This study explores Caribbean librarians’ perceptions on continuing professional development (CPD) as it relates to employer support, personal interest and motivation. CPD literature was reviewed and a questionnaire designed. Hypotheses were tested based upon the following questions: do clearly defined CPD policies motivate librarians to pursue CPD activities?; are librarians motivated to pursue CPD where their organizations have formal programmes?; and are librarians who pursue CPD motivated primarily by the possibility of professional advancement? Data were obtained from 100 librarians mainly from academic, public and special libraries. Respondents showed a clear personal interest in CPD and were motivated to participate regardless of organizational support. A direct relationship was observed between CPD motivation and professional advancement. Personal and professional ambition appeared to be the main driver of respondents’ interest in CPD participation.