title: Professional development through attending conferences: reflections of a health librarian.
abstract: In this article, guest writer Ruth Jenkins from Berkshire Heathcare Foundation Trust reflects on two conferences she attended in 2014, LILAC and SLA. Through the process of reflection, she considers the benefits that attending conferences can have to library and information professionals in the health sector. In particular, she discusses the opportunities and areas for learning and professional development that conferences can offer including evidence-based practice and current awareness, gaining new knowledge and objectivity, and networking and the unexpected benefits of conferences. Ruth also offers some practical hints and tips on ways to facilitate your attendance at conferences, including through awards and funding. H.S.
authors.affiliation: Healthcare Library, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, Prospect Park Hospital, Honey End Lane, Reading, RG30 4EJ, UK. ruth.jenkins@berkshire.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jenkins
mesh_terms: D003226:Congresses as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D016245:Librarians; D011364:Professional Practice
keywords: careers; education and training; library and information professionals; lifelong learning; professional development