Ursula Ison

Biography

Ursula has 14 years experience working in health libraries.  Initially as Librarian at the Birmingham Children's Hospital for 12 years and now in her current post of Trust Librarian at the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust.  She also acts as a joint accreditation facilitator for the Birmingham and Solihull group of NHS Libraries.

Abstract - Evaluation of and Reflection on the use of Action Learning Sets

Background :  Several groups were set up in order to support accreditation across the West Midlands Region. Each group had a facilitator to organise meetings and provide any extra support needed by the librarians. The Regional Librarian contracted the facilitators from librarians within the groups; the contracts specified that action learning techniques should be utilised. After the first evaluation of these groups, reported by Gwen Giles, Health Libraries Review, 2000; 17: 181-188, it was felt the learning element was being lost as the groups developed into business meetings. The facilitators were given two days training in facilitating action learning sets and discussed with their groups how the technique could be used to support accreditation. Each group retained a business meeting; as by now shared projects were being under taken in each area, and developed various forms of action learning sets.

Evaluation:   After the learning sets had been running for a year, a further evaluation took place. This presentation looks at the results of the second evaluation and how this influenced the future structure of the learning sets. It also considers the problems that arise from doing this sort of evaluation. The vast majority of the responses were positive; highlighting the value of networking, sharing experiences with colleagues, support, and problem solving - to mention just a few. However there were some negative comments concerned with an apparent focus only on problems and the difficulty of obtaining feedback from previous meetings. Suggestions for changes included having topics for the meetings that are agreed in advance. Overall respondents felt that the action learning sets were relevant and of value to them in their work and wanted to see them continue. They also expressed satisfaction with the level of facilitation within each group. The results of the evaluation were taken back to the groups for discussion and in most cases some changes were made to ensure that the learning sets continued as a useful forum for development and learning for the members involved.

Reflection:  This section will consider the pros and cons of action learning, and whether it is a useful tool for the professional development of library managers. It will also review the role of the facilitator and how to ensure the development of cohesive learning sets. The elements of a successful learning set will be identified.

This page was last updated on: 5 May, 2004