> -----Original Message-----
> From: andy.barker1 [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002 8:08 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Definite possibilities
>
> So what Susan is saying here is that we actually have to belong to the LA
> or
> CILIP not only to become chartered in the first place, but also simply to
> continue to describe ourselves as Chartered Librarians! Given that the LA
> (like all professional bodies)is basically a posh trade union and that are
> career options are limited while we remain uncharted, this is in effect a
> "closed shop". And as "closed shops" are outlawed under the Trade Union
> reforms on the 1980's, one might argue that in belonging to the LA, we
> effectively belong to an illegal organisation.
As has already been said this has always been the case. I disagree about
your comment as to the LA (like all professional bodies) being basically a
posh trade union. The LA is not (much to the dismay of many) a trade union
for our profession. Library staff generally belong to a whole host of
unions, dependant on grade and sector. In my own library staff are covered
by two unions for example.
I also don't think you can call the LA a closed shop, not that this term
would apply anyhow because of above. The LA does not refuse membership, it
just has criteria for members gaining chartership. It is also worth noting
that this isn't just something that the LA have dreamt up, it's a
requirement of their Royal Charter.
>
> The requirement to continue to belong to the LA once we have Chartered
> throws up the interesting question of what value the Charter is. To gain
> the
> Charter all we have to do is describe and analyse our professional
> development in 4k - 6k words over (as a minimum) our first professionally
> qualified year. As to even become simply a librarian we will have gained
> at
> least one degree if not a post grad diploma or second degree, this can
> hardly said to be particularly difficult. And that's it! Yet the LA places
> so much value on its award of Chartership it wants to disown us if we
> stop
> being members. Either the LA is really, really desperate for are fees or
> its
> view of value of Chartership is radically different from the reality.
>
> No doubt the LA has a different view and I'm sure we will all look forward
> to Susan's response.
>
Well it depends on which route you take of course, but the PDR is meant to
show that you have built upon theoretical knowledge and have developed
professional practice and not just be a verbatim report on what you did in
the last year. Judging by the messages to this list, even though many of us
have numerous academic qualifications, many don't find it all that easy.
I think the value of the Chartership has changed in recent years. That's why
in many sectors it isn't a hindrance to career progression.
However hopefully this will be addressed by the suggested requirement for
revalidation that is currently being discussed.
Anne Partridge
President Career Development Group
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Susan Kay" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002 4:56 PM
> Subject: Definite possibilities
>
>
> > 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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