Developing profiles for the information literacy professional

Sheila Webber, Sheffield University Information School, s.webber@sheffield.ac.uk

The aim of this poster is to contribute to a project to develop the profile of the Information Literacy Professional (ILP). This is a new project from the IFLA Information Literacy Section, led by the presenter, which aims to develop profiles for ILPs, with input from library and information professionals in different sectors and in different countries. The poster will outline the aims of the project and report briefly on progress. Space on the poster will be devoted to encouraging contributions from conference participants (e.g. via post-its) to encourage conversation during and after the conference.

Although some commentators still question the term “Information Literacy”, it is the dominant English-language term, and is recognised internationally (e.g. in the name of the relevant section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and in the name of key associations such as the National Forum for Information Literacy). There are growing numbers of library and information sector posts which have the term “information literacy” in the job title, or which have information literacy development as a key responsibility.

The profiles will identify relevant skills, knowledge and attitudes and link to formal documents (e.g. from professional associations) and practitioner accounts (e.g. articles, blog posts) which contribute to the profile and/or round it out with practical examples. Project team members from different countries and sectors will lead development of material to result in profiles tailored to different national/linguistic contexts and also for different sectors (school libraries, academic libraries etc.) The project will use an online community, social networking and participation at conferences such as LILAC to gather information and ideas. It is envisaged that the profiles will be particularly useful for 1) Continuing Professional Development (planning provision and setting personal goals); and 2) Engaging with employers.