Continuous Professional Development for Information Professionals Through The Nigerian Library Association

Abstract

This paper reviews the continuous professional development of information professionals through the Nigerian Library Association. Professional development is a lifelong learning and is indispensable for professional growth and instrumental for sustaining one’s competence. The library can also become more productive with new skills and knowledge acquired through professional development programs. The various professional development programs put in place by librarians include seminars, peer coaching, workshops, conferences, mentorship, courses, symposium real-time webcasts, and distance learning programs with interactive capabilities. The paper discusses the importance of professional development programs which includes updating knowledge and skills in existing and new areas of practice, keeping professional qualifications up-to-date, raising one’s profile through certifications and networking, making oneself more marketable to future employers, and obtaining new improved skills-making challenges tasks easier. The paper highlighted the problems associated with attending professional development which include; lack of interest, un- acceptance of submitted papers and lack of awareness.