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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Ikhlaq ur Rehman, Uzma Majeed and Shabir Ahmad Ganaie

Continuous professional development (CPD) plays a crucial role in the library workplace by equipping library and information science (LIS) professionals with the skills and…

Abstract

Purpose

Continuous professional development (CPD) plays a crucial role in the library workplace by equipping library and information science (LIS) professionals with the skills and technical knowledge to bridge the theory-praxis gap, assuring that library practitioners and their organisations continue to innovate and stay successful and tailored to the requirement of their users. The aim of the study was to investigate the channels of CPD for LIS professionals working in the university libraries of Northern India. Also, it explored the motivations and barriers related to the LIS professionals’ CPD.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative research design followed by the survey research method. The study population included LIS professionals working in the university libraries of Northern India. Data was gathered from 177 respondents via the census sampling method.

Findings

LIS professionals engaged in CPD activities through multiple channels. Intrinsic factors primarily governed the motivation for CPD. Similarly, time and finance were significant challenges for LIS CPD. Lastly, most libraries were headed by in-charge librarians (non-professionals). De-professionalisation, or the deliberate de-skilling of professional roles, threatens the basis upon which librarians establish their credibility as professionals.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first of its kind from the perspective of a developing country, adding to the CPD literature in academic libraries.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2020

Qurat Ul Ain Saleem and Murtaza Ashiq

Continuous professional development is an essential in-service and on-going learning process that provides an opportunity to young and mid-career professionals to update and align…

Abstract

Purpose

Continuous professional development is an essential in-service and on-going learning process that provides an opportunity to young and mid-career professionals to update and align their skills in connection with the contemporary needs of library users. This study aims to identify and synthesize the literature on continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for Pakistani librarians and information professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on descriptive literature review published by Pakistani researchers with specific reference to Pakistani librarians and information professionals.

Findings

The findings revealed that albeit many initiatives have been taken by library and information science (LIS) schools and professional associations for developing the capabilities of librarians and information professionals, however, these initiatives remained spasmodic and limited to developing surface-level skills. Some emerging areas need to be addressed including information/digital literacy, research data management, data analysis and visualization and the skills to establish institutional repositories.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to CPD literature contributed by Pakistani researchers and the efforts taken by LIS schools and professional associations.

Originality/value

There is an immediate need to initiate a cohesive approach involving key stakeholders and to establish a platform purely working for CPD of librarians and information professionals focusing on current and future needs. The finding will be helpful for drawing foundation guidelines by library associations, LIS schools and librarian’s parent’s organizations regarding CPD opportunities.

Details

The Bottom Line, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0888-045X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2019

Katarina Mozova

The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with senior investigating officer (SIO) perspectives of their understanding of gang-related homicide and associated…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with senior investigating officer (SIO) perspectives of their understanding of gang-related homicide and associated investigative challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A phenomenological design was utilised in this study. In sum, 15 SIOs from the Metropolitan Police Service were interviewed using a semi-structured interview and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

It was found that the original typology of “gang homicide” might be too narrow and focus should be paid to “gang-related homicide”, characterised via motive behind the offence. This type of homicide exhibited specific characteristics (e.g. violent nature, large potential scene and pool of suspects) and investigative challenges which made it different from other types of homicide (e.g. complexity, need for more resources, managing unwilling witnesses, managing media interest, specific evidence challenges, need for thorough risk assessments). The need for expertise in the deployment of officers was highlighted and related to the desire for more continuing professional development (CPD).

Practical implications

Gang-related homicide is especially challenging, but due to its volume, SIOs in London developed a sort of “muscle memory” – something that other police services do not have, even though the “gang problem” is spreading outside of metropolitan areas. Support for changes (e.g. in the utility of community impact assessment) and non-standard procedures (e.g. consideration of covert operations early on) should be discussed in further training and manual development. More attention needs to be paid to the synthesis of experience, expertise and science, SIOs being especially interested in debriefs and CPD opportunities. Multi-agency training is key for homicide investigators, relating to the complex nature of gang-related homicide and relevant safeguarding issues. Resourcing is a clear issue relating to the increase in gang-related homicide, as well as its investigation.

Originality/value

This is the first research into investigative challenges of gang-related homicide in England and Wales, and the findings can be utilised by all police services who may be dealing with gangs in their area. The findings can also support calls for change and development within services.

Details

Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3841

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2011

Kanwal Ameen

This paper intends to throw light on major challenges and opportunities the twenty‐first century has brought to librarianship due to the emerging academic culture, and growing use…

2317

Abstract

Purpose

This paper intends to throw light on major challenges and opportunities the twenty‐first century has brought to librarianship due to the emerging academic culture, and growing use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The content is based on the literature, personal communication with national and foreign peers, the writer's 25 years' experience, observation and research in the field of librarianship.

Findings

Libraries in developing countries are being significantly affected by the ongoing ICT developments from basic infrastructure to collections to services to needed human resources. All quarters of the community need vision and preparedness to turn challenges into opportunities, and instead of being chaotic make change that is productive for society and themselves. It appeared that the overall growth in librarianship is much better since the dawn of the twenty‐first century.

Originality/value

The new aspects discussed in the context of Pakistan may provide guidelines for future planning, and growth of professional and libraries. It is assumed that the situation is similar to other developing countries. So, the work will be useful in creating awareness among professionals of other countries.

Details

Library Management, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2019

Nosheen Fatima Warraich, Kanwal Ameen and Amara Malik

This study aims to highlight the issues and concerns specific to information professionals (IPs) in academic libraries of Pakistan. It identifies the problems that academic…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the issues and concerns specific to information professionals (IPs) in academic libraries of Pakistan. It identifies the problems that academic libraries face in attracting and hiring competent IPs along with the strategies to be used to recruit and retain them in the dynamic environment of academia. Moreover, it provides a list of required skills that employers would look for while hiring IPs in academic settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews of 20 library leaders involved in hiring process were conducted from 16 public and private sector universities.

Findings

Findings identified interpersonal skills as the most desired followed by the subject knowledge and IT orientation while hiring IPs for the present and foreseeable future. Good salary package, conducive work environment with opportunities for learning and continuing professional development and speedy promotion were significant perceived factors to attract and retain the talented professionals in university library settings.

Practical implications

The study would be helpful for policymakers and administrators to hire and retain the IPs capable of developing user-centered services in academic libraries.

Originality/value

Practical suggestions made for hiring, retaining and developing IPs in academic libraries would be beneficial for other developing countries with similar context. It addressed an unexplored area in the context of a developing country and reported original research that will assist policy and decision-makers to hire and retain competent human resources.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 68 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 November 2020

Sajjad Ahmad, Shehzad Ahmad and Kanwal Ameen

The purpose of this paper is to study the self-perceptions of university information professionals about continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities regarding their…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the self-perceptions of university information professionals about continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities regarding their soft skills.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative design using in-depth interviews was used. The population was all the information professionals working in the public sector universities of Pakistan, but the geographic range of the population, to reduce travelling expenses and to complete the study in time, the interviews were restricted to the universities of the capital city Islamabad and provincial capital Peshawar. A total of 21 interviews were conducted using a snowball sampling technique to select information professionals.

Findings

The findings revealed that only three information professionals attended CPD opportunities in soft skills. More than half of the information professionals stated that CPD programmes have an overall “good” impact on the development of their soft skills. Similarly, more than half of the participants stated that CPD training opportunities on soft skills are very limited. The majority of the participants held professional associations responsible for the development of information professionals’ soft skills. It was also found that communication and persuasion skills, self-management skills and interpersonal skills were the top three soft skill categories for which they urged CPD programmes.

Research limitations/implications

During interviews, most of the Assistant Librarians were not expressive and comfortable. This might be because of a lack of their soft skills knowledge, poor communication skills and interview anxiety.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in Pakistan that dealt with the CPD opportunities regarding soft skills of university information professionals using a qualitative research design.

Article
Publication date: 6 January 2012

Johanna Lammintakanen and Tuula Kivinen

The purpose of this paper is to describe and compare the views of nurses of different ages on continuing professional development (CPD). The authors were interested in possible…

3889

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and compare the views of nurses of different ages on continuing professional development (CPD). The authors were interested in possible differences in the use of formal and especially informal CPD practices between nurses of different ages, and likewise in possible differences in attitudes of nurses of different ages to CPD.

Design/methodology/approach

A postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of nursing staff (n=653) in six Finnish hospital districts. Three age groups were formed for this study: 39 or under, 40‐50 and 51 or older. The data were analyzed with statistical methods.

Findings

The youngest nurses participated least in those CPD practices that enhanced transfer of tacit knowledge. In addition, they reported more experiences of injustice in terms of CPD than their older colleagues.

Research limitations/implications

These results are preliminary, but supported by earlier research.

Practical implications

A crucial challenge for nursing management is how to balance the needs of nurses of different ages and enable the use of all the options currently available for CPD in health care organizations. Nurse managers need also to consider opportunities for workplace learning when they allocate nursing resources in their units. Due to the retirement of older workers it is essential to make tacit knowledge explicit in health care organizations and give the younger workers an opportunity to learn from older nurses' experiences and vice versa.

Originality/value

Recent studies have emphasized the importance of retaining older workers. The results of the effects of age on participating in different CPD practices have been somehow contradictory.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2007

Amanda Cossham and Alison Fields

This paper aims to analyse the differing views on and needs of librarians and their managers for continuing professional development (CPD).

1944

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the differing views on and needs of librarians and their managers for continuing professional development (CPD).

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws on the findings of a survey conducted by the authors in 2005. The survey was an assessment of the CPD needs of New Zealand's librarians and library assistants.

Findings

There is a significant gap between the CPD that individuals want, and that which their managers think they should have. Organisations overall need a greater strategic focus on CPD to ensure that budgets are spent well, staff are appropriately skilled, and the impact of CPD on both individuals and the organisation is tangible. Individuals need to take more responsibility for ensuring their needs are met.

Originality/value

Highlights a dual focus on CPD across the profession, in the light of the decision by the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa to adopt professional registration.

Details

Library Review, vol. 56 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1994

Mike Freeman

The arrival of continuing professional development (CPD) in the publicconsciousness of librarianship is a relatively new phenomenon, spurredon by rapid change in the information…

3144

Abstract

The arrival of continuing professional development (CPD) in the public consciousness of librarianship is a relatively new phenomenon, spurred on by rapid change in the information sector, “technological push”, obsolescence of initial professional qualifications and societal changes. Outlines the benefits of CPD and comments on the Library Association′s new initiative in the CPD arena. Examines some basic problems in CPD planning and provision, notably the terminological difficulty embedded in the concept of “professional” in the label “CPD”. Addresses the controversial area of mandatory versus compulsory CPD and the benefits or disadvantages involved, including the important “equal opportunities” dimension.

Details

Librarian Career Development, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-0810

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1994

Norman Jones and Nicola Fear

Explores several important issues associated with continuingprofessional development (CPD). Notes the importance of ensuring thatCPD is driven by the needs of the business, and…

5979

Abstract

Explores several important issues associated with continuing professional development (CPD). Notes the importance of ensuring that CPD is driven by the needs of the business, and also considers the issue of whether CPD should be compulsory or voluntary. Presents the results of a survey targeted at human resource professionals in South Wales. The survey explored the attitude of respondents to a variety of CPD issues and found that, although most organizations had business plans, such plans were frequently silent on human resource activities which could enhance general business direction. Respondents, while remaining over‐whelmingly opposed to compulsory CPD, were in favour of some certification and recognition for CPD activities.

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