The document summarizes the history and activities of the IK Mediators Core Group from 2007 to 2009. It discusses how the group was formed to bring together actors involved in increasing access to research for development. Over this period, the group held workshops to share experiences and identify areas for collaboration. They established a core group and engaged in activities like monthly calls, developing membership policies, and conducting a member survey. Achievements included transitioning the network from informal to formal, enabling knowledge sharing, and organizing conferences and workshops. The group also developed plans for future governance, fundraising, and expanding their activities during a transition period.

1. IK MEDIARIES CORE GROUP REPORT BACK 4 – 6 Nov 2009

2. Where we come from The beginning May 2007, IDS – bringing together a group of actors involved in increasing access to research, information & knowledge for development Rationale The idea was to bring together actors involved in development into the front, get to know one another, talk to each other, learn from each other with the purpose of strengthening our work through sharing and collaboration Who are the actors? Synthesizers, signposters, communicators, librarians, portal/gateway administrators

3. Where we come from cont. Objectives Find out if there are any commonalities Discover what we can learn from each other Identify potential & possible areas for collaboration and exchange What we did It served as an introduction but we leanred so much of who we were, what we could do and what we can share with each other. ??? of what we do Walk the talk Highely interactive sessions Did a supply-demand chain for information flow Reflection The 5-day workshop had been a journey - but little did we know that that it is just the beginning of a more long term journey

4. Between ourselves workshop, July 2008 Global representation Touched on the important issues: - reflect on conference proceedings - Strengthen our understanding of the role of intermediaries - Learn together & identify good practice - Broaden & develop the group into an ongoing platform for collaboration Chart a way forward Establish a Core Group Activities

5. Activities of Core Group Monthly meetings by phone Developing a Membership Policy - types of membership - requirements of membership - focus on peer learning & sharing experiences Funding issues - Scoping donors - Concept Note - Funding proposals Survey of member needs, profiles & interests Formalize network

6. Opportunities Research undertaking Helping others to adapt good practice Capacity building – mentorship Creating new products Getting into a new country Building thematic network members Scholarly publication

7. Achievements Network moving from informal to formal one Bilateral collaborations Knowledge sharing & skills building eg. Web 2.0, CSE Organized events – 1 conference, & 3 workshops bringing together intermediaries 24 organisations (40 individual members) Publications on intermediary work Discussion list and IKM webpage on IDS website Developed a Concept Note for fundraising

8. Report from Core Group Meeting 2 – 3 November Network model Governance Transition Period Activities during transition period Collective responsibility: invitation to all here Secretariat and role of IDS