“This is How We Do It: One Professional Development Activity in the Lives of Librarians from Around the World” is a new series from the IFLA Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section to highlight our standing committee advisors, who they are and what they do!

In this post, we highlight Catharina Isberg, CPDWL standing committee advisor (a former SC member and remain involved in CPDWL activities) !

Why are you a standing committee advisor of CPDWL and what are you working on for CPDWL Section at the moment?

Catharina: Continuing professional development is key in all work. Our surrounding world is constantly changing and so is the L&I science field as well. We need to keep up with that in order to continue to give access to literature, information and knowledge and make it possible for everyone to be digitally included and part of the democratic society.

Right now I am involved in a CPDWL project on toxic workplace and management. Something I really believe is key, to really ensure good working conditions for all staff, the opposite to a toxic workplace.

What is one advice you have for new librarians interested in getting involved in IFLA or in their library associations for professional development?

Part of PD is learning in your daily work. So my example is when I was part of recording a Pod with one of the founders of the Management & Marketing Section, Christina Tovote. I really learned a lot and made some improvement of my digital skills. Learning by doing. 😉

Catharina: Go to an IFLA conference, WLIC or a Satellite, be an observer in different meetings and look into how different units are actually working. Are they as dynamic, open and inclusive as for example CPDWL is? Then go for it, get involved in the work and contribute!