Irish Libraries have always been collegial places and the library community has always worked to create supportive spaces where colleagues can learn, grow, and develop professionally and personally.
This lightning talk addresses the question of what we as a community need to do to sustain professional development in a post-COVID world, especially when it comes to embodying practices that are “environmentally sound, economically feasible, and socially equitable” (Resolution for the Adoption of Sustainability as a Core Value of Librarianship, ALA, 2019).
Findings from an informal research survey sent to Library staff will provide examples of how libraries in Ireland are actively supporting staff in their professional and personal development. Using this research, we will provide primers on what we as a community can do to ensure sustainable career development, thus fostering and sustaining this collegial community.
By establishing safe, creative spaces to work in, libraries can support wellbeing (SDG 3), promote lifelong learning opportunities for all library staff (SDG 4) and ensure full and productive employment (SDG 8).
SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
Ensure Healthy Lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages
SDG 4: Quality education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all