Abstract
Professional development is essential for academic librarians to keep current with skills, knowledge, and competencies in rapidly changing times. The authors surveyed distance librarians in academic libraries to determine their professional development needs. Respondents were asked to indicate which professional development activities they are currently participating in and those they are likely to engage in within the next five years. Findings from the survey will inform library administrators, distance librarians, and professional associations of the professional development needs of distance librarians.

Mary is the Subject Specialist Librarian for the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. She has co-presented at each Off-Campus Library Services Conference since 1996 and has co-authored two journal articles related to library services for distance students. She has a strong interest in distance learning, having earned her M.L.S. degree through a distance program. Her job duties include working with distance students and faculty within her liaison departments.

Kate is the Distance Education and Undergraduate Services Coordinator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has co-presented at each Off-Campus Library Services Conference since 1996 and has given presentations at other distance learning conferences. Her experience with distance learning library services dates from 1990 when Nebraska developed its program of service. She has served on various ACRL Distance Learning Section committees since 1992.

The University of Nebraska, Lincoln has 21,675 students.