Personal Professional Development and the Solo Librarian

The "Library Training Guides" provide a series of concisely written summaries of the best principles and practice in specific areas of training by experts in the field. They are aimed at practising librarians and library training officers, and give an overview of what can be done in a given situation and in relation to a particular skill, group of library staff or type of library. Each publication in the series supplies working examples of best practice relating to training and staff development across the library and information profession. For the information specialist working alone, personal professional development is a particular challenge. This training guide gives practical advice on identifying and meeting the need for continuing professional development. It looks at how those who manage information units on their own, or with minimal help, can make the most of the range of formal and informal opportunities open to them.
The guide offers a systematic approach to meeting the individual training needs of the solo information worker, networking to enhance professional practice, identifying and assessing skills and knowledge through self-analysis, and recognizing personal learning styles and using them to an advantage. It also looks at assessing professional courses and education and reviewing long-term career development.