Reflection on CPD

On CPD 23 this week, reflecting on CPD. A very interesting insight. I too am an older CPD23er. Not having spent all time working life in libraries I have dabbled elsewhere. Upskilling seems to be essential in retaining employment in our economically challenged times. As a solo librarian in a school I feel there are huge barriers to increased status and salaries a) largely we are a female based workforce and b) school managers do not recognise our contribution to teaching and learning sufficiently to equate us on all levels with teachers. It appears the only way to move on is to seek employment in other careers. Again this makes upskilling and alternative CPD essential. I like the idea onsliding into unconscious incompetence, but there's no room for that in my working life when jobs are on the line.

Thing 9 Evernote

Evernote is a wonderful tool that I've been using for about a year. I have serious trouble remembering all the passwords to various tools, forums etc and this is where I store them. Is it secure? Well I suspect it would be more than the business is worth to lose a reputation based on information being hacked. I haven't managed to fill the free version's space limit. It's certainly one to recommend to students as a useful 'tracking' tool when they do their research. In comparison to Diigo I find it easier to use.

Thing 8 Google Calendar

I'm really impressed with Google Calendar and it's email alerts. When I get around to getting a Smart phone this will be even more valuable. I do like the fact that you can share the calendar, which will be invaluable if I set this up for my Library Assistant to share which will save a lot of crossed wires. Even better, it actually works in school without having firewall problems. A small comment is that the alerts only come in on the day you've added event in. Sometimes it's actually useful to have that information the day before, so a practical solution is to add alerts on the day before as well. Microsoft's Office version on Outlook is preferred tool in school, so maybe having two claendars will be too confusing. Watch this space to see who wins out!

Thing 7Real-life networks

Professional organisations. I have found belonging to CILIP & SLA vital to my professional development and for support in times of crisis. I  managed to go to the Lighting the Future conference run jointly by SLG, SLA & YLG where face to face networking is a huge part of the weekend as well as updating on all the latest technologies etc. Locally, I belong to the county School Librarians group which again provides support and CPD opportunites locally. As a librarian in an independent school, I and others are trying to get a group of us together in our local region. SLA were our first port of call for information on who we can conatct, but they haven't been very forthcoming. We may have to spread this by word of mouth/online using various groups. But then I've signed up for so many, that shouldn't be too hard! Cost has become an important factor in belonging to more professional organisations other than keeping up to date online. After all, librarians aren't paid that much!

Thing 6 Networking Online

I already have accounts with Facebook, Twitter and Linked In, but need to sort the latter profile to be more efficient. I have added the groups to my profile and continue to receive updates. I find links in Facebook and Twitter to be the best form of gleaning info on CILIP, although email alerts often get to me first. Many of the posts on various forums are irrelevant to me so thankfully, I have managed to speed up the scanning process . I've signed up for so many  groups or info feeds online that I have somehow to find the time to read everything?! This time around I have signed up to the LAT site. Interesting, if a little confusing on the web page navigation. Librarians as teachers is an area needing development in my personal development plan or PDP, but needs more resources not just comments. LISNPN looks good, but does it do anything more than our very own SLN on Yahoo groups?Had a quick scan of Pinterest. Looks great fun, but is it anything more than a visual version of Evernote? Great for visual learners in school though. So many groups! What we need is a one stop shop...CILIP can you help?