The aim of the project is to establish the basis for the development of a modern, flexible system of professional training for librarians following the completion of the academic study programme. The key strategic points of the project are: defining measurable learning outcomes framework, outlining core skills and competences for the librarians in Croatia, redesigning the existing national programme for continuous professional training, and drafting of the proposal for learning outcomes-based lifelong learning for librarians. |
The National and University Library in Zagreb has piloted the national programme for continuous professional training for librarians since 2002. The programme activities of the Centre for Continuous Professional Traning for Librarians are carried out in cooperation with the partners of the project and central county libraries around Croatia. The Project is funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia.
In the light of the European higher education reform, and considering the efforts to harmonize higher education in Europe, part of the programme activities of the Centre for Continuos Professional Training for Librarians will be extended, with aim to introduce an ECTS accredited lifelong learning programme for librarians in Croatia.
During the preparatory phase of the project, it is imperative that the project team members receive training in the area of learning outcomes. The project team members will, therefore, participate in international workshops and seminars (training the trainers) on learning outcomes and lifelong learning in the EU countries.
After attending specialized workshops, the project team members will organize educator training at the Centre for Continuous Professional Training for Librarians, with aim to develop a learning outcomes-based lifelong learning programme for libarians, and introduce an ETCS accredited professional training programme.
Two expert conferences are planned. The first expert conference is intended as educator training for the Centre staff, with the project team members sharing their experiences in the area of learning outcomes, ECTS credits system, and endorsement of more flexible modes of study for librarians. Ms. Marion Huckle, Head of Qualifications and Professional Development Department at CILIP (The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) and a renown expert in the field will share her experiences in the establishment of the qualification framework for librarianship. The educators will redesign their courses, within a set deadline, in accordance with the previously defined learning outcomes. The ECTS credits system should be designed to represent the measure of learning and the basis for the performance evaluation framework, as well as the starting point for professional advancement.
The second, closing conference will bring the strategy for the introduction of learning outcomes into the lifelong learning programme for librarians, and a proposal of a specific model of learning-outcomes based lifelong learning. The closing conference is intended to bring together representatives of libraries (employers) financiers and the founders of the Centre.
Some of the project activities will include a poll to evaluate the compatibility of the study programmes, of the continuous training programme for librarians and employers' requirements, and launch of a follow-up publication on lifelong learning for librarians.
The realization of the project rests on the professional competences of the project team members, and in order to ensure the quality and success of the entire enterprise, all relevant collaborators are invited to join the discussion and take part in the project activities.
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Project team:
Professor Tihomil Maštrović, Head Project
Marion Huckle, CILIP, Great Britain
Professor Aleksandra Horvat, Head Project Expert
Professor Daniela Živković
Ana Barbarić, MA
Tatajana Nebesny, BA
Dijana Machala, BA, Administrator
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ational Foundation for Science,
Lifelong learning for librarians: learning outcomes and flexibility
