The Road Less Travelled: alternative approaches to library staff development and accreditation [Event Ref. No. TG1/RLT]

Twitter – #cpd25_RLT

Academic library staff training and development typically encompasses internal courses, LIS qualifications and CILIP chartership, events held by organisations like cpd25, and the wealth of conferences and meetings that our profession so excels at putting on. However, some library staff choose a different path, opting to achieve qualifications or experience in areas which are, strictly speaking, outside of what we might narrowly think of as ‘for librarians’. Others are prepared to look abroad for the chance to gain greater experience and insight.

At this event, we will hear from four speakers who have done just this. Elizabeth Charles, Assistant Director at Birkbeck College, is a certified member of the Association for Learning Technology (CMALT), a peer-based professional accreditation scheme aimed at people whose work involves online learning. Sarah Wolfenden, a Subject Librarian at Brunel University,  has a Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS) award, a City and Guilds qualification often held by teachers involved in adult learning. Marina Burroughs, from the University of East London, is Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), a certification held by a number of librarians but not usually library assistants without an LIS qualification, as Marina is. Paul Allchin, a Reference Specialist at the British Library, recently enjoyed an internship at the Austrian National Library in Vienna, and experienced a style of training he describes as more akin to an apprenticeship.

As this list suggests, the theme of the afternoon is also about taking responsibility for our own development, something the four speakers have clearly done. As our profession diversifies and develops, many more of us will consider alternative approaches and this event is therefore a chance to hear from people who have already made that leap. The seminar will hear from each speaker; they will describe the process they went through and also reflect on how it has helped them in their current role, and how it might benefit them in future ones, too. While it may be of particular interest to library staff who are involved with programming staff training, we hope it will appeal to any librarians interested in developing their own career. The four presentations will be preceded by a lunch and followed by an informal discussion session, allowing delegates to come together and share ideas.

Programme: 

13.00-14.00         Registration and lunch

14.05-14.25         Elizabeth Charles, Birkbeck College: Certified Membership of the Association for Learning Technology (CMALT)

14.25-14.45         Sarah Wolfenden, Brunel University: Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS)

14.45-15.05         Marina Burroughs, University of East London: Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)

15.05-15.25         Break

15.25-15.45         Paul Allchin, British Library: on his placement at the Austrian National Library

15.45-16.25         Breakout discussion and questions

16:30                     Close

Venue:

The Exchange Room, City Business Library, Guildhall, Aldermanbury, London EC2V 7HH

Website – http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/business/economic-research-and-information/city-business-library/Pages/default.aspx

Cost:

£75 for members and £112 for other institutions.

Cancellations less than one week before the event will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. In the event of a ‘no-show’ on the day, the full fee will be charged.

To book a place please use our online booking form.