Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section
Strategic Plan
2006-2007
The CPD&WL Section embraces all aspects of professional development and learning in the workplace in the period post-qualification to the end of a career.
New developments and trends in information and communication technology, higher expectations of users, requirements of employers and managers of libraries and information service organisations and competition from information professionals in the broader information industry emphasize the imperative for associations and institutions to be 'learning organisations' and develop their staff by providing opportunities for continuing professional development and training in the workplace; and for individuals to be responsible for their own career planning and development.
Our membership engages institutions, organisations and individuals in a community of practice which supports practical and research-related activities within our area of subject expertise. The Section also brings together those who are interested in and responsible for the quality improvement of systems for delivering continuing professional development and workplace learning programs.
Mission
The Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning (CPDWL) Section:
- Encourages, promotes and supports continuing professional development programmes for information and library personnel, reflecting current needs of the profession
- provides a focal point for activities, discussion, and publishing related to continuing professional development and lifelong learning
- supports an international community of practice for practitioners and researchers who are interested in and/or responsible for providing delivery systems and improving the quality of continuing professional development and workplace learning
Goals
GOAL 1: Identify, encourage and promote continuing professional development programmes internationally for library and information personnel.
(The Profession Pillar: Support the improvement of professional practice as libraries strive to respond to needs of clients in a changing global environment; The Members Pillar: Provide programming at IFLA WLIC and satellite conferences; contribute publications)
Actions
1.1 Provide stimulating professional development programmes, including presentations at IFLA's annual World Library and Information Congress (WLIC), regular CPDWL satellite conference events, and other specialised workshops as the opportunity arises (CPDWL intends to hold a satellite conference in Durban in 2007 on "Pathways to Library Leadership," and to publish the proceedings)
1.2 Collaborate and develop links with other IFLA sections in planning cooperative programmes at annual and satellite conference events (CPDWL is participating in a joint event in Seoul 2006 with Preservation and Conservation, on staff training in preservation; seek a partner/partners for Quebec conference)
1.3 Encourage collaboration and develop links with other IFLA sections and outside bodies to publicise and promote continuing professional development programmes (CPDWL is developing a database on worldwide continuing education providers and events; it is seeking to forge links with WebJunction, a portal for continuing education)
1.4 Initiate an award recognising a library association or institution which demonstrates excellence or significant achievement in the development and delivery of a continuing professional development or workplace learning programme.
GOAL 2: Provide opportunities for library staff worldwide to share information and develop skills that will assist them both in their own professional development and in their efforts to improve continuing education and workplace learning for their colleagues.
(The Profession Pillar: Support the improvement of professional practice as libraries strive to respond to needs of clients in a changing global environment; The Member Pillar: Provide programming at IFLA WLIC and satellite conferences; contribute publications)
Actions
(see also Action 1.1, 1.2)
2.1 Promote the work of the Section to institutions and librarians worldwide encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas and resources (CPDWL is preparing a brochure which promotes the work of the Section and is seeking translators. Section members are actively promoting the role and work of the Section in a number of countries.)
2.2 Publish a newsletter for the dissemination of information about the Section and other articles about continuing professional development and workplace learning.
2.3 Moderate an e-list to support members and other interested practitioners and researchers in an international community of practice and facilitate collaboration and the exchange of ideas and information.
2.4 Develop IFLA-approved guidelines for the provision of continuing professional development programmes within a quality improvement framework. (CPDWL received Project funding for 'Quality Guidelines for CPD activities' August 2003, and is in the process of vetting the statement of principles and preparing a paper on best practices).
2.5 Create and maintain an online clearinghouse of information about CPD providers and activities (Project funded in 2004; database in beta testing)
GOAL 3: Stimulate research into continuing professional development for library and information professionals.
(The Profession Pillar: Support the improvement of professional practice as libraries strive to respond to needs of clients in a changing global environment; The Member Pillar: Provide programming at IFLA WLIC and satellite conferences; contribute publications)
Actions
(see also Action 2.3)
3.1 Continue the series of IFLA World Conferences on Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning as a means of stimulating and supporting research and disseminating results through publication of the proceedings by K.G. Saur as part of its IFLA Publications series (A satellite conference is being planned on the theme of "Pathways to Library Leadership" for the Durban WLIC in 2007)
3.2 Campaign to have the proceedings indexed by Library Literature and Library and Information Science Abstracts
3.3 Alert professionals, through the newsletter, e-list and satellite conference proceedings, to research reports and research programs.
3.4 Issue calls for papers worldwide when appropriate for the theme of the open program at WLIC in order to create a substantial pool of quality papers from a variety of constituencies
3.5 Edit a special issue on continuing professional development and workplace learning for an international journal
GOAL 4: Establish a sustainable framework for the Section within the IFLA structure.
(The Member Pillar: Services to members; make IFLA more...beneficial for members throughout the world)
Actions
4.1 Work within the IFLA procedures to extend the CPDWL institutional and personal membership, with wide international representation; develop and implement a strategic marketing plan to promote the Section's activities and recruit new members; especially institutions
4.2 Maintain effective communication mechanisms and meeting procedures for the Standing Committee, corresponding members, and Section members
4.3 Invigorate the online discussion list for members
4.4 Discuss overlapping goals and objectives with the Section on Education and Training; seek to clarify roles
4.5 Offer to consult with other sections on best practices in conference presentations and workshops in order to improve IFLA sponsored events
