Beyond the classroom: self-direction in professional learning

Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing profession, the context for professional thinking among medical librarians is changing. Competent performance increasingly is linked with the educational efforts of self-directed adult learners. This paper examines strategies that facilitate self-direction, including skills development, organizational learning, learner-based decision making, and alternative teaching models. The analysis provides the basis for a recommended agenda for redesign and development of educational programs.