Curtis Rogers Consulting, LLC

Providing training and consulting services to libraries and non-profits.

The importance of keeping up

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Dr. Curtis Rogers

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In the rapidly evolving landscape of library services, it is crucial for library staff members to continually hone their “keeping up” skills by learning new techniques to stay abreast of changes in the profession. Libraries are no longer just repositories of books; they have become dynamic centers of community engagement, digital literacy, and information management. As new technologies, methodologies, and user expectations emerge, library professionals must adapt to provide relevant and effective services. This requires a commitment to ongoing education and the adoption of innovative practices.

Keeping up with changes in the profession ensures that library staff can respond to the diverse needs of their patrons, from assisting with digital resources to implementing new programs and services. By learning how to stay informed about the latest trends and developments, staff can enhance the library’s offerings, making them more accessible and user-friendly. This adaptability is particularly important as libraries increasingly integrate technology into their operations, from managing digital collections to offering virtual services. Mastery of these new tools not only improves the quality of service but also positions the library as a vital, forward-thinking institution within the community.

Moreover, learning new techniques for staying updated fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth among library staff. It encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation, which are essential for maintaining a vibrant and effective library environment. By prioritizing professional development, libraries can better navigate the challenges of a changing information landscape, ensuring that they remain relevant and essential resources for their communities. Ultimately, the ability to keep up with changes in the profession is not just about staying current; it is about future-proofing the library and its services for the generations to come.

Contact me to schedule my one hour webinar titled, Thinking Forward-Revitalizing Your Keeping Up Habits, for your library system. This session will take a look at numerous important resources for keeping up and thinking forward to make your work life more productive. Attendees will have an opportunity to share their experiences and methods they use for keeping up and thinking forward. (Includes a customizable Professional Learning Plan template in WORD or PDF)

Learn more about webinars I can provide to your library system at my consulting services page and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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About the author

    Dr. Curtis Rogers is a library consultant who has worked in the library and information science field for over 35 years. He has worked at the Union (SC) Carnegie Library, and the Charleston County (SC) Public Library, and retired as the Communications Director of the South Carolina State Library. He has also taught courses at the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, a Master of Library and Information Science, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina. In 2001, he completed the University of the Azores Summer Study Course in Azorean Portuguese Culture and Language and in 2002 completed the Certified Public Manager credential. In 2008, he was President of the SC Library Association. Rogers developed a national library survey on library use of social media for public relations and presented this survey’s results at the 2009 German Library Association Conference and at the State and University Library of Hamburg. He has served as secretary of the board of the Library Marketing and Communications Conference and as secretary of the SC Academy of Authors, as well as chair of the USC School of Library and Information Annual Literacy Leaders (ALL) Awards Committee. He has also served on the Friends of South Carolina Libraries (FOSCL) board and is a member of the ALA CORE Library Consultants group. He is a recipient of the 2015 F. William Summers Outstanding Alumni Award from the USC School of Library and Information Science.