BCLA supports the ongoing acquisition of skills and knowledge for personal and professional development and for career advancement. The Association identifies, communicates, and organizes opportunities to enhance the competencies and experiences of the membership. Professional development builds capacity to engage change and meet challenges.
BCLA has also received funding to pilot a Provincial Professional Development Program from 2023-2026. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, which has made the program possible.
Information on upcoming opportunities and training are regularly shared on the BCLA Professional Development Forum, as well, BCLA’s current professional developments events and workshops can be found in Continuing Education Resources followed by Recordings of past events, tutorials and training.
Have a program, webinar or training idea? We would love to hear from you! Please fill in our suggestion form.
Professional Development Opportunities
Professional Development opportunities at BCLA include participating in our annual BC Library Conference as attendee, presenter or volunteer, attending virtual training events & workshops throughout the year, joining our mentorship program as mentor or mentee, and volunteering with interest groups and committees.
BC Library Conference & Scholarships
BCLA offers an annual conference where library staff can learn, connect, and share. BCLA members are eligible to attend at a reduced rate. Find out more about the conference.
The BC Library Association offers two scholarships for the annual BC Library Conference – The Alice Bacon Professional Development Award and the Ken Haycock Student Conference Award. Applications typically open in January. Be sure to subscribe to the BCLA Main Discussion in Branches: BCLA’s Online Forum to ensure you don’t miss the announcement.
The BC Library Association does not offer general educational scholarships; please check directly with the school you are considering to see what opportunities may be available. For a list of schools with library education programs in BC, please see our Careers page.
The Education Institute
Launched in 2002, the Education Institute was designed for the library community by The Partnership of Provincial and Territorial Library Associations of Canada. It offers professional development and continuing education programming, primarily via half-day virtual conferences with a focus on a special theme or topic. BCLA members are eligible to attend at member rates.
Mentorship
The BCLA Mentorship Program exists to connect and empower Association members by fostering positive relationships in the library community for both mentors and mentees. Mentors gain leadership and coaching skills and a fresh perspective into the challenges that face new professionals, and mentees gain insight and advice from experienced professionals regarding the realities of library and information work.
Section, Committee, and Interest Group Webinars and Events
BCLA sections, committees, and interest groups coordinate and offer a variety of webinars and events to support learning and development. Watch for announcements on Branches: BCLA’s Online Forum.
Other Provincial & Territorial Library Associations’ Conferences
Through BCLA’s participation in The Partnership, Canada’s national network of provincial and territorial library associations, BCLA members are eligible to attend other provincial and territorial library conferences at member rates.
Librarianship.ca maintains an extensive list of conferences and professional development opportunities of interest to library professionals across Canada. The list includes international, national, regional, provincial, and local events in Canada; international and national events in the United States; and selected international events outside North America.
BCLA Program Suggestion Form
BCLA welcomes recommendations for programs (outside of our annual conference) including webinars, summits, and courses that align with our priorities and goals.