Participation in funded Continuous Professional Development Programmes by Library and Information Science (LIS) Educators for Enhanced Teaching in Nigeria

Abstract

Continuous professional development is an essential activity for any professional to be up to date with new skills and knowledge in the field. This study investigated the level of  participation of Library and Information Science (LIS) Educators in funded continuous professional development programmes. It also investigated the national and international agencies that support the continuous professional development programmes, the benefits, and the challenges that affect participation in the programmes. This is a survey research design that adopted an online survey for data collection. The population of the study was 70 LIS Educators who responded to the survey. Data were analyzed using simple frequencies, percentages and mean scores. It was discovered that all the LIS educators have participated in funded Continuous Professional Development Programmes organized by various associations and agencies. Result shows that particiation was highest (100%) for programmes organized by Nigerian Library Association (NLA) Sections and Chapters. Other hosts were NGOs e.g Wikimedia foundation, JDPC, University / Library / Departments, Research4life.org, IFLA and AfLIA. Results also showed that the free CPD programmes have benefits such as acquisition of knowledge and skills, builds capacities for practical courses and confidence booster. It was recommended that LIS educators should embrace more professional development programmes while the institutions provide the necessary infrastructures to enable practising of what is learned to enhance classroom activities.