Forming a New Library Community Group

Forming a New Library Community Group

New group proposal document [Teams] 

New BTAA library community groups may be formed in response to identified needs from member library staff, BTAA staff, or library deans. The Coordinator for Community Engagement will work with the requestor to develop a new group proposal as part of the approval process. Approval will be handled by the Vice President for Library Programs. 

Notes
BTAA library community groups vary in structure and participation model. For descriptions and list of current groups, see the Community Engagement Network page 
  1. Peer groups: need a chair or co-chairs, representation from each member library (typically at least one representative per institution), and a BTAA staff liaison 
  2. Communities of practice: need a chair or co-chairs, and at least 15 member libraries participating 
  3. Interest groups: need one or more convenors, open invitation for participation across the BTAA library community (no minimum participation expectation) 
 

Identifying Need 

  1. When a potential need for a new group is identified, the Coordinator for Community Engagement works with the requester to review existing community structures and assess what kind of group is needed. This may include consultation with BTAA Library leadership depending on the origin of the request.  
  2. Where helpful, a small group of stakeholders may be convened to provide additional community perspective and help shape the initial concept. 

Defining Purpose and Scope 

If a new group is warranted, the next step is to define its: 
  1. Purpose 
  2. Area of focus 
  3. Intended membership  
 

Group Formation 

Once approved, initial planning begins, including: 
  1. Identifying co-chairs or convenor/s (for Interest groups) 
  2. Planning initial outreach and recruitment  

Launch and Initial Meeting 

The group is launched with a welcome message from BTAA staff and a kickoff meeting co-hosted by BTAA staff and group leadership. The kickoff is used to: 
  1. Introduce members  
  2. Confirm goals and expectations  
  3. Establish meeting cadence and group participation guidelines  
  4. Clarify BTAA staff support