Marie Kaddell [LexisNexis,
Keep your eyes open. Find ways to grab professional development opportunities when they present themselves.
Go local. Attend update sessions provided locally by information providers and vendors, attend local conferences even if you can only visit the exhibits for the afternoon.
Go virtual. Find programs such as
Mix it up. Listen to a recording of a session you weren’t able to attend, subscribe to a listserv, plug in to a podcast, visit professional association websites, have lunch with another librarian and talk shop.
Expand your professional reading horizons. Read blogs. Branch out and read in areas that interest you beyond those focused only on library and information science.
Get active professionally. Don’t skimp on something like a membership to a professional group. It will keep you tuned in to your profession in a dynamic way.
Specialize. Join specialized divisions and caucuses..
Be a leader. Get involved in the professional association of your choice. Get on a committee and make a small contribution.
Hit the Water Cooler. Get out there and communicate with your peers. Don’t underestimate the power of a good chat with another professional around the corner or across the country.
Remember, you are not alone. Get involved in communities of practice such as those provided by
Dive in. Take a class or sign up for a workshop to really get an in-depth picture of something that intrigues you. Or go hands on—start a blog or a podcast.
Remember that you will never know it all and that’s okay. Pick even a couple of the items that are not part of your current professional development process from the list above and plug them into your routine. You will be surprised at what a difference it will make to your professional knowledge and growth. You just have to take that first step to begin your journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment