This presentation is part of a Doctoral Student Special Interest Group (SIG) panel discussion group from the 2012 Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE). Doctoral students discuss various ways to keep up with changes in information science and technology through developing professional learning communities. Continuing education and professional development requires connectivity today more than ever due to new trends in information delivery, such as user-generated content, social networking, and Web 2.0 communication tools. Each individual can easily be overwhelmed by the vast amount of information and tools available on the Internet. Through collaboration, librarians and information professionals can collectively build a PLN (personal learning network) and a PLC (professional learning community) with a focus on the profession of librarianship and information technology. This panel consists of doctoral students and candidates who have developed both a PLN (personal learning network) and a PLC (professional learning community) through embracing emerging technology tools and collaborating with each other. Examples of their experience exemplify the importance of "extending our reach" and "expanding our horizons". The hierarchy of information has radically changed within the past decade. The goal is to create opportunities that allow doctoral students to explore innovation while adhering to the core values and traditions of the profession. Through a variety of interactive techniques and presentation styles, this panel will demonstrate a shift from top-down information delivery paradigm to a philosophy that allows respect for open source shared content and seeks best practices across all areas of information science and services.

• Hill, Valerie
• Bartoletti, Robin
• Helge, Kris
• Brannon, Sian