lead discussions
- Presentation about the library world from a library practitioner covering how to find key library contacts, pressures, marketing challenges
- Writers and librarians networking together (ideally done as speed-dating-keep people moving)
- Presentation from a writer with positive experiences of working in a library setting. Their focus should be why libraries give them access to audiences they may not speak to otherwise (We have used Tom Palmer, Cath Staincliffe, John Lindley, John Siddique)
- Use the after-lunch slot to talk about any local context/projects. We covered the Time To Read website and reported on the Here & Now promotion of NW writers. Writers will be particularly interested in hearing about opportunities to promote themselves e.g. on library websites
- Break out sessions- planning an ideal reader-focussed project or event with particular attention to successful promotion
- Feedback on break out sessions, discussion of ideas, if possible agree actions to take forward. Notes to take away.
Make sure writers and library staff bring contact details to exchange. Also encourage writers to bring examples of their work for library staff to take away.
Time To Read currently has a full time paid co-ordinator, supported by Arts Coucil of England and Museums, Libraries and Archives, North West.