Professional excellence

Abstract

The notion of excellence in business has been widely canvassed, while that concept has been relatively neglected in professional work. The idea of professionalism in librari- anship has had some debate, but has 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. The 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. The 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. © 1991 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.