An ethical query
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Occasionally on these discussion lists one comes across a member (of a list) who
opines on the merits of becoming a Chartered Librarian (ALA) or a Member of the
Institute of Information Scientists (MIInfSc). Sometimes the comments contrast
the perceived relative difficulties of becoming such a member of either
organisation. It has been said, particularly since unification of the LA and
IIS became more certain, that becoming a Member of the IIS is easier than
becoming an Associate of the LA. A recent discussion on lis-la-charter, which
went on for days, suggested that Associateship was not worth the effort if
revalidation became a requirement; and that a candidate for Associateship would
be better off applying for Membership of the IIS as an easier option.

My question
==========
Whether attaining membership of either body is any easier is not the point of
this email. I would like to invite members of these discussion lists [usual
apologies for my enthusiastic cross-posting] to consider the ethical
implications of those intentionally seeking to 'qualify' with the IIS as an
easier option. To start the discussion, here are some points worth considering:
[1] Does joining via an easier route have a dumbing-down effect on either body
(or the LA, *if* it's 'harder' to join)?
[2] Does an easier route (or intentionally taking advantage of an easier route)
reflect badly on our profession?
[3] Are lis-la-charter members acting in an ethically responsible manner by
encouraging easy-route membership?

I have an opinion on this matter which I will gladly summarise, along with any
other comments sent directly to me. However, for the moment I would like to
play devil's advocate with my remarks and leave the debate open.

Regards

Jonathan Gordon-Till
Information Manager (Research)

============================================================
Jonathan Gordon-Till,Research Department,Aon Consulting
21 Peterborough Road,Harrow,Middx,HA1 2AJ,United Kingdom
Tel:+44 (0)20 8864 9966,Fax:+44 (0)20 8422 0760
Direct:+44 (0)20 8970 4448,

Internet:[log in to unmask]
Website :http://www.aon.com/

Aon - Insure Your Vision
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