Proposal for the development of IFLA approved quality guidelines for continuing professional development and workplace learning
1. Summary
The Continuing Professional Development & Workplace Learning Section of IFLA has as one of 12 strategic objectives/actions the development of IFLA approved guidelines for the provision of CPD programmes within a quality improvement framework.
This proposal seeks funding to support a project aimed at achieving this objective.
2. Background
The IFLA Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section works:
- to encourage and develop continuing professional development programmes for information and library personnel, reflecting current developments for the profession, and
- to provide a focal point for relevant activities.
In furtherance of these aims the Section has identified four strategic goals and twelve objectives within those goals. Goal #2 is concerned with improving the opportunities of librarians worldwide to contribute to lifelong learning both within and outside the profession. To achieve that aim the Section has set itself the objective of developing a set of quality assessment guidelines for continuing professional development activities.
This objective was the focus of discussion at the IFLA Continuing Professional Education Round Table pre-conference in Aberdeen (August 2002). In particular, that discussion focused on the role of the Section in promoting quality in continuing professional development & workplace learning.
3. Objectives of this project
- Content - the means for assessing the content of CPD activities;
- Delivery - assessment of different modes of delivery;
- Format and instructional strategies - assessing the appropriateness and effectiveness of format and instructional strategies
- Impact/Outcomes Assessment Techniques - how success and quality is measured.
(Note: This list is a beginning point and is not exhaustive.)
3.1 Aim:
To produce evidence based guidelines for assessing the quality and effectiveness of CPD activities, programs and events.
3.2 Target Audience:
The guidelines will be able to be used by individuals and organisations providing CPDWL activities, as well as individuals and institutions undertaking or purchasing CPD activities, program and events - either for themselves or their staff.
The guidelines need to address variations in terms of the needs of, professional practitioners in a range of countries and cultures.
3.3 Coverage:
Coverage will include:
3.4 Dissemination:
The guidelines will be made available in English, French and German and will be widely disseminated in accessible format/s: via the IFLA website, on CD-ROM, and in print. Emphasis is to be on a set of flexible guidelines that can be applied in different contexts rather than firm standards - a set of guidelines that can be usefully applied in different contexts and countries and by/for different groups.
3.5 Review and Updating:
It will be important that the guidelines are kept current and relevant by regular review and revision as and when needed.
4. Proposed Actions
Stage One
World wide survey of extant quality measurement, quality assurance, guidelines and standards
Stage Two
Production of a select bibliography on CPDWL quality guidelines for continuing professional development and workplace learning activities
Stage Three
Literature review and summary of findings and issues.
Stage Four
Development of a set of draft quality guidelines for CPDWPL activities.
Review discussion testing and evaluation of the draft guidelines - within the Section and more widely as appropriate. Refinement of the draft Guidelines as necessary.
Stage Five
General dissemination of the Guidelines and Bibliography (web based, CD-ROM, print).
Stage Six
Ongoing review and modification of the guidelines.
5. Schedule/Timetable
Stage One
Commence October 2003. Complete April 2004
Stage Two
Commence January 2004. Complete April 2004
Stage Three
Commence April 2004. Complete June 2004
Stage Four
Commence May 2004. Complete July 2004
Stage Five
August 2004
Stage Six
Annual - August each year.
6. Responsibility
Two joint project managers (Ian Smith, La Trobe University, Australia & Jana Varlejs Rutgers University New Jersey, U.S.A). will work in conjunction with Ann Ritchie, Chair CPDWPL Section to have major carriage of this project.
7. Reporting
There are several possible reporting/communication avenues.
7.1. Section Newsletter/Discussion List
The Section Newsletter and the CPDWPL discussion list (on IFLA net) will provide the main vehicle for ongoing dissemination of reports on progress with this initiative. It is expected that this will be a two way communication process with members of the Section and other readers of the Newsletter and participants in the discussion list commenting on draft and otherwise having input to the development of the Guidelines. Other mechanisms such as national professional conferences, discussion lists etc will be used a vehicles to publicise the work underway in developing these guidelines. These avenues are expected to provide useful input into the development of the Guidelines.
7. 2. IFLA Conference - August 2004
The Guidelines will be made available for discussion and comment at the Buenos Aires conference in August 2004. The Guidelines may form the basis for a CPDWL section program or may be incorporated into a wider Divisional activity at the 2004 conference.
Ian Smith and Ann Ritchie.
Last update: 5 October 2012