Documentation of Professional Development for Library Faculty
Professional development encompasses those activities performed by the faculty candidate to keep abreast of new ideas and changes in the profession. In the rapidly changing field of librarianship, evidence of continual professional development is crucial. It includes such activities as attendance at conferences, professional meetings, seminars, and workshops; post-M.L.S. studies; professional reading and the like.
- Conference Attendance: Attendance at conferences, professional meetings, seminars, and workshops is the prevalent form of professional development for academic librarians. Library faculty should provide evidence that these activities have been meaningful and substantive, as indicated by the following criteria:
- Should be related primarily to the faculty candidate’s area of specialization within the library, as well as to librarianship and higher education generally
- Should keep the candidate apprised of and skilled in advances in information technology
- Should take place at a variety of levels, at regional and national events as well as at locally-sponsored activities (as funding permits)
- Should span a variety of intensities, including multi-day sessions as well as single and half-day events (as funding permits)
- Documentation of conferences, seminars, and workshops attended and participation in conference activities may be submitted. Includes attendance certificate or CEU’s awarded.
- Post-M.L.S. Studies: Include the name of the university, dates, nature of the courses taken, and whether they will lead to a certificate or degree.
- Sabbaticals: Describe the goals and activities undertaken.
- Professional reading: Include a listing of professional journals read regularly.