iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

David Hughes @usernameerror.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

After a (self-imposed) hiatus from conferences last year, I'm so glad I submitted to #ASL2026 to ease myself back into it. Well done and thanks to the @aslibraries.bsky.social committee for putting on an interesting and inspiring programme ✨

041

Reposted by stephanie

#ASL2026 The self-inflicted mediocrity of Google ensures it will never replace librarians. Same for LLMs.

061

Presentation slide from @jennylibrarian.bsky.social asking are you a data steward? (I'd argue the answer for everyone is yes...yes you are a data steward so check out @sonrai.bsky.social) #ASL2026

List of questions to help you answer the question: am I a data steward?

0105

Dr Robert Whan showing some examples of UX in libraries from Queen's University Belfast (and of course there was an @andypriestner.bsky.social shout-out) #ASL2026

Presentation slide giving examples of UX techniques in libraries, such as graffiti walls, cognitive mapping, interviews and more.

Examples of cognitive mapping where users have drawn pictures.

Method of biannual customer/user experience weeks.

041

David Hughes @usernameerror.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Appreciate how @aslibraries.bsky.social are open to trying new things. Having the second keynote be a conversation rather than a presentation is refreshing. Love how authentic Niamh is #ASL2026

082

Reposted by stephanie

#ASL2026 There's a challenge, a tension, I think, between instilling ethical values but not developing Fobazi Ettarh's (gone far too soon) idea of vocational awe.

Slide with vocation awe definition from Fobazi Ettarh.

123

Really looking forward to today's conference! I'll always have a soft spot for A&SL as it was the very first library conference I ever went to 🥹 #ASL2026

011

Really fantastic presentations tonight from David O'Brien and @johannaarch.bsky.social Thanks a million to the speakers and @laicdgroup.bsky.social for putting this event on every year #CDGCareers2026

LAI CDG @laicdgroup.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Reposted by stephanie

Grade 6s - professional roles which are trusted to represent the library. Here's the key skills after bringing in your academic skills. 🎓

031

Reposted by stephanie

LAI CDG @laicdgroup.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Grade 5s are next up - do you have the skills to manage a desk? 🫵 Do you have ideas of improvement? ✒️ Give examples. Show that you have these examples that show the fine details.

041

Reposted by stephanie

LAI CDG @laicdgroup.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

What are we looking for with Grades 3 and 4 for Librarians? Competency is key. Make that clear in your interview. 📒 #CDGCareers2026

From public to academic libraries, demonstrating your competency is key - great to see @johannaarch.bsky.social reinforcing points from David's presentation @laicdgroup.bsky.social #CDGCareers2026

Competency based interviews: remember to always have a backup! @laicdgroup.bsky.social #CDGCareers2026

Some tips on answering interview questions from David: use real examples and the STAR method. Be concise and clear. It's okay to talk about failures, just be sure to also talk about how you learned from the experience @laicdgroup.bsky.social #CDGCareers2026

A lot of time and effort goes into putting together a job description so make sure you read it thoroughly and connect your experience to the competencies listed @laicdgroup.bsky.social #CDGCareers2026

000

Love this advice from David O'Brien: don't undervalue yourself. @laicdgroup.bsky.social #CDGCareers2026

000

LAI CDG @laicdgroup.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Really looking forward to tonight's @laicdgroup.bsky.social event: Starting Out and Stepping Up: Interviewing at any level for LIS professionals with David O'Brien and @johannaarch.bsky.social #CDGCareers2026

000

Reposted by stephanie

📣 Registration is now open for our next event! Starting Out and Stepping Up: Interviewing at any level for LIS professionals 📆 Monday 23rd March @ 7pm 📍Online via Zoom 🎟️ Free! Get your tickets on Eventbrite here: www.eventbrite.ie/e/starting-o...

012

Reposted by stephanie

LAI CDG @laicdgroup.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Clear communication from managers is essential for supporting neurodivergent staff. Having strong library policies and encouraging staff to work on projects that they are passionate about are also beneficial #CDGND

media.tenor.com

a woman with a crown on her head and the words communication queen

ALT: a woman with a crown on her head and the words communication queen

163

Reposted by stephanie

LAI CDG @laicdgroup.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

A key point from Elaine: accessibility around recruitment and leadership progression is extremely important. To do this, managers may consider providing disabled candidates with additional accommodations in interview settings #CDGND

052

Good point from Elaine - there are work placement programmes such as Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) from AHEAD but where are the leadership pathway programmes and opportunities for neurodiverse individuals to progress? #CDGND

030

LAI CDG @laicdgroup.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

For spaces to truly be inclusive, they should be co-created. Brings to mind the "Nothing about us without us" slogan #CDGND

142

Reposted by stephanie

Good point from Elaine. Neurodivergent staff are usually the best to support neurodivergent users because they themselves have likely had similar experiences #CDGND

042

Elaine highlighting the importance of empathy - you might not understand but you can still empathize #CDGND

LAI CDG @laicdgroup.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Great talk from @jofitz.bsky.social & @playbrarian.uk for tonight's @laicdgroup.bsky.social event on neurodiversity in libraries. Definitely check out @nlisn.bsky.social if you're neurodivergent and working in libraries/information sector in the UK or Ireland! #CDGND

052

Reposted by stephanie

We're putting the call out for new members! 👋 The CDG is a friendly and welcoming committee made up of professionals across the LIS sector who meet online once a month via Zoom. Interested in joining? Fill out our form. No prior experience required, just enthusiasm! 🔗 forms.gle/juLivrFxBtr6...

Call to join the CDG committee with the following benefits: network with colleagues, co-organise events & workshops, gain experience in committee work in a supportive, low-pressure environment, contribute your voice and ideas to our ongoing projects and planning. Accompanying the text are images of the committee at various events.

044

Reposted by stephanie

LAI CDG @laicdgroup.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

📢 Registration now open for our next event: Neurodiversity in Libraries featuring speakers Jo @jofitz.bsky.social & Andrew @playbrarian.uk, co-chairs of @nlisn.bsky.social and Elaine Chapman from TU Dublin 📅 Tuesday, December 9, 6:30pm (AGM 8pm) 📍 Online 🎟️ Free 🔗 www.eventbrite.ie/e/neurodiver...

Neurodiversity in libraries, a free event from the Library Association of Ireland Career Development Group. The event will take place online via Zoom on Tuesday, December 9th at 6:30pm with the group's annual general meeting (AGM) following at 8pm.

088

Reposted by stephanie

libfocus @libfocus.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Our Latest guest post by Siobhan Bowman, Paul Breen, Stephanie Chen, Breeda Herlihy, Ronan Madden & Ben Williamson of UCC Library is now available. They write about learning together to strengthen evidence synthesis skills and support research across campus. www.libfocus.com/2025/11/libr...

libfocus.com

Librarians learning together to enhance their evidence synthesis expertise

Guest post by Siobhan Bowman, Paul Breen, Stephanie Chen, Breeda Herlihy, Ronan Madden, Ben Williamson of UCC Library. Introduction Eviden...

193

Some last bit of advice from Isabelle and Robert for ePortfolios: remember to keep it professional, especially if it's a public ePortfolio #CDGEportfolios @laicdgroup.bsky.social

Really appreciate Isabelle and Robert giving us all time to put it into practice but also means I have no excuses now for not having an ePortfolio 😅 #CDGEportfolios @laicdgroup.bsky.social

Exercise for attendees: take the next 20 minutes to set up or edit your ePortfolio.

011

Creating an ePortfolio is also a great way to develop your own digital literacy skills. Win/win! #CDGEportfolios @laicdgroup.bsky.social

Learning from the platform itself - if you use a platform for your ePortfolio, you're going to learn new skills from using it. These are great skills themselves. If you use a platform like Wordpress, you will learn web design skills you might not have otherwise had the opportunity to.

For those wondering if an ePortfolio should be public or private, some points to consider #CDGEportfolios @laicdgroup.bsky.social

020

Some good guiding questions from Robert to help you reflect on CPD and content to possibly include in your ePortfolio. Really helpful especially for those who struggle with reflecting! #CDGEportfolios @laicdgroup.bsky.social

Reflecting on CPD: guiding questions include did I know this already? Is this something I can take forward into my role? Is this something I want to learn more about? Does it relate to a paper or article I have read, a conference or seminar I have attended, something a colleague has told me, an experience I have had

Robert Alfis showing off his ePortfolio in Wordpress and how he uses tags to categorize CPD. For example: if he needs to find info on digital capacity in teaching & learning activities, it's all easily available - really easy way to keep track of CPD! #CDGEportfolios @laicdgroup.bsky.social

Disclaimer: my own personal view! If you are going to start an ePortfolio, please don't use Wix as it's on the Palestine BDS list #CDGEportfolios @laicdgroup.bsky.social

030

CPD is really important for library staff and an ePortfolio can help keep track of CPD you're doing or showcase any professional activities you're involved in #CDGEportfolios @laicdgroup.bsky.social

CPD is important for librarians because it ensures librarians remain current, skilled, and adaptable in a rapidly changing information environment, enhancing service quality and professional growth.

020

Up first, Isabelle Courtney giving an introduction to ePortfolios. They can be really flexible tools for showcasing your learning, career development, or for reflecting in a way that's a lot more personal and bespoke than LinkedIn #CDGEportfolios

LinkedIn is a social media platform with a standardised template where you can connect with professionals or recruiters. Eportfolios are personal websites that can have a bespoke design and can be private or public or you can choose who and what you share.

Eportfolios can cover learning, assessment, career development, showcase, and recording and reflect.

Some advantages of ePortfolios include:
develops active learning skills and tells a story of professional journey
goal setting
see self-growth over time
collaborative learning
interpersonal communication skills
improves digital literacy skills
self-management/self awareness

030

Really looking forward to hearing Isabelle and Robert speak for tonight's #CDGEportfolios event!