No man is an island according to John Donne, and this is
certainly true when it comes to the information professional. We are a vibrant,
collaborative and involved community, always willing to share our knowledge
with each other. In order to tap into that knowledge bank, we need to be an ‘Engaged
Professional’, so titles our fourth digital open badge. Read about our first
open badge Visual Communicator here, our second badge Online Networker here and
our third Critical Thinker one here. Our final badge ‘CPD Champion’ is a
special reward you can apply for if you complete the previous four.
The Engaged Professional badge comprises four Things; Thing
19 Podcasts, Thing 20 Advocacy and Engagement, Thing 21 Professional Organisations,
and Thing 22, our final Reflective Practice. This set of Things is designed to
help you reflect on the profession as a whole and the part you play in it.
The beauty of Podcasts is that they suit the multitasking
librarian. They are digital audio files delivered through the internet, similar
to a radio show. While walking your dog
or stacking the library shelves you can catch up on professional subjects and
current activities in any field. A great Irish podcast is Librarians Aloud,
especially episode three which details our first run of Rudaí 23 in 2015. In
Thing 19, as well as curating a list of worthy Podcasts, you will discover the
tools and ability to create your own.
Now is the most important time in our history to advocate.
In this digital era, we have seen a tendency to disregard the library and its
staff, falsely assuming everything is available online, or everything online is
authoritative and all encompassing. We have been introduced to Open Libraries, debilitating
budget cuts, library closures and the like. It’s important that the public knows
the role the information professional plays and how essential it is. Unless we
advocate for our libraries, and rally those around us to do the same, they will
no longer exist. We also need to advocate for ourselves. Thing 20 will help you
ensure that your value and worth are appreciated in your organisation and your
position flourishes.
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| Save our libraries campaign |
Information professionals have learned by now that it is our
collective voice that has the largest impact. It is crucial that we are part of
a professional organisation. Being so will keep you informed, give you an
opportunity to network with likeminded colleagues, provide a forum to exchange
ideas and a platform to boost your career through CPD activities. It is through
our immersion in the Western Regional Section of the Library Association ofIreland that we created Rudaí 23. Thing 21 will introduce you to some of the
main professional bodies you should be aware of, such as the Library
Association of Ireland, and hopefully lead you on the path to further learning
opportunities and library joy. Eligibility to apply for this LAI certified
digital open badge requires you to complete a Reflective Practice with Thing
22, your penultimate module.
Thing 19: Podcasts January 6th 2018
Thing 20: Advocacy & Engagement January
13th 2018
Thing 21: Professional Organisations January
20th 2018
Thing 22: Reflective Practice Write January 20th 2018
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