This blog is a snapshot of continuous professional development (CPD) activities that have drawn me, each purposefully selected to engage in, as part of cultivating the foundational skills, attributes and knowledge of an accountable, reflective, informed, and adaptive information professional (Australian Library and Information Association, 2020, p. 1, 4).

I believe taking ownership of my learning, being intentional about enriching and expanding my knowledge, and conscientious about what knowledge gaps I need to fill, allows me to build authentic learning experience into my professional identity and development (Cordie et al, 2019, p. 24).  In practicing the skill of reflective learning, I can foster trust in my ability as a professional to continually connect theory with practice so that I may hold myself accountable, and creatively adapt and grow in my profession. I believe this will also enable both future colleagues and the public to invest their trust in me as their public librarian (Australian Council of Professions, 2022, p. 28).

I relate to the ethic of CPD in the same spirit as lifelong learning in public libraries. CPD is not only a way for me to deepen the values and virtues that drive my professional practice, but also as means of sustaining joy, intellectual nourishment and professional community throughout my journey as an information professional.

 

References

Australian Council of Professions. (2022). Why professionalism matters more than ever. https://www.professions.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Why-Professionalism-Matters-more-than-ever-George-Beaton-2022.pdf

Australian Library and Information Association. (2020). Foundation knowledge, skills and attributes for information professionals working in archives, libraries and records management. https://read.alia.org.au/foundation-knowledge-skills-and-attributes-relevant-information-professionals-working-archives

Cordie, L., Sailors, J., Barlow, B., & Kush, J. S. (2019). Constructing a professional identity: Connecting college and career through ePortfolios. International Journal of ePortfolio, 9(1), 17-27.