Cultivating Collaboration

Cultivating Collaboration brings together outstanding authors for an in-depth examination of communities of practice in librarianship. This is a must-read for librarians searching for community and space to learn. From historical and theoretical ideas that support communities of practice, to eighteen case studies, the entire book provides examples and ideas for librarians at every career level and library type to be inspired by communities of practice. -- Katie Prentice, MSIS, AHIP, Executive Director, Texas Medical Center Library, USA
The use of case studies in Cultivating Collaboration: Communities of Practice in Librarianship allows readers to see first-hand the benefits of communities of practice across a wide range of library settings, as well as the many ways collaboration can occur, from in-person gatherings to online spaces such as Discord. The breadth of perspectives represented provides valuable insights for information professionals at all stages of their careers and across diverse areas of librarianship. Written in an approachable and engaging style, this book invites both new librarians and seasoned professionals to think creatively about fostering connections that support and strengthen their work. Practical guidance is woven throughout, including recommended readings and sample schedules for developing a community of practice. Personal stories illustrating how collaboration has shaped individual career paths enrich the text and encourage readers to consider how cultivating collaboration can enhance their own professional experiences. -- Emily Vardell, Associate Professor, Emporia State University School of Library and Information Management

At their core, communities of practice are about support, and this book captures that perfectly. Cultivating Collaborations starts with a deep dive into what COPs are and why they are culturally, socially, and professionally important. It starts with frameworks for understanding a COP's purpose and offers clear, logistical guidance on forming and sustaining COPs. This book covers all kinds of COPs, whether they are online, in-person, driven by a desire to learn, or focused on mutual support among colleagues. Readers can find guidance on starting a COP from scratch or revitalizing and maintaining an existing group.

This book offers insight into the myriad ways a community can come together to learn and support one another. The first half provides a sound structural understanding of COPs, while the case studies show how those practices play out in real life. I appreciated the variety of examples and case studies. No two were alike. It was easy to picture how those lessons could apply to my work and the communities I’m part of. Whatever form or purpose a COP takes, this book drives home how impactful they can be at uplifting your colleagues and developing your own skills. Whether you are already a part of a COP or thinking about starting one, this book will help members get the most out of their experience.

-- Ezra Pierce Farrier, Assessment Librarian, University of Texas at Arlington, USA

My first acquaintance with the concept of Communities of Practice (CoP) came during an association board of directors meeting. I was by then senior in the profession but still, the phrase was new to me. As a librarian with lots of experience in instruction, it made sense as a form of social learning. Now nearly 20 years later I find myself astonished after reading Cultivating Collaboration: Communities of Practice in Librarianship to learn how much more there is to CoP’s above and beyond my earlier, frankly glib, understanding.

The editors, in part one, include eight tightly focused chapters establishing a foundation for understanding how CoP’s work - the theoretical framing, prerequisites for, potentials for, challenges of, and the many diverse uses for CoP’s across the profession. They make a point of highlighting the nuances of CoP’s as professional practice, and don’t shy away from practical and potentially problematic considerations when establishing and sustaining CoP’s, such as leadership succession. I was particularly struck by how effective CoP’s can be in helping new and entry-level librarians establish their professional identities within safe, low-stakes, equitable CoP environments.

The editors follow in part two with 18 case studies wherein contributing authors from all walks of professional librarian life describe their lived experiences with CoP’s in highly personal, approachable, and engaging prose. The authors represent a diversity of individual, group, and institutional approaches to librarianship – the diversity of perspectives is an asset to the volume. Among the case studies are examples from health sciences libraries, the experiences of librarians from traditionally underrepresented communities within the profession, and practitioners in specialist areas such as collection development. There are descriptions of how CoP’s have been used to support the research enterprise, to foster writing and engagement in the tenure process, to provide professional development especially for funding-beleaguered libraries, and to foster community building, leadership, and support. Because CoP’s area form of social learning, ample attention is also given to those librarians responsible for teaching. I am retired now but in the latter years of my career I had responsibility for departments where teaching/learning was the primary focus, and I wish I had had Cultivating Collaboration available to me then. The ideas I might have tried!

Readers would be well-served to read Cultivating Collaboration cover to cover. Casual readers would also benefit by “dropping in” on one (or more) of the foundational chapters or the case studies as might be of particular interest. The editors have made sure that core concepts behind CoP’s are featured in each of the chapters and case studies so that neophytes and more experienced readers won’t miss key concepts.

Cultivating Collaboration: Communities of Practice in Librarianship is a handy and approachable addition to the literature highlighting a very useful approach to social learning within the profession, whatever the end goal. Reading the book, I thought of all the ways I might have, and still may, use CoP’s in support of my own and others’ learning.

-- Gerald Perry, MLS, FMLA, Associate Dean Emeritus, University of Arizona Libraries, USA