The current state of academic librarians’ continuing professional development and the roles of continuing professional development providers in Thailand

Abstract

This research explored the current state of the continuing professional development of Thai academic librarians and the roles of continuing professional development providers, employing a mixed-methods approach. An online questionnaire was completed by 243 Thai academic librarians and in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 library directors and deputy directors. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive analysis, while the qualitative data was examined through thematic analysis. The research found that academic librarians recognized the importance of participating in continuing professional development activities and exhibited a preference for online continuing professional development, with ‘in-house’ providers and academic library networks assuming significant roles. The study recommends focusing on information technology skills and English proficiency. Concise and dynamic guidance is offered for academic libraries and continuing professional development providers to reshape continuing professional development activities to post-pandemic dynamics, based on academic librarians’ needs, and align their offerings with contemporary academic library challenges and trends, better suiting Thailand’s evolving educational context.