In the "information society" first qualifications provide no more than a starting point in professional life. The IFLA continuing professional courses reflect the increasing importance of life-long education. The proceedings of the 5th world conference of the Continuing Professional Development Round Table (CPERT) which was held in Aberdeen, Scotland in August 2002, provide a valuable and ongoing record of trends in the development of continuing professional development programs in the library and information professions.

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the information profession. The series IFLA Publications deals with many of the means through which libraries, information centres, and information professionals worldwide can formulate their goals, exert their influence as a group, protect their interests, and find solutions to global problems.

With the start of the 21st Century, information services around the world are facing a host of challenges and changes unique to this era of exponential technological growth. However, this change is further compounded by the high turnover rate in senior positions. Focusing on leadership, this text-ideal for young, emerging managers and supervisors-is meant to guide future leaders in making the appropriate choices and decisions in response to and in anticipation of the competition.Authors G. Edward Evans and Patricia Layzell Ward's vast professional experience in a variety of roles and organizations all over the world serves as a strong basis for the advice presented. Leadership Basics for Librarians and Information Professionals includes data from surveys and interviews of leaders in archives, libraries, and other information services arenas, as well as current literature on leadership from both general management and information services fields. All together this book is a solid starting point for young librarians and information professionals seeking to get ahead of the competition, as well as a helpful reminder for seasoned leaders needing a bit of inspiration.