The LIS New Professionals Network (LISNPN) is an online community and network for new library professionals. It was started in 2010 with the goal of connecting new professionals. The site provides discussion forums, an events page, blog, and downloadable resources. It is managed by Rachel Bickley and Lex, and has over 1462 members. The network encourages members to utilize established sites, promote through various platforms, and get involved through social media and in-person meetups. The document provides tips for starting an online community and recommends further reading on building momentum and reflections on LISNPN meetups.

1. The LIS New Professionals
Network (LISNPN)
Rachel Bickley
Twitter: @rachelsbickley
rachel_bickley@yahoo.co.uk
IFLA Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning , IFLA New
Professionals SIG and ALA webinar series for new librarians – 17th July 2012

2. What is LISNPN?
http://www.lisnpn.spruz.com
Discussion forums
Events page
Blog
Downloadable resources
Social media presence - @LISNPN

3. How LISNPN started
Idea for a graduate trainee network brought to
CILIP Career Development Group Yorkshire &
Humber Division.
Ned Potter (@theREALwikiman) created the site
and gathered an admin team.
Main aim was to connect new professionals.

4. Started on free Spruz site
• http://www.spruz.com/
• sponsorship sought for upgrade when needed
“Soft” launch at local event in April 2010.
Full launch at CILIP CDG New Professionals Conference in
July 2010.
Promoted through variety of platforms where new
professionals are found.
Allowed members to have ownership of the network.

5. LISNPN today
1462 members as of 6th July 2012.
Lex and Rachel as co-managers.
Blog posts from members.
LISNPN socials.
CPD opportunities.

6. Tips
Make use of established sites/tools.
Go offline too.
Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth promotion.
Accept all offers of help/stuff!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help/advice.
Read Ned’s blog post: http://thewikiman.org/blog/?p=1368

7. http://www.lisnpn.spruz.com
Facebook: LISNPN
Twitter: @LISNPN
rachel_bickley@yahoo.co.uk
@rachelsbickley
LISNPN: Rachel Bickley

8. Further reading
10 top tips to build momentum in online communities –
Ned Potter: http://thewikiman.org/blog/?p=1368
The LIS New Professionals Network – Ned Potter:
http://communities.cilip.org.uk/blogs/informationadvice/
archive/2010/10/26/lisnpn.aspx
Reflections on the first LISNPN Bristol meet-up – Rachel
Bickley:
http://rachel-s-b.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/reflections-on-
first-bristol-lisnpn.html