Quit dissing the Midlands! We like it here, although lunch is
undoubtedly swankier at the BMA, as I was lucky enough to find
out.
I'm with Kayla on this one - more power to/investment
in/recognition of branches and groups. We work hard on our local
committees to put together high quality events at a fraction of the
central CILIP prices.
Sue Hill recruitment recently ventured out to offices in the Midlands
- perhaps a representative could comment on how that's going?
As for student involvement, I think this is partly related to the wider
issue of 'paraprofessional'/'affiliated' membership (not that I like
either of those terms). Some organisations still act as though staff
on clerical pay scales aren't entitled to development opportunities.
Being encouraged to join in LA activities while a Library Assistant
at Oxford Brookes had a lot of bearing on my professional activities
now. Managers, be proactive and prompt your staff to get stuck in!
I once wrote a letter to the Record saying 'Chase the kids in the
informatin playground'. I stand by that: if you want students, go and
attract them, don't think a stand during a lunchtime at Library
School when all the part-timers are dealing with their library books
etc. is enough. What about targeted leaflets about what CILIP can
do for students, invitations to specific events, ...?
Just some disjointed thoughts there, hope some sense made
Amanda Quick
Subject Librarian (Health), University College Worcester
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