Continuous Professional Development Programs Conducted by the Public Libraries in Sri Lanka: a Study based on Selected Public libraries in Western and Uva Provinces

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to study the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programs in public libraries in Sri Lanka. Continuous Professional Development the means by which members of respective profession develop, maintain, improve, and broaden their knowledge and skills and develop the personal qualities required to uplift their professional development. The principal purpose of the study is to examine the status of participation of public librarians for the Continuous Professional Development Programs in Sri Lanka. The other objectives are to explore what is the level of participation of public librarians in CPD, to identify the institutions offering CPD programs, to identify what are the most productive and effective CPD programs which are very fitting to public libraries and librarians and to explore the basic benefits of CPD and to investigate its performances. Method of the study is the survey research. The research studied under selected Municipal councils, Urban Councils including Pradeshiya Sabha, in Western and Uva provinces and the libraries selected in the grades 1st, 2nd, and 3rd as based on the criteria laid down by the National Library and Documentation Services Board, Sri Lanka. Primary data will be collected through site visit, discussion followed by the observation both participatory and non-participatory. Further data would be collected using two separate questionnaires focusing the librarians and resource persons and the concerned institutions. For collecting the secondary data, web site and data and statistical reports of the Ministry of Local Government and provincial council are used. The research information will be presented on what is the CPD, why is it needed, how public librarians would participate for the CPD Programs. The attentions will be given who will support for the public librarians in the process, what are new CPD programs to be introduced, what are new tendencies, problems, and challenges of these CPD programs. Accordingly, based on the survey data findings and conclusions will be drawn for the future betterment of the relevant filed and the CPD.