I am delighted to see so much enthusiasm being generated about getting
submissions completed and into the LA before too much more time has elapsed.
I thought that at this point in the discussion you might like a little
clarification on the points which have been raised so far.
Firstly, to reassure all of you, no candidate will be inconvenienced by the
unification of the LA and the IIS. All candidates may complete their
Chartership under the Regulations in force at the time of their Registration
as a candidate.
Lesha is perfectly correct in her assumption about membership. Neither
candidates in the final stages of chartering nor those who have previously
gained their Chartership (and have therefore earned the postnominals ALA)
would be able to become an Associate or retain their Associateship if they
are not in current membership of the LA. If you are not in membership you
may not describe yourself as a Chartered Librarian or use the postnominals.
The next point to consider is the question of which postnominals will you
earn? Anyone who achieves Associateship before unification will become an
ALA (Associate of the Library Association). Those who achieve their
chartership after unification or who are previously ALA will become MCLIP
(Member of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals).
In order to make this change as clear as possible, this department will be
issuing a form of words which ALAs may add to their CVs to explain the
discrepancy between the qualification earned and the new postnominals.
The last point is that of the potential changes to the regulations. From
the date of unification to the end of December, 2004, we will be operating
under Transitional Arrangements which will take into account and make
changes to the anomalies which have been identified in the current
regulations. During that period a full membership consultation will be
carried out regarding the format for the new regulations which we hope to
put in place following that date.
I hope that this clarifies all the points mentioned. If anyone would like
to contact me directly please do not hesitate to use the details below.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all the best of luck with your
submissions and hope that all this New Year enthusiasm can be sustained for
as long as you need it.
Susan Kay
Professional Adviser
Professional Qualifications Department
[log in to unmask]
T: 020 7255 0612
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