Professional Development in an Industrial Library: Some Personal Observations

The organizational context in which an industrial information unit operates is important. If a company does not have a formal structure in place for continuing professional development (CPD), it can be difficult for the information professional to pursue “sponsored” CPD events such as training courses. Lack of money, constraints on time, being only a very small part of the company and image are barriers to development. Although not obvious CPD, job experience is where the bulk of professional development lies for the industrial information specialist. The wide variety of skills necessary are rooted in practicality. The most important area is people skills. These are difficult to teach and therefore are the most valuable and the most transferable.