Spotlight on WMER: Creating the West Midlands Evidence Repository (WMER)

An online open-source repository, managed by a consortium of West Midlands NHS Library and Knowledge Services

David Fisher – Senior Library Assistant, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

Creating the West Midlands Evidence Repository (WMER)

Background

In the pursuit of knowledge mobilisation, several West Midlands NHS Library and Knowledge Services had long recognized the critical need for an online open-source repository dedicated to promoting and preserving NHS research, such as journal articles, grey literature and non-traditional publications. Previous attempts by individual NHS Library and Knowledge Services using other models had fallen short. It became evident that the requirements for a suitable platform extended beyond individual organizations. A collaborative effort was essential to reduce costs and effectively disseminate research. Developing a repository in isolation would not have sufficed.

Introducing WMER

The West Midlands Evidence Repository (WMER) emerged as the answer. This platform not only showcases the research of a particular organization, but also fosters collaboration across Black Country NHS Trusts. By making research accessible to the public and the wider healthcare community, WMER plays a pivotal role in advancing evidence-based practices.

Collaborative efforts

The development of WMER involved active collaboration between the operational group, consortium and management team. Here is how we made it happen:

  1. Participation and Volunteering: Representatives from each member of the consortium actively engaged in meetings, volunteered their expertise and aligned with the group’s terms.
  2. Workshops with WMER Operational Group Lead: Under the guidance of Gavin Moore, colleagues attended workshops that deepened their understanding of WMER’s vision and functionality.
  3. Content Identification Process: A meticulous process was devised for identifying relevant content; this involved leveraging search alerts and maintaining a comprehensive spreadsheet.
  4. Testing and Refinement: Before going live, colleagues rigorously tested WMER on a dedicated test site; this allowed us to fine-tune the user experience and address any glitches.
Operational Standards and Promotion
  1. Agreed Standards: The operational group established clear standards for adding items to WMER; this ensured consistency and quality.
  2. Promotion Strategies: Colleagues crafted engaging blurbs, used relevant hashtags (#WMERPublications), designed eye-catching posters and leveraged social media (Twitter, Instagram) to spread the word.
  3. Regular Meetings and Accountability: Commitment extended to regular meetings where we discussed actions, allocated tasks and provided feedback. Testing the reports module and flagging discrepancies (such as missing ORCID – Open Researcher and Contributor identifiers) were part of the routine.
Learning and Growth
  1. Exploring Other Repositories: We drew inspiration from repositories like the East Midlands Evidence Repository (EMER); these interactions helped us refine our own content structures and processes.
  2. New Tools and Concepts: WMER introduced us to tools like ORCID and Sherpa Romeo; these expanded our horizons and enriched our understanding of scholarly communication.
  3. Encouraging Collaboration: Beyond our Trust, we actively fostered collaborations with other information professionals. Closer links with our partners allowed us to identify research-active individuals and departments needing support.
Future Prospects
  1. Author Profiles: WMER will showcase author profiles, celebrating the contributions of our researchers; this raises a Trust’s profile and underscores our commitment to research excellence.
  2. Research Activity Metrics: By providing statistics on research activity within Trusts, WMER supports research and development initiatives.
  3. Flagship for Library Services: WMER becomes a flagship project, demonstrating the vital role of Library and Knowledge Services.
  4. Recognition: Our efforts contribute to the recognition of Library and Knowledge Services as a driving force in advancing healthcare knowledge.
Conclusion

We are excited about the future of the West Midlands Evidence Repository and its impact on healthcare research; the support and collaboration of our partners have been instrumental in shaping the project. Together, we have created a dynamic platform that celebrates research excellence, fosters knowledge mobilisation and elevates our healthcare communities.