Continuous Professional Development for Library Professionals in the Universities of Kerala : A Study

摘要

Purpose: Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is the process of enhancing and updating the skills, abilities, and competencies of the professionals. The present study is to explore the current status of CPD among library and information (LI) professionals working in the libraries attached to the eight state universities in Kerala. The study aims to evaluate attitude of LIS professionals towards CPD. Methodology: A structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to 276LIS professionals. Out of it, 9637 percent of questionnaires were duly filled and returned.A census method was adopted for the collection of data. Data were analysed and interpreted to achieve different objectives of the study. Findings: The study found that 93% of respondents have MLISc and higher qualifications. Nearly forty-eight percent of respondents have the additional qualification, and professional factor is the main attribute for acquiring additional qualification. The study reveals the participation of LIS professionals in the seminar, workshop, conference, training and UGC-Human Resource DevelopmentCentre (UGC-HRDC) programmes. The study shows that nearly seventy percent of respondents have participated in at least one seminar and workshop, and nearly sixty-six percent are participated in at least one training programme. However, nearly fifty-seven percent of respondents have not participated in any conferences. LIS professionals are also participating in the programmes of UGC-Human Resource Development Centre. Originality: The study is the original research conducted based on primary data collected from regular LIS professionals. It depicts the status of continuous professional development among LIS professionals. The study has an impact on the development of professional human resources and management of libraries and also useful for understanding CPD in similar organizations and to enable LIS professionals keeping up to date with changes.