Emilce,
As someone whose remit includes Information Management research in an
academic environment, but on the ALC grade, I would have to comment that
this is NOT the same as academic research (cutting edge, blue sky) nor does
it have the same factors, such as teaching responsibilities, pressure to
publish regularly as part of appraisal/review, etc. This is presumably why,
and I think rightly so, there are separate grade scales for Academics, for
Researchers and for Admin/Library/Computing (ALC) staff.
Not at all saying that Library work is not important (or indeed that its
current profile does not need to be raised), but I think that it is
different. Also, how can you compare unqualified library work to
professional research? Surely a research post at the same level as
unqualified library work would be as an assistant, and not as an
academic/fellow etc.?
I would expect that someone wishing to move from librarianship to a research
post, would, as you outline, get some research included in their library
post and then begin applying for research posts, which are advertised and
paid as such, improving qualifications as required on the way, e.g. via
further study.
Do not see that it would be acceptable (to employers' practice or to any
union) for a post to be advertised on a research grade then an individual
told that it can be downgraded because of their library background! Have
you spoken to your own union rep about this?
Good luck,
cb
Caroline Breslin
Information Resources Directorate
Alexander Turnbull Building
Tel: 0141 548 3527
Fax: 0141 553 4121
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
http://www.mis.strath.ac.uk/predict
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