When 120 library leaders met in Ottawa in October 2008, the following themes emerged as the most important for action: a) professional development; b) expected shortage of skills; c) MLIS programs; and d) leadership. CLA has taken ownership of this initiative and will be looking to associations and library schools to support action plans. CLA President Ken Roberts and Exec Director Kelly Moore presented at the OLA Superconference in Toronto last week.

Health librarians need to “weigh-in” as initiatives are discussed. Associations take their lead from the membership. For example, there is a growing movement in some sectors of the profession to have a recognition system rather than a certification/recertification process in place to acknowledge and reward professional development and excellence.