Continuous Professional Development Activities of Professional Librarians in Nigeria

Abstract

Considering the dynamic nature of information and information sources, coupled with the sophistication of users and advances in the technology, it is necessary that library and information practitioners actively engage in continuous professional development (CPD) in order to meet up with the challenges and render quality services. This study investigates the CPD involvement of professional librarians in Nigeria. A social survey method of research was adopted for the study and questionnaire was used for data collection. The outcome of the study reveals that libraries have CPD policies but poor budgetary provisions, lack of relevant committees, and motivation for staff hinders its implementation. Also, librarians majorly engage in workshop and conferences as a means of professional development as against networking or group discussion, mentoring, study visits, reading professional literature, etc. Major challenge to the involvement of librarians in CPD activities are lack of instructional support and poor funding. The study recommends among others adequate budgetary provision for CPD, constitution of relevant implementation committees, adequate sensitization of librarians on various CPD avenues, and adoption of robust model professional development of librarians.

Keywords: Professional Development; CPD; Policy; Librarians