Professional Development Plan The following is a list of things I’d like to accomplish educationally, professionally, and career-wise of the next 5 years. Education • Finish MLIS degree in the Fall of 2012. • Evaluate journals and other resources within the profession to subscribe to if I don’t have access to them through a library, and identify journals in related fields (publishing, technology, public service) to help broaden my understanding of LIS as an interdisciplinary profession and to keep up with current trends that may affect libraries. • Identify continuing education opportunities, including webinars, workshops, and continue participating in ALA and NCLA (or the association in the state I’m employed) conferences and listervs. • Identify listservs in my area of interest through the ALA and other library sites to hear about real-life issues happening in libraries, and to learn about best practices. • Identify blogs and websites to keep me updated and connected on trends. • Identify continuing education courses available to me depending on my location and my financial means. • Identify and participate in continuing education classes that are conducive to my location and financial means. Career • Gain an entry level position in tech services, information literacy, or reference. • Plan innovative programs and services for users. • Participate in needs assessments to better gauge user needs. • Work collaboratively with coworkers in order to meet strategic goals. • Network with other professionals at conferences and other networking events to make connections, as well as to keep current with current issues and trends that might affect my library. • Continue to subscribe to listservs that pertain to my type of position and library so that I have an outlet to seek advice from my peers as well as gain a better perspective of the shifts in general library culture. • Identify and consider certifications and continual education to advance my career. • Start looking for room promotion or positions that aren’t considered entry level. • Collaborate with outside agencies to meet user needs and improve access. Profession • Join the UNCG MLIS Alumni Association. • Join ALA, and its pertinent divisions, including LITA, ACRL, ALCTS and RUSA. • Join the Intellectual Freedom, Library Instruction, and Library Research round tables of the ALA as funds allow.
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Hold at least one leadership position in the above mentioned ALA divisions and Roundtables. Join the state library association in my state and work towards a leadership role within it. Advocate for legislation that will improve the state of libraries and their services, and against legislation that could be detrimental. Continue to find new ways to express the value of the library and its services. Identify possible funding opportunities to aid in continuing my education. Mentor LIS students in my community. Attend the 2014 ALA conference, if not sooner. Plan a poster proposal for the 2014 ALA conference. Publish research by 2015. Attend and present at a conference on the state level.