Connections and communications between libraries are a great way of learning.
IFLA is all about providing a space and opportunity to do this, across borders, between library types.
We all have things we can share with others, as well as ways we can gain by listening.
But this is particularly important for newer professionals, in order to help them gain knowledge and experience.
Indeed, we can make a major contribution to the future of our field by helping those who will lead it be ready to take on this responsibility.
So for our 9th 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think how you can support someone in their career.
Can you share advice or experience?
If you have newer professionals working to you, what opportunities can you offer to take on responsibilities, and grow in confidence?
Perhaps you could become a coach or mentor, following the suggestions from IFLA’s Section on Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning?
Of course, actually providing support will (usually) take more than 10 minutes, but this should be long enough to come up with some ideas!
Feel free to share them as comments below!
Good luck!
This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! Strategic Direction 3, Key Initiative 4: Work with library associations and libraries to identify key legal and funding challenges to their work, and advocate for action.
As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box.