In the Company of Friends

We may expect professional development to occur in the workplace or at a conference. But many librarians have discovered the joy that comes from growth in the company of like-minded professionals with whom they do not work! For example, one public library director told me that she has always participated on academic-related professional committees, because of the intellectual advancement and the opportunity to delve into another aspect of the profession.
    Similarly, Roberto Sarmiento, head librarian at Northwestern University’s Transportation Library in Evanston, Illinois, has experienced professional growth by contributing in professional organizations. What motivates him? “[I] get to meet like-minded information professionals— people that will become your friends forever.”
    In an article he’s preparing for publication, Sarmiento identifies two ways to get involved.

1. The Easy Way.
“Just pay your dues to get your magazine, access to the discussion list, perhaps attend an annual meeting . . . and have your name on the membership list. Importantly, you get to put it on your resume.” He continues, “There is nothing wrong with this; in fact, I did it for a while. You know the old sad reasons: My kids were small; I lived in a place with few professional groups. . . . In addition, you may belong to more than one organization and because of time or tastes, you are really only active in one or two.”

2. The Rewarding/Active Way.
“This will require more commitment, extra work, expense, additional travel, time away from home, etc. . . .
    “However, this will provide you with greater opportunities for service, leadership...deeper networking, training opportunities, and . . . personal satisfaction that you have made a difference! I believe that . . . most librarians do want to make a difference. Committed involvement in professional organizations . . . lends us the stage to attempt to fix a little part of the world where we can have immediate impact.”
    Other librarians have taken a more “grow your own” approach. Library consultant Miriam Pollack has a knack for identifying librarians with the potential to learn from and challenge one another. From time to time, they gather for lunch or dinner and talk about topics of interest. Each person leaves with a sheaf of good ideas, future contacts, and resources.
    Why does this work so well? “I think the key to learning is not the format, the medium, nor the message; it is the quality of the dialogue among peers that really matters,” Pollack says. “I learn the most from gathering creative people to engage in a discussion of their ideas. I like to refer to Donald Schon’s reflective practice theory, a process in which individuals thoughtfully consider their own experiences in applying knowledge to practice; an unstructured approach directing understanding and learning. Applying reflective practice to a community of practice is very powerful.”
    In short, it does not matter how you get started or with whom. Just find a way that suits you and begin—so you, too, can reap the benefits.

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WORKING WISDOM

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Miriam Pollack says, “Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and discuss how to do it better as they interact regularly. Participants build relationships that enable them to learn from each other.” Are you involved with a group that promotes creative thinking and supportive professional relationships, whether formal or informal? Tell me about it at working@ala.org.

(c) Copyright 2007 American Library Association