Professional development is practice and learning that supports your professional growth. This could be learning more about the work you are already doing, improving your skills and/or learning in order to move into another kind of job.
There are many ways to pursue professional development.
Classes, webinars and workshops
- The Seminars, webinars and workshops Commons page provides many resources for learning
- Check out Workday Learning to view upcoming library and Multnomah County classes
Conference attendance
Multnomah County Library encourages and supports staff growth and development through participation in educational and training programs. Staff members have a goal to continue to develop themselves professionally to enhance their excellence as library staff and to fulfill their roles as members of the professional library community. Attendance at and participation in professional library organizations and functions is beneficial to the library, the employee, and the public.
For information on attending a conference, visit the conference Commons page.
Degree or certificate programs
- Find out about tuition reimbursement for library school
- Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs that may be useful in your career development.
If you are interested in taking a class or earning a certificate, talk to your supervisor for help determining whether the subject aligns with your professional goals and whether your department will pay for you to pursue the opportunity.
Mentorship
Mentorship is an opportunity for both the mentor and the mentee to develop professionally. For formal mentorship opportunities, look into what programs are available through your professional organization:
For informal mentorship opportunities, you may want to work with your supervisor to identify opportunities to mentor or be mentored by a coworker. Various MCL groups offer formal mentorship, as well.
Committee participation
Talk with your supervisor about participating in an MCL committee or joining a committee through a professional organization like ALA or OLA. You must have permission from your supervisor to join a committee. Committee participation within MCL and for professional organizations takes significant time and effort.
Special projects and stretch assignments
Work with your supervisor to identify and agree on a job-related project that allows the you to develop skills that are not usually part of your job. Leading the project can be a good way to develop leadership skills.
Working in a different classification
Professional development may also mean working in a different classification than your regular position. Access Services employees who are on the LA or librarian hiring list may talk with their supervisor about applying to receive Information Services training. Supervisors who approve AS employees who are on the LA or the librarian hiring list may fill out the Information Services professional development training referral form.
Part-time staff who are trained for more than one job may pick up shifts in different classifications.
Full time staff follow a process to gain the opportunity to practice the skills gained from training in a different classification.
Librarian Trainee positions
When a vacancy arises, library leadership is working with Human Resources to determine if the position is in the correct classification and whether the scope of work matches. This process has resulted in internal promotional opportunities for staff. Trainee programs are outlined in Personnel Rule 5-30-030.
If you are an employee interested in applying for a librarian trainee position you must:
- Be currently enrolled in a qualifying MLIS program and have 24 or less months left to complete school
- Meet any additional KSAs if the position has them
If you are a supervisor interested in converting a librarian vacancy to a trainee position, contact Human Resources.