Certification of continuing professional development for librarians in
Certification of continuing professional development for librarians in Singapore Choy Fatt Cheong University Librarian Nanyang Technological University Nov 2010
INTRODUCTION Knowledge obsolescence Library school Prof Qualification To live to old age, one must learn till old age . . . Continuing learning & professional development. . . . Continuing certification Professional Development Scheme (PDS) Role of library associations Advocacy of profession – Prescription of competencies & training requirement – Provision of training activities – Promotion of professional development and advancement Establishment of PDS by the Library Association of Singapore (LAS)
ABOUT SINGAPORE Population Area : : 4. 2 million, 690 km 2 China Thailand Vietnam Cambodia Philippines < 70 Libraries National + Public libraries (29) University libraries (3 + branches) Polytechnic libraries (5) Special libraries, school libraries Malaysia Indonesia ≈ 500 - 700 professional librarians SINGAPORE 400 are members of the Library Association of Singapore Australia
PDS ESTABLISHMENT PROCESS Process began in 2006 Discussed recommendation for professional development Decided on establishing infrastructure for CPD Proposed Professional Development Scheme (PDS) Focus on recognition (certification) of CPD effort Sought in-principle agreement from Council of Chief Librarians Worked with LAS Training & Development Committee Post discussion paper on LAS Website Held forum to discuss scheme & elicit feedback Approval by LAS Council LAS set up PDS Implementation Group Professional development scheme implemented in 2009
PDS SCHEME IN BRIEF Engage in activities to pick up points + + = 1, 000 pts Within 2 years ED (Expertise Development) 500 ID (Industry Development) SD (Self Development) 400 1000 Submit records of activities for approval Applicants tally up points PDS Board May submit in any quarter Board verifies & decide 5 members appointed by LAS 1 mth public scrutiny of PDS records Get gazetted as PP (Practicing Professional) Names listed in LAS website for 2 years Entitled to use PPLAS designation
CATEGORIES OF ACTIVITIES Activity groups Description ED Activities that will help to upgrade and improve the skills and knowledge of practitioners 500 Activities that keep the practitioner informed of current developments in the information industry 400 Activities that help the practitioner improve on work productivity, management skills and general knowledge 100 Expertise Development ID Industry Development SD Self (Personal) Development Points
ED-EXPERTISE DEVELOPMENT - TYPES OF ACTIVITIES TRAINING PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES Participate in conference, seminar, workshop, briefing – face-to-face or online Participate in internship 17 – 160 points Speaker at forum, chair of session Member of committee of professional bodies Participate in mentorship scheme 29 – 176 points Write paper for conference, present posters AUTHORSHIP PROFESSIONAL READING Publish journal paper or book Write feature articles for news bulletin, official blog 50 – 220 points Personal reading Participate in reading circles Maintain blogs on professional matters Engage in independent learning project 100 points 500
TYPES ID & PDOF - TYPES ACTIVITIES OF ACTIVITIES INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT Participate in talks, forums, discussion Participate in product/service briefing & demonstration by vendors 24 – 70 points Attend library related exhibitions Study visit to other libraries 400 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Participate in any self development or productivity courses not directly related to library & information work 26 - 32 points 100 1, 000
TYPES PROCESS OF ACTIVITIES
TYPES INFORMATION MORE OF ACTIVITIES http: //sites. google. com/site/laspds 09/Home OR www. las. org. sg
TYPES OF ACTIVITIES CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGNING PDS To engage, not prescribe Up to individuals to plan their professional development – does not prescribed specific courses or training Encourage a wider perspective of continual professional development, not just training Emphasize that CPD covers a broad spectrum of activities Caps on weightage requires participant to engage in various types of activities Steer professional development activities towards certain direction ED to build skills and knowledge ID to keep updated PD for honing up on personal effectiveness
TYPES OF ACTIVITIES OBJECTIVE OF PDS Concrete recognition of effort in CPD and training Most librarians already engaged in training and CPD Continuous certification an extension of MLS requirement Encourage ALL librarians to engage in CPD Help remove barriers in pursuing CPD Prescribed industry standard will convince organizations to support CPD Help organizations align staff CPD with industry goals Align & place higher focus on library & information work PDS has components not commonly included in staff training programmes Industry standard – provide common yardstick Common standard on type of CPD activities & intensity of effort PP certification is portable Adapted for our circumstances Take account of small profession, no full-time secretariat support PDS must be simple to implement and maintain
CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS Employers must : Tie annual performance appraisal with attainment of PP status Promotion to higher grade requires attainment of PP status New recruits must have PP (except for entry level) Provide other incentives for staff to attain PP Success depends on : Endorsement by majority of employers Fit in with current emphasis on training & staff development Accepted by profession at large Minimum acceptance costs for employers Raise expertise & professional standing
IMPACT ON THE PROFESSION Raise overall expertise level of the profession Increase in better informed, up-to-date & skilled librarians Librarians & the profession will be more aware and attuned to industry needs Greater interaction in the profession – leads to more synergies & growth opportunities Roll-on effects : Attract more training providers & better quality programmes More variety & number of professional activities Increase local knowledge base – from requirement in sharing & publications Raise profile & image of the profession Shows a progressive and responsible profession Better chance of remaining relevant and valuable to society
CONCLUSION CPD has always been a central focus for library work – we help others do their CPD effectively PDS is an important response to the challenges of our Era It establish an infrastructure that commit librarians to life-long education and professional development THANK YOU CHOY FATT CHEONG fcchoy@ntu. edu. sg
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