This document discusses continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for library staff in Ireland. It presents results from surveys of CONUL Library Directors and staff. The results show that while most libraries encourage and support CPD, not all make it mandatory. Financial support and professional leave for external events like conferences are common benefits. Barriers to CPD engagement include lack of funding, staff coverage while away, and management support. The document suggests libraries support staff CPD to promote work-life balance, lifelong learning, and career advancement, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals. It concludes more research may be needed and findings could inform the CONUL Training & Development group.

1. Looking at the Library through the
lens of the SDGs
(Sustainable Development Goals)
simple ways to ensure library staff and libraries continue to thrive
Stephanie Chen, Digital Learning Specialist
@iamstephanie_c
Martin O’Connor, Communications Coordinator
@martinoconnor3

2. Introduction &
context

3. “To be truly sustainable, an
organization or community must
embody practices that are
environmentally sound AND
economically feasible AND socially
equitable.”
Resolution for the adoption of sustainability as a core value of librarianship, ALA, 2019

4. UN Sustainable Development Goals

5. Previous research
• Report on CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Needs of
Librarians and Information Professionals in Ireland
• Continuing Professional Development and Irish Libraries: Report of
Key Survey Findings
• Case Study A: Breaking Barriers: CPD for the 21st Century Academic
Librarian
• Keeping ahead of the curve: Academic librarians and continuing
professional development in Ireland
• On your own but not alone: One-person librarians in Ireland and their
perceptions of continuing professional development.

6. Results
And The Obligatory Disclaimer

7. Response Rate by Institution
CONUL Library Directors CONUL Library Staff

8. Role Categories – CONUL Library Staff
15
55 54
2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
High managerial (for example,
Director, Head Librarian, Head of
Portfolio)
Intermediate managerial or
professional (for example,
assistant librarian, archivist, or
equivalent)
Library assistant or senior library
assistant (or equivalent)
Other

9. Is CPD mandatory in the Library?
1
8
CONUL Library Directors
Yes No
14
86
26
CONUL Library Staff
Yes No Unsure

10. Is CPD encouraged in the Library?
9
CONUL Library Directors
Yes No
10
3
14
9
CONUL Library Staff
Yes No Unsure

11. Importance of CPD
8
1
0 0 0
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Very important Important Moderately
important
Slightly important Unimportant
CONUL Library Directors
77
34
9
2
4
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Very important Important Moderately
important
Slightly important Unimportant
CONUL Library Staff

12. CPD Offerings from the Library
8
7
4
8
3 3
9 9 9
2
0
2
4
6
8
10
CONUL Library Directors
Internal training programmes
Internal workshops
Orientation
Onboarding induction
Mentoring
Coaching
Attendance at external events (workshops, conferences, seminars, etc)
Opportunity to represent the library on internal committees or working groups
Opportunity to represent the Library on external committees or working groups
Other
78
83
55
48
26
16
111
100
94
12
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
CONUL Library Staff
Internal training programmes
Internal workshops
Orientation
Onboarding induction
Mentoring
Coaching
Attendance at external events (workshops, conferences, seminars, etc)
Opportunity to represent the library on internal committees or working groups
Opportunity to represent the Library on external committees or working groups
Other

13. CPD Supports from the Library
4
8
6
2 2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
CONUL Library Directors
Conference fund Financial support Professional leave Internal CPD committee Other
83
76
62
38
17
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
CONUL Library Staff
Conference fund Financial support Professional leave Internal CPD committee Other

14. CPD you wish were offered

15. Calls for

16. Barriers to engagement with CPD
1
5
0 0
4 4
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
CONUL Library Directors
Lack of financial support Lack of staff to provide cover
Lack of professional leave Lack of support from management
Lack of awareness Other
32
64
20
29
42
45
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
CONUL Library Staff
Lack of financial support Lack of staff to provide cover
Lack of professional leave Lack of support from management
Lack of awareness Other

17. Suggestions

18. SDG 3
Work-life balance
Supportive networks
Positive work environment

19. SDG 4
Lifelong learning
Professional development

20. SDG 8
Career advancement
Recognition and rewards
Strong advocacy and
community support

21. Conclusion

22. Future directions
• More research?
• Shared summary of relevant findings to CONUL Training &
Development

23. Selection of quotes – CONUL library staff
It's less opportunities that are lacking per se rather than
transparency and equitable processes in terms of how
resources are allocated when it comes to CPD
I wish there was more opportunities for Grade III and Grade IV
staff, a lot of interesting stuff is for higher grades only
I've been here a year and have yet to be trained in on the
basics of my role never mind CPD

24. Selection of quotes – CONUL library staff
I think we are offered a lot, it's up to me to avail of existing opportunities
It would be good to get an annual update on courses available and funding /
study time available
The library does a great job of circulating opportunities (…) it would be useful
if there was say 1 or 2 dedicated CPD sessions per year focused on a specific
topic that the Library has identified as a key strategic development
opportunity for all staff in line with Library or institutional objectives
I am happy with the CPD on offer

25. Quote – CONUL Library director
We (…) are always willing to listen if staff
have particular requests/suggestions

26. Thank you
stephanie.chen@ucc.ie
martin.oconnor@ucc.ie