Professional development is a core part of my practice. It supports strong leadership, informed decision-making, and responsive service. I remain committed to continuous learning, professional reflection, and the active development of knowledge and skills that strengthen both my work and the organizations I serve. Over time, my professional development has supported growth across librarianship, instruction, management, communication, strategy, technology, and public service leadership.
My approach to professional development is grounded in action. I do not view learning as separate from practice. I use ongoing learning to improve service, strengthen teams, support governance, respond to change, and advance libraries as trusted public institutions. This commitment has shaped my work in staff development, workplace culture, branch renewal, strategic planning, municipal collaboration, and community engagement.
MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
University of Western Ontario
Master of Library and Information Science
My formal education provided a strong foundation in librarianship, research, management, instruction, and information services. Coursework included cataloguing, organization of information, librarianship, research methods and statistics, consumer health information, GIS in academic libraries, readers’ advisory service in the public library, strategic planning, management, vendor relationships, information management, instructional strategies, advanced information services, and supervised co-op work study placements. This academic preparation continues to inform my leadership, service philosophy, and commitment to evidence-based practice
Professional Philosophy
My professional development has extended well beyond formal education. It includes workshops, conferences, webinars, self-directed learning, committee work, mentorship, and applied leadership experience. Together, these activities reflect a sustained commitment to growth, professional excellence, and meaningful contribution to the library field.
- Through ongoing development, I have strengthened my capacity to:
- lead teams and support staff growth
- manage change and organizational development
- communicate clearly across diverse audiences
- support strong governance and strategic planning
- integrate technology and digital tools into service
- advance inclusive, community-responsive library practice
- build collaborative relationships across institutions and sectors
Professional Activities
My professional activities reflect a long-standing commitment to mentorship, service, collaboration, and institutional contribution. These experiences have helped shape both my leadership practice and my understanding of libraries as learning-centred, community-responsive organizations.
This work has included academic support, participation in mentorship programs as both mentee and mentor, and service on committees related to conference planning, candidate selection, sustainability, diversity, wellness, recruitment, retention, and academic governance. These experiences contributed to my development in leadership, collaboration, equity, planning, and professional responsibility.
Workshops, Online Courses, and Webinars
Ongoing learning is one of the primary ways I remain current in a changing profession. My professional development has included a wide range of workshops, online courses, and webinars focused on leadership, change management, communication, governance, technology, digital engagement, instructional practice, and professional effectiveness.
- Selected areas of study have included:
- managing for results
- supporting change
- difficult conversations
- accountability and performance
- governance and compliance
- Microsoft 365 administration
- digital marketing
- writing in plain language
- social media and leadership
- learning technologies
- copyright
- advocacy
- instructional design
- discovery tools and library technologies.
These learning activities have informed both day-to-day practice and longer-term leadership. They have supported my ability to lead change, strengthen communication, improve service design, and respond thoughtfully to evolving community and organizational needs.
Conferences
Conference participation has been an important part of my professional growth. Conferences provide opportunities to engage with emerging issues, strengthen professional networks, and learn from sector peers. My participation has included provincial, national, and online conferences focused on libraries, instruction, leadership, marketing, user experience, and technology.
- Selected conference participation includes:
- Ontario Library Association Super Conference
- The Marketing Libraries Think Tank
- British Columbia Library Association Conference
- Teaching Practices Colloquium
- Workshop for Instruction in Library Use
- Canadian Library Association Conference
- ALA Annual Virtual Conference
- Handheld Librarian Online Conference
- Springy Camp Online Conference.
Self-Directed Programs
Self-directed learning has also played an important role in my development. Participation in initiatives such as 23 Things for Professional Development and the Library Day in the Life Project reflects my commitment to reflection, curiosity, and engagement with wider professional conversations. These experiences reinforced the value of shared practice, peer learning, and ongoing adaptation within the profession.
Applied Growth and Leadership Development
Professional development is most meaningful when it shapes practice. Over time, my learning has informed how I lead people, guide change, build relationships, and strengthen public library service. It has supported my work in fostering positive workplace culture, empowering staff, modernizing branch spaces, working with municipal departments and community partners, and advancing strategic priorities through practical action.
This applied approach to development continues to shape my work as a library leader. I value learning that is relevant, evidence-informed, and connected to results. I also believe professional development carries a responsibility to contribute back to the profession through service, mentorship, collaboration, and leadership.
Reports
An important outcome of professional development is the ability to gather, assess, organize, and communicate information clearly. Library work requires research, evaluation, analysis, and written reporting that informs decision-making, supports service improvement, and advances organizational goals. These capacities remain central to my professional practic
Julie A.Kent 