Don't ever stop! The imperative for career-long learning in the library and information profession
(2007) Don't ever stop! The imperative for career-long learning in the library and information profession. In Proceedings ALIA Information Online 2007, Sydney.
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Abstract
The Information Online conference highlights the ongoing digital developments that continue to shape the working environment for library and information professionals. As business and governments focus ever more keenly on knowledge and innovation as key drivers for social and economic development, library managers must consider their ability to recruit, retain and develop the talented and committed workforce needed contribute to these dynamic information contexts. Anecdotally, employers report that the pool of candidates applying for jobs fails to have the skill set they are seeking, while many of their current staff show little motivation to engage in meaningful professional training activities to develop new skills. This paper reports on the findings of a research project undertaken in 2006 by Queensland University of Technology (QUT), in conjunction with ALIA, to identify the issues and challenges facing library managers as they endeavour to determine the best strategies for workforce planning and career development in an increasingly competitive labour market. Building on the research undertaken at QUT into the knowledge and skills required by the beginning library and information professional in the 21st century, the project has focused on the career long learning needs of information professionals, both within Australia and overseas. The study encompasses an evaluative review of various models of successful professional development programs, specifically those offered by university library schools, both independently or in collaboration with training providers and/or professional associations. Two of the key goals of the project are to foster a keener awareness of the importance of workforce planning and to develop a collaborative framework for career long learning for the library profession, bringing together employers, educators, trainers and individual practitioners.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Status: | Unpublished |
| Keywords: | Librarians; Library and information sector; Information professionals; Workforce planning; Professional development |
| Subjects: | 400000 Journalism, Librarianship and Curatorial Studies > 400200 Librarianship 330000 Education > 330100 Education Studies |
| ID Code: | 6173 |
| Deposited By: | Hallam, Gillian |
| Deposited On: | 09 February 2007 |
| Alternative Locations: | http://www.information-online.com.au/ |
| Copyright Owner: | Copyright 2007 ALIA |
| Copyright Statement: | The contents of this conference can be freely accessed online via the conference’s web page (see link). |