“Networking is a mutually beneficial interaction that involves exchanging ideas and information between individuals who are connected by a common career, industry, or interest” (Perry, 2023, para 3). Professional LIS networking is a reciprocal endeavour that establishes and perpetrates communication and connections through participation with individuals and affiliated associations.

Networking  facilitates International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) CPD best practice guidelines pertaining to comprehension of  “developments that impact the profession”, provision of resources toward “development of a personal learning plan” and “seeking learning” (Varlejs, Lewis, Schnuer & Jara de Sumar, 2016, p.9), attained through both formal and informal connection and communication.

Librarianship can be deemed both a “protean” (Hsi, 2023, para 2) and “boundaryless” career (Arthur & Rousseau, 1996, cited by Forret and Dougherty, 2001, para 2) in which the former relates to personal pursuit that is dynamic, active, self-assessed and directed, whilst the latter pertains to a career path that can potentially progress beyond traditional hierarchy and stratification. Professional networking through “engagement, exploration, sharing, and reflection” (Smolenski, 2019, para 6) facilitates these elements toward the librarian’s career journey, effectuating opportunity for the individual and their vocational environment.

References

Forret M. L., Dougherty T. W. (2001). Correlates of networking behaviour for managerial and professional employees. Group & Organization Management, 26, 283-311.

Hsi, T. (2023). Protean & boundaryless career – advantages and strategies. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/protean-boundaryless-career-advantages-strategies-cdasg/

Perry, E. (2023). What is networking and why is it so important? https://www.betterup.com/blog/networking#:~:text=Unrelated%20to%20computer%20networking%2C%20professional,knowledge%2C%20opportunities%2C%20and%20connections.

Varlejs,J., Lewis, V., Schnuer,S.  & Jara de Sumar, J. (2016). IFLA Guidelines for continuing professional development: principles and best practices. https://repository.ifla.org/handle/123456789/1111

Smolenski, N. (2019). Four principles to building a professional network. https://versatilehumanists.duke.edu/2019/03/26/four-principles-to-building-a-professional-network/#:~:text=The%20four%20principles%20of%20engagement,continually%20evolve%20throughout%20your%20career.