Continuing Professional Development for Information Professionals through the Nigeria library association

Abstract

This paper reviews the continuing 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 programmes. The various professional development programmes put in place by librarians include seminars, peer coaching, workshops, conferences mentorship, courses, symposia, real-time webcasts, and distance learning programmes with interactive capabilities. The paper discusses the importance of professional development programmes which includes to 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 one more marketable to future employers and obtaining new improved skills – making challenging task easier. The paper highlighted the problems associated with attending professional development programmes which includes; lack of interest, un acceptance of submitted papers and lack of awareness.