Part-time reference librarians and continuing professional development : an investigation into the affect of continuing professional development on the motivation of part-time reference librarians in New Zealand public libraries

Abstract

Continuing professional development has been proposed as being in the best interests of library and information professionals wanting to keep abreast of the many social, economic and technological changes the profession is facing. Reference librarians are at the forefront of these changes, and numerous studies have investigated their participation in continuing professional development activities. This study aims to elaborate on and clarify the link between participation in continuing professional development activities and the motivation of part-time reference librarians in a public library. Reference librarians in New Zealand public libraries were surveyed in an attempt to test the hypothesis that part-time reference librarians have less opportunity to participate in continuing professional development activities than full-time reference librarians. It was also hypothesised that these staff are willing and interested in taking part in these activities, and the inability to do so has a negative effect on part-time reference librarian's workplace motivation.