Reflections on Domain 1

It seems that the Personal Development Framework is offered as a value-free instrument of self-reflection. I would suggest however that the PD Framework has an underlying if understated philosophical stance. It would seem to me that this is premised on a positivist view of knowledge. Meaning that knowledge is viewed as objective, real and in some way corresponds to a definitive reality. Furthermore, it would seem that there is a resistance to recalibrate the framework to accommodate concerns of librarians about the terminology used. I would understand this resistance to enable an estimation of the value of the framework as a reflective instrument. For this purpose the instrument requires stability.

Library

Learning

The Framework can be viewed as a faceted lens that provides the possibility of considering Personal Development from an integrated and holistic perspective. This does not militate against the use of individual facets or domains being used separately. In this short reflection, I will consider only the first Domain and its value as an instrument of reflection. Clearly, added value could be harnessed by the composite lens offered by integrating all Domains within reflection.

These reservations aside I do appreciate the value of the first domain and the opportunity to consider and develop a personal teaching philosophy. For me, this also involved the development of a personal philosophy of academic librarianship. The opportunity to do so represents a site of agency to present a counter-narrative to the stamp of positivism within the framework. So while the underlying aspects permeate the framework this does not necessarily restrict the development of a counter-narrative. Indeed it could be argued that this abrasive provides critical traction to challenge the positivist perspective supposed in the framework.

I think Domain 1 raises really important topics and that they are really helpful. Firstly I welcome the opportunity to connect with values and a Library and Teaching Philosophy. This inquiry for me reminded me of what matters in my practice and what really motivates me. I also appreciate that Domain 1 does not attempt to sugar coat the experience of work which can be challenging.

Like life, there are no right or wrong answers but we can be attentive and choose to focus on our ambitions and the value of Libraries and our work

Library

Staff

Am I a human? Despite a concern that the self can be used and manipulated I feel that L2L has restored my belief in the human and human potential. I am not a machine, I have a brain, a heart, things I care about and I can continue to be inspired by these, offer my service to the world even if I find that HEIs work in increasingly monetised and de-humanised contexts.

Library

Staff

Then I think that having time and opportunity to listen, hear and talk with others created a new sense of what it is we as Library Staff do, what our experience is. Hearing echoes of my own experience suggested to me that it was not about me, but was rather systemic and engendered by things and systems outside me such as organisational cultures.

Library

Staff

Maybe my thinking, has not changed but my belief that we might have a process that was holistic helpful challenging and promoted inquiry has been validated by L2L.

Library

Staff

As a result of L2L, in this my first managerial role, I have become even more aware of the importance of providing training and other CPD opportunities for all staff in the library. It is something I wish to plan for and have a structure in place for all library staff in IT Carlow. This I believe will be very beneficial for IT Carlow library as a whole.

Library

Staff

We are more mindful of the wider issues, more connected within the sector and aligning our CPD activity with the framework. Acknowledging it in our job descriptions, developing and displaying teaching philosophies, developing academic writing skills, identifying and aligning with the National Forum.

Library

Staff