On the Job: Jump

When your library advertises the chance to attend a conference, webinar, or other professional development event - jump at the chance. Librarians and other information professionals love to share their expertise, but you only benefit from this when you actually act.

I've covered this topic previously for On the Job, but now I want to remind everyone that you can only benefit if you pay attention to opportunities and actually grab hold when they're available. It's so easy to let invites idle in your inbox or lay around in the back of your mind.

Make a point of RSVPing to every opportunity you can. (And RSVP ASAP.) Many libraries have a limited budget from professional development. If you delay in responding, you may miss your chance to attend. Even if you are unable to attend these events, you can at least let the library higher-ups know that you are interested in professional development. Showing an interest in your career skills can go a long way in proving your worth to your organization.

We are all busy, but you can't grow as a professional if you let these changes of further education pass you by.