ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews developments in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in relation to university library practice and highlights particularly the impact of technology on content and delivery. A commitment to CPD is one of the defining characteristics of being a member of a profession, rather than having an occupation or doing a job. CPD can be experienced in many different ways, both on the job and away from the workplace. The importance of work-based or workplace learning for staff development is evidenced by the formation in 2003 of a new section of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) specifically to focus on Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning (CPDWL). The impact of the digital environment on CPD activities can be seen here in some of the methods included, such as online or e-learning, professional networking experienced through virtual environments and websites for knowledge exchange. Doctoral degrees have not traditionally been a popular CPD strategy for practising librarians.
