Things 6 and 7

cpd23 is upping the ante this week with two Things to do(!): online networks and face-to-face networks. So if you're sitting comfortably I'll begin with online networks. I'm afraid my attitude in the main to online social networks thus far has been, if online social networks are say, Dracula, then I have grabbed the garlic! Thinking seriously now, there are probably two key reasons why I personally haven't gone down this road: privacy, and a desire to spend what little free time I have as far away from computers/emails/messaging, etc. as possible! I have found reading around facebook and LinkedIn useful and interesting, so thanks cpd23 for that. I can certainly see the benefits of LinkedIn professionally, particularly if one is looking for work; and facebook could be very effective for campaigning and awareness-raising I should think. I found it particularly useful to see example profiles. I was surprised by how much LinkedIn was like having an online CV.

For Thing 7 we are asked to blog about our experiences with professional organisations. I have been a member of CILIP since studying for my MA in Information Services Management at the then University of North London all those years ago! I must confess I did make more of an effort to get along to things in my early days particularly during my chartership. I have however always made use of the special interest groups, sometimes signing up for more than the CILIP standard allocation of 2. I always scan any emails and publications I receive, and have written for a few publications too which I have found very rewarding and enjoyable. I have been fortunate enough to have an employer that has supported my CPD and I have benefited from attending several CILIP training courses. It is a great shame that these are no longer available as before as I would argue that this was one of the best services provided by CILIP.

A few groups I would recommend are ALISS (the Association of Librarians and Information Professionals in the Social Sciences). Very useful for librarians working in special/academic libraries, and they organise very interesting visits to other libraries. The other is CHILL (Consortium of Independent Health Information Libraries in London). It was through CHILL that I learnt of cpd23. They host regular meetings for members which often include a tour of the host's library. They help professionals working in independent specialist health libraries such as charities and the royal colleges to network, seek and share expertise, and access training.