Article
Professional Excellence
The notion of excellence in business bas been widely canvassed, while that concept bas been relatively neglected in professional work. Tbe idea of professionalism in librariansbip bas bad some debate, but bas not been articulated in any formal fashion. This paper attempts that examination by discussing the criteria of excellence: implicating political parameters; social and psychological aspects; institutional matters; and who is to be the judge of excellence. Tbe theoretical approach to excellence, and the way it is conveyed by education are outlined. In most professional work excellence is judged, in part, by the ethical codes. Tbe conclusion is drawn that excellence is more easily recognised than codified. Excellence is, however, seen as a journey as well as a destination; a process as well as an achievement.