CPD column

At the ALIA 2002 Conference, Dr Alan Bundy gave an address entitled "Only connect" which argued the need for greater connection within our profession. The professional silos that exist prevent the sharing of knowledge and resources which could be of benefit not just to a particular group but to the profession as a whole. Dr Bundy pointed out that geese flying in a V formation boost the flock's flying range by 71% because the geese can use the uplift of the birds in front. WA groups could certainly benefit from the uplift of greater collaboration. The ALIA group application lends itself to this as the advance planning of activities (next year's events must be included in the application due by November 1) gives the opportunity to liaise and discuss with other groups possible joint functions.

Now is the time to connect to your profession as WA Forum, the CPD Committee, WALTG, and KISWA are looking for members to serve during the 2002-2003 year. Serving on committees develops many useful skills which you can also apply to your job: planning, running functions, publicity, public speaking, budgeting, time management, and so on. CPD members will know that it counts as activity G in the CPD scheme but it also develops professional and social networks. You can read about committee roles and responsibilities in the updated Office-bearer's Guide on ALIAnet.

ALIA has called for feedback into the LISEKA (Library and Information Science Education for the Knowledge Age) Project so the professional reading group meeting on June 12 will discuss the papers on this (available at http://www.alia.org.au/education/liseka/). The focus of the project is to develop a national approach to career-long education for library staff. This is the only meeting in WA to discuss the implications of the models so we would like as many people as possible to attend. Remember that it is your future that will be affected by the results of the LISEKA Project so take the opportunity to have your say.

Camille Peters
CPD co-ordinator

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