Continuing professional development for library and information science : Case study of a network of training centres

Purpose – The paper aims to describe a network of training centres (TCN‐LIS) to support continuing professional development (CPD) of library and information specialists in countries of Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, funded by the Open Society Institute (OSI). It also aims to draw some general lessons for CPD in the library/information sector. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the development and activities of the training centre network, and reflects on issues raised and lessons learned. Findings – The paper finds that TCN‐LIS has been effective in raising standards of professional competence among library and information specialists in the countries of the OSI region. General conclusions can be drawn about good practice for CPD, in issues including the most appropriate topics to be covered, most appropriate methods for teaching and learning, situation of CPD training centres, and relations between CPD and formal education. Research limitations/implications – The study is based on a network of training centres in 23 countries between 1999 and 2006. Originality/value – This is the only paper describing TCN‐LIS, and the library/information training activities supported by OSI. It provides a unique perspective for considering library/information CPD issues.