Professional development, values and strategy – the means for building strong libraries for the future!

The library and information sector is undergoing massive change. In a changing world we must create environments that promote strong development to ensure a viable future and a library that provides benefits to all our customers. Professional development is an essential component of this environment. It must be in line with the organization’s strategy and values. Changes in customer expectations, behavior and technological development make it even more important to form the library’s identity and prioritize our activities. Values, strategy and professional development go hand in hand with the development process. Staff participation in the development process produces a climate that is creative and a means of ensuring success in the future. At the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences University Library we have worked with professional development, strategy and values as well as the concepts of staff empowerment and leadership. This effort has included all staff members and the results have been excellent.