1. 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.