How do you share and learn from library professional standards and competencies?

1 Join a professional association

One of the best ways to share and learn from library professional standards and competencies is to join a professional association that represents your sector, specialty, or interest. Professional associations offer opportunities for networking, mentoring, advocacy, and education. They also develop and update the standards and competencies for their members and provide access to publications, webinars, workshops, and conferences. Some examples of professional associations for library workers are the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), the Public Library Association (PLA), and the Special Libraries Association (SLA).

2 Participate in continuing education

Another way to share and learn from library professional standards and competencies is to participate in continuing education programs that align with your goals and needs. Continuing education can help you to refresh your knowledge, learn new skills, explore new trends, and earn credentials or certificates. You can find continuing education opportunities through your professional association, your employer, your library school, or online platforms. Some examples of continuing education programs for library workers are the Library Juice Academy, the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA) Webinars, the Library of Congress Webinars and Workshops, and the Library 2.0 Virtual Conferences.

3 Engage in communities of practice

A third way to share and learn from library professional standards and competencies is to engage in communities of practice that connect you with other library workers who share your passion, challenge, or problem. Communities of practice are groups of people who learn from each other through regular interaction, collaboration, and reflection. They can be formal or informal, online or offline, local or global. They can help you to exchange ideas, share best practices, solve issues, and innovate solutions. Some examples of communities of practice for library workers are the ALA Connect, the Library Think Tank Facebook Group, the Librarian Parlor, and the Library Carpentry.

4 Create a professional portfolio

A fourth way to share and learn from library professional standards and competencies is to create a professional portfolio that showcases your achievements, projects, and reflections. A professional portfolio is a collection of evidence that demonstrates your learning, growth, and impact as a library worker. It can help you to document your competencies, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, plan your career development, and communicate your value and potential. You can create a professional portfolio using various tools and platforms, such as Google Sites, WordPress, Portfolium, or LinkedIn.

5 Seek feedback and mentoring

A fifth way to share and learn from library professional standards and competencies is to seek feedback and mentoring from your peers, supervisors, mentors, or coaches. Feedback and mentoring can help you to improve your performance, identify your gaps, set your goals, and find your direction. They can also help you to build your confidence, motivation, and resilience. You can seek feedback and mentoring through formal or informal channels, such as performance reviews, surveys, conversations, or programs. Some examples of feedback and mentoring programs for library workers are the ALA Emerging Leaders Program, the ACRL Peer-Reviewed Instructional Materials Online (PRIMO) Database, the PLA Coaching Program, and the SLA Mentor Match Program.

6 Follow the trends and innovations

A sixth way to share and learn from library professional standards and competencies is to follow the trends and innovations that affect your field and practice. Trends and innovations can help you to anticipate the changes, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead for library workers. They can also help you to adapt, innovate, and lead in your role and context. You can follow the trends and innovations through various sources, such as blogs, podcasts, newsletters, reports, or journals. Some examples of sources for library trends and innovations are the Library Journal, the American Libraries Magazine, the LibUX Podcast, and the Horizon Report.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?