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Purpose -This paper offers an effective model for increasing professionals' competence, enthusiasm and success in writing and publishing. Design/methodology/approach -Recent articles on writing groups in the field of library and information science are reviewed and a case study of a group at RMIT University Library is presented. The authors were the facilitator and group members who were librarians, most with relative inexperience in research, writing, presenting, and getting published. A self-rating confidence survey was created to establish developmental priorities which were then addressed through input from experts, practical application and reflection, and constructive advice and support from group members. Group effectiveness and outcomes were evaluated at mid-and end-point review meetings, through a post-intervention confidence survey and by tracking publication output. Findings -The group became a cohesive, task-focused and productive team. A post-intervention confidence survey evidenced improvements on all survey items at a team level. Each member affirmed that they had gained substantial knowledge of writing, presentation and research techniques and understanding of the publication process. Publication output increased over the benchmark year of 2010, and in 2011 and 2012 exceeded initial targets. Practical implications -The model presented offers a practical and effective approach to increasing competence and output in writing, presenting, research, and getting published and can be easily adopted by others. Originality/value -Most literature reviews on library professional writing groups relate to professionals required to publish. The Get Published Group comprised Australian librarians writing voluntarily.

In recent years, qualitative research in midwifery practice and education has increased and there are now many examples to which midwives may refer. Similarly, in nursing, the use of qualitative research methods has burgeoned (Morse, 1991). The key tools for collecting data in qualitative research are interviewing, diary accounts and observation. This article discusses some of the important considerations in the use of observation as a research tool.

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Ruth Davies was a founder member of the editorial board of the British Journal of Midwifery (BJM), reflecting her lifelong enthusiasm for promoting education and the passion she had for sharing research-based knowledge.