Ongoing learning and development are essential, not just in shaping our careers as library and information professionals, but in ensuring we remain adaptable and curious about the world around us. Without continuing professional development (CPD) in libraries, we risk becoming stagnant and unprepared for the inevitable changes in our field.
I’ve recently had 2 impactful learning experiences, and I’d like to share them with you. It might inspire you to re-evaluate your own approach to learning. The two experiences reminded me that the skills required by library and information people are both broader (and narrower) than ever.
It’s critical to continually expand our skills to remain relevant, effective, and most importantly, satisfied in our lives.
Perhaps information management CPD was once perceived as optional and subject to strict budgetary limitations. However, continuous learning has now been recognised as fundamental to long-term career satisfaction and growth. Without ongoing development, we risk becoming trapped in our current knowledge, behaviours, and actions.
Thankfully, most of us have access to training budgets, but we also have a wealth of alternative information available; free online courses, networking events, professional groups, knowledge sharing with colleagues, and one-to-ones.
As I will discuss shortly, CPD isn’t just about keeping up with new tech, GenAI etc. It’s not even about making us more effective in our roles and boosting staff retention and job satisfaction. Learning opens our eyes to the world. When we grow, we thrive, and that growth fuels a deeper commitment to ourselves, organisations and communities.
It’s easy to pick up random skills along the way, and they are perfectly valid and useful! However, to embark on an effective journey of professional development, we need a structured approach that goes beyond mere skill acquisition. We need to understand where we are now and where we want to go.
This is where a Personal Development Plan (PDP) can be invaluable. A PDP is a comprehensive tool that allows you to outline your current competencies, set specific goals for improvement, and identify actionable steps to achieve those goals. This approach helps you not only pinpoint gaps in your knowledge but also deepen your existing expertise.
Skill Area | Current Proficiency | Desired Proficiency | Action Needed |
Information Literacy | Moderate | Mastery | Attend workshops, present at school, discussion and debate |
Library Management | High | Mastery | Join a community, seek mentorship, blog my experiences |
Knowledge Management | Low | High | Engage in professional webinars, read journals and articles, write blogposts |
Teaching & Facilitation | Moderate | High | Practice through presentations, peer feedback, learner feedback |
For example, I’ve been consulting on school library management. This has enabled me to put theory into practice and learn how to communicate with young people about information literacy. This compelled me to look at how I train others. This personal and professional growth is extremely satisfying but I have gaps in my knowledge!
Creating a matrix like this encourages reflective practice, the cornerstone of personal growth. It prompts us to ask: What do I know? What do I need to know?
To effectively implement your plan, consider the following best practices:
By integrating these points into your plan, you’ll create a useful framework for your ongoing learning journey, ensuring you remain adaptable and effective in your library and information career.
Self-reflection and a personal plan is important, but library CPD thrives on community and professional networks too. One of the most powerful ways to learn is via your peers; people who have faced similar challenges and can offer new perspectives or solutions.
Professional organisations like CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals), BIALL (British and Irish Association of Law Librarians), and SLA (Special Libraries Association) provide opportunities for both formal learning and informal get togethers.
Building relationships with colleagues and peers not only expands your network but also introduces you to new ideas and resources. Attending or presenting at industry conferences, webinars, or networking events through these organisations can be transformative for your CPD.
Furthermore, I’ve often found inspiration in the unexpected. For example, a casual conversation during a conference coffee break or a session that forces me to rethink everything. Who in your professional network can help you expand your learning? Can you provide help to someone else?
The beauty of CPD lies in its potential to push you out of your comfort zone. I’ve often said I’m usually so far out of my professional comfort zone, I don’t remember what one feels like anymore! It takes curiosity, bravery, and a bit of risk-taking to try something new. It’s not enough to simply continue in familiar patterns of professional development.
Are we truly seeking out experiences that challenge us, that make us reassess what we thought we knew? For example, in a recent LinkedIn article, the author posed the question, “Have I been wrong all my life (about CPD)?” It’s a provocative thought, but one that underpins true growth.
Real learning often comes from confronting our misconceptions, pushing past the boundaries of our knowledge, and being open to the possibility of being wrong. This kind of learning can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for professional and personal growth.
Let’s explore some concrete ways CPD can make a real difference – one far more uncomfortable than the other!:
These experiences (one of which is ongoing!) underline the transformative power of learning. By stepping into new roles and perspectives, I’ve been able to deepen my expertise while broadening my understanding of the information landscape.
CPD should never be a box-ticking exercise or a static PDP. It’s about real change, real reflection, and real growth. Whether you’re mapping your skills, engaging with peers, or challenging yourself through new learning opportunities, continuous learning offers a path to both professional and personal satisfaction.
This journey requires not just time but commitment because learning is never complete. Each new skill builds upon the foundation of knowledge you already have and ensuring you’re always equipped for the next challenge. As we move from hard copy to high-tech and from traditional libraries to integrated knowledge systems, are you ready to grow?
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