> From:
> [log in to unmask][SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     [log in to unmask]
> Sent:         18 February 2002 12:05
> To:   list WORKPLACE
> Subject:      PAY AND STATUS SURVEY SPRING 2002 - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
> 
>  <<Salary questionnaire (Feb 2002).doc>> 
> I apologise for cross-posting, but am deliberately targeting members of
> both
> lists for this exercise. I hope that you will take the time to read the
> following explanation, and also to complete the questionnaire.  If you
> have
> problems with downloading the questionnaire (a word document simply
> formatted) please let me know (with your address details), and I will
> arrange for one to be mailed conventionally.
> Fingers crossed that you respond.
> 
> 
> Pay and Status - Spring 2002
> 
> 
> The purpose of this "quick and dirty" survey, is to gather some general
> data
> about the current state of information professionals working in the
> various
> workplace sectors.  By "professional", we mean those who are qualified and
> chartered, or who have responsibility for significant service elements (we
> recognise that many people in workplace libraries do not have library and
> information qualifications).
> 
> The communication channel, and data set, for this survey will be the
> Workplace and Solo discussion lists.  This is a self-selecting group of
> people who have shown interest in the wider community.  However, we would
> appreciate it if people would alert colleagues to it's existence, and
> encourage them to participate. 
> 
> There has long been dissatisfaction over the pay and status of library and
> information professionals.  In comparison with other library sectors,
> librarians employed within 'workplace' libraries, or who are employed to
> use
> their library skills within other areas of an organisation, can appear to
> be
> better off than other sectors eg. public or school libraries.  However,
> apart from some notable exceptions, average salaries of qualified and
> experienced librarians are still far from satisfactory. 
> 
> In the early part of 2001 dissatisfaction with how the Library Association
> was representing the membership in the areas of pay and status flared up.
> After some lively debate on the discussion lists (set up by the LA during
> 1999 to encourage this sort of interaction and involvement), there was a
> live discussion with Bob McKee (LA's Chief Executive).  Since that time,
> the
> issue has been raised at the highest level within the governance of the
> LA,
> and will be a key strand for CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and
> Information Professionals) when it starts it's work in April 2002.
> 
> At the time we challenged the profession to consider what the LA should be
> doing to change the status quo. We asked questions such as "what would
> help
> improve pay and conditions?", and "what sort of supporting documentation
> would help you influence and advocate within your own organisation?".   We
> were certainly not inundated with responses!
> 
> It may be a general malaise, or that members are assuming that other
> members
> will make the effort on their behalf.  However, we can not do this without
> your support.  If things are to change, then you must help us by providing
> the ammunition to fire the "big guns" amongst government, and industry.
> 
> In the meantime we would like to test the water, and gather some general
> information about the current situation.  This will serve several
> purposes:
> ·   To discover what salaries are being earned in 2002
> ·   To discover what job titles people are being known by
> ·   To discover more about the variety that is "workplace libraries"
> ·   To support the development of a long-term programme
> ·   To identify people who are prepared to help in any project or
> working party
>
> We have begun to address the concerns of members over jobs advertised in
> Library and Information Appointments, by strengthening the disclaimer that
> is printed at the bottom of p2.  In addition the Advisory Team have begin
> submitting a regular series of short pieces (also on p2), which focus more
> closely on individual sectors.  
> 
> In addition to the series of salary guides that are currently being
> updated,
> we are also producing a leaflet that gives guidance to staff at all levels
> on pay negotiation, and a leaflet promoting the value to employers of
> qualified staff.  Both will be available in the next few months.
> 
> If the professional association is to enhance the status of members, then
> it
> is crucial that relevant supporting information is gathered to support the
> arguments for realistic salary levels.
> 
> This exercise will show how willing members are to help the wider
> profession, by providing crucially needed information. We need your help.
> 
> 
> We will, of course, circulate reports on progress and any outcomes to the
> lists.
> 
> Thank you in anticipation
> 
> Lyndsay Rees-Jones
> February 2002
> 
> __________________________________________________
> Lyndsay Rees-Jones
> Workplace and Solo Adviser
> Library Association
> 7 Ridgmount Street
> London  WC1A 7AE
> Tel: 020 7255 0635
> Email: [log in to unmask]
> www.la-hq.org.uk
> 
> 
>  <<Salary questionnaire (Feb 2002).doc>> 
>