If you couldn’t join us at Library Camp in Melbourne following VALA2012, you can read the CoverItLive! tweetstream here.
February 10th, more than 150 library students and librarians met up at the University of Melbourne (thanks for the space!) to participate in an unconference. Participation is key in an unconference – you don’t come purely to listen, but to engage, respond, propose ideas and present possible solutions to current issues. It’s fast-paced, it’s informal, and it’s fun!
After a few members of my PLN (personal learning network – ie; Twitter contacts and fellow library students) mentioned that they’d like to hear more about my professional development over the last year, I decided to present a lightning talk. I called it shameless self promotion, because frankly, those who are new to the industry don’t necessarily have a network of people to sing their praises for them. Who’s going to hire you or contact you if they don’t know you or understand where your interests lie?
We as a profession don’t always self-promote. Maybe we’re too modest. Maybe we’re too busy. Maybe, in this industry full of perfectionists, we don’t think we’re all that special. Whatever the case, professional development isn’t just about upskilling or taking classes. You need to get yourself out there, be involved, and let people know you’re ready to take on challenges! In less than three minutes, I presented an unrehearsed account of what I’d been up to in library land, and I included some suggestions for others to try in the coming months.
Here are the essentials:
Professional development? You can do it!
Use your strengths – writing? speaking? researching?
Use your network and your PLN
Blog, tweet, take part in online communities
Go to events (professional AND social!) and library tours
Submit to journals and INCITE, enter contests, apply for funding – you never know!
Keep track of what you do and what you learned, even if it’s just for yourself to see
Find a mentor to get you on track and give you encouragement
It’s all up to you! Be accountable for your own development.
Unconferences may seem like more fun than work, but they are definitely worthy of being included in your professional development. If you took the time and effort to come to Library Camp, you’re awesome! And if you presented, or shared something in a session, WOW! You are amazing!
I’m not saying you need to be conceited, but soon, you’ll be competing in the job market, and that’s no place to be modest about your skills and experiences. Start thinking about what makes you stand out, what you want to be known for, and what you can do to reach your personal and professional goals. And remember… it’s all up to you!
