Developing Research Excellence and Methods

Attended Hazel's inaugural professional lecture on Thursday - 'What's so social about informatics?'. It was as I expected informative and entertaining as she used examples from her personal and professional life to demonstrate that information is very social. Lots of socializing went on after as people chatted and caught up with ex colleagues and friends from Queen Margaret University. All part of Hazel's network.

Gunilla's Friday afternoon presentation on Social information research attracted smaller numbers but for those that did attend it was thought provoking as she explored what 'social information' is. A topic which a publisher had asked her and a colleague to co- edit a book on. Their first task was to determine what exactly is social information - something which they are still struggling to define. Different aspects were explored and several of the aspects will be covered in the forthcoming book to be published by Emerald this Autumn 2012.

I really enjoyed listening to Professor Nick Moore from Acumen at the LIS DREaM 3 workshop discuss his experience at the Policy Studies Institute, where he worked on a number of research projects designed to influence policy. Much of what he had experienced / said rang bells with me through my work on the Scottish Information Literacy Project where we were trying to and did influence policy. 

His account of developing some form of conceptual framework for the work he was doing in order to make sense of exactly what was meant by “information policy” was interesting and useful. His Information Policy Matrix - see below

was used to

• see what there was
• identify gaps
• seize opportunities for research and influence then
• create opportunities for dissemination and debate 
• building relationships and networks.

Lessons / action points that can be used in any endeavor.

With regard to research he said that

“The most difficult part of formulating your research is expressing the aim in one, clear, unambiguous sentence. ”

Think of the one minute elevator pitch.

His general lessons were all useful:

• Interest and passion are essential
• Stay ahead of the curve
• Be part of an influential organisation 
• Build networks and relationships
• Retain your independence
• Luck plays a big part.

It was great that he reflected on the mistakes he had made including covering too much, getting too far ahead of the curve, not giving enough time to thinking and not encouraging enough criticism. 

I think in this fast paced world we live in that if you don't look busy then you are not doing anything. It is important to have time to think about things. I like to put things on the 'back burner' so that they can simmer away. Often things that you are having a problem with can become clearer if you give yourself a break and some time.  Some of my eureka moments have come when I am doing other things. Going for some fresh air and a walk can help - don't know if it is the fresh air or the physical movement.

Have a look at his presentation, slides and session summary on the LIS Research Coalition DREaM event 3: Making the bullets for others to fire