Leading Professional Development: Growing Librarians for the Digital Age

This book shows how LIS schools and professional organizations can help information professionals to continue their education after finishing formal programs to keep up with the growing demands of the field.

As technology rapidly advances, the need for continuing education increases at an accelerating rate. Within 10–12 years of completing formal education, most information professionals' knowledge and skills become out of date, leaving them only half as able to meet the new demands of the profession. Additionally, the increase in online education programs for LIS students can limit their connection with practicing professionals and, in some locations, their engagement with diverse populations.

LIS schools and professional development organizations, however, can support professional development in new and exciting ways. Readers will learn how faculty in LIS schools are innovating their courses and providing continuing education experiences. Taking advantage of the benefits of online, digital, and experiential learning projects, they are creating meaningful, collaborative learning opportunities between students and practitioners in the field. The book also addresses how social media tools can help online students experience interactive community learning and network within the profession before they start their positions.

Mary H. Moen is assistant professor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Rhode Island.

Sarah A. Buchanan is assistant professor in the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies (iSchool) at the University of Missouri.