Marie G. Cullen photographed with Helen Fallon, Deputy Librarian NUI Maynooth
Photo taken when Marie was awarded Associateship of the Library Association of Ireland (LAI) in March 2013
(Photo: B. Teeling)
Some time ago on the blog I promised some more stories from people who applied for Associateship of the Library Association of Ireland. My colleague Marie has kindly outlined the process involved and her experience is detailed along with some helpful advice which she has included in her guest post below. Well done again Marie, what a great achievement and thank you for agreeing to share it.
***Posted on behalf of Marie G. Cullen, MLIS, PGDHE, ALAI Assistant Librarian, JPII Library, NUI Maynooth***
The CPD Education Committee of the LAI has recommended that all LAI members should engage in 25 hours CPD per annum. The LAI offers two awards for which members may apply – Associateship and Fellowship, both of which recognise achievements in professional development.
I was awarded Associateship of Library Association of Ireland (LAI) in March 2013 and this is a short outline and reflection on the process involved.
To apply, applicants should submit the following to the Education Committee:
• Completed Application Form
• Outline of continuing Professional Development (not more than 500 words)
• Supporting relevant documentation
• Fee of €100
The LAI has a CPD record form which I submitted with the ‘supporting relevant documentation’. The requirements are straightforward, but as with many things the devil is in the detail. I had kept records of my CPD activities including, copies of CPD certificates and details of events attended. Unfortunately, I had not always kept copies of programmes, agendas, organiser details, locations, etc. For some events I had kept electronic links to event websites, but these were not always live when I went back to them. This caused difficulties when it came to completing the CPD record form. In most cases I was eventually able to find the details required. Obviously the application process would have been somewhat easier if I had recorded this information at the time.
Applying for Associateship is an opportunity to
• put a structure on the recording of CPD activities
• recognise achievements
• and to reflect on the impact of CPD activities and their contribution to professional growth and development
I would encourage any librarian who has two years post qualification experience to undertake this award as I found it a very worthwhile process.
Useful links
Associateship & Fellowship – Library Association of Ireland Awards
Continuing Professional Development Learning Portfolio
Education Committee: CPD
Library Staff Development 