The Career Development Section of the Library Association of Ireland represents both existing library and information professionals and new graduates looking for job opportunities.
Recent Event: Neurodiversity in Libraries
We held our final event of 2025 on December 9th at 6:30pm. This free event took place online via Zoom and the topic for the evening was neurodiversity in library settings.
Our guest speakers on the night were Jo Fitzpatrick and Andrew Walsh, co-chairs of NLISN, and Elaine Chapman from TU Dublin. Speakers discussed how best to support both neurodivergent staff and neurodivergent library patrons. Some key takeaways included the importance of good communication, the role of solid library policies and the need for enhanced accessibility within the context of recruitment and career progression.
We held our AGM after the event, where we elected our new committee for 2026.
Recent Event: E-Portfolio Power: An Online Workshop for LIS Professionals
On Tuesday, October 14th 2025 from 6:30pm until 8pm, the Career Development Group section of the Library Association of Ireland held an online event titled E-Portfolio Power: An Online Workshop for LIS Professionals.
This webinar introduced librarians to the world of ePortfolios as powerful tools for learning, career development, and professional visibility. Our speakers were Isabelle Courtney and Robert Alfis, both of whom have extensive experience and knowledge of ePortfolios. The speakers explored the different types and purposes of ePortfolios, weighed their benefits and challenges, and outlined best practices for designing and maintaining them.
We spoke about and evaluated a range of website platforms to help attendees choose one that matches their digital skills. Attendees also had the chance to go off and begin the process of setting up their own ePortfolios during the webinar. A short Q&A session was held at the end of the event, which provided attendees with the opportunity to ask for advice on establishing and maintaining their ePortfolios.
This was an LAI accredited event and certificates were given to all those who attended.
Recent Event: Writing Skills for LIS Professionals: Blogs, Bursaries, Journals, and More!
On May 20th @ 6:30pm 2025, the Career Development Group of the Library Association of Ireland hosted a webinar titled: Writing Skills for LIS Professionals: Blogs, Bursaries, Journals and More!
This was a free, online event. It focused on the various forms of academic writing such as writing for blogs, social media and even grant applications.
Our wonderful hosts, Martin O’Connor from UCC Library and Marta Bustillo from UCD Library, gave some fantastic tips to help LIS professionals enhance their academic writing skills.
Recent Event: Get That Job, Got That Job!
On March 26th at 7pm, we held our ever popular CV and interview tips event: Get That Job, Got That Job!
This was a free online event, kindly hosted by Gwendolyn O’Connor from DCU Library and Laura Rooney Ferris from the library of TCD.
Our speakers came from two angles: the recent, qualified hire and the experienced hiring manager.
Attendees were treated to a number of vital interview and application tips and tricks that would benefit both those who are new to the LIS sphere and those who want to level up in their career.
Recent Event: Library Insights Using ChatGPT: Tips & Takeaways
On December 4th 2024, the Career Development Group of the Library Association of Ireland were pleased to host their final event of 2024: Library Insights Using ChatGPT: Tips & Takeaways by Kathryn Briggs and Shane Leavy, ATU.
The exciting seminar focused on how LIS professionals can effectively use ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms to enhance library services and increase efficiency.
This event was followed by our AGM, where we chose our new committee for 2025.
Recent Event: Media Literacy for Librarians
The Career Development Group of the Library Association was pleased to host an in-person half-day workshop on October 25th at the Royal Irish Academy on Dawson Street, Dublin. This event is designed for librarians and information professionals seeking to enhance their media literacy skills.
The workshop featured a keynote presentation from Martina Chapman, National Coordinator of Media Literacy Ireland, followed by an interactive session led by Saoirse de Paor (Maynooth University Library) and Faye Carrie (UCD). Together, they will provide practical strategies and approaches to media literacy in an increasingly complex information landscape.
Accredited by the Library Association of Ireland, this workshop was relevant to professionals across public, academic, special libraries, and the private sector. It offers a valuable opportunity to explore the critical role of librarians in addressing media literacy, fake news, and disinformation.
We are delighted to announce our 2026 Committee
LAI CDG 