I have every sympathy with John, having worked in the HE sector. From my
observation, chartership has only been of relevance and 'reward' (to use
Jim's word) in public libraries. CILIP's stanze on salaries is a
well-documented and continuing source of exasperation for many. On the issue
of periodic revalidation, there is also little incentive for members,
frankly, to go through a time-consuming and expensive process in a climate
not only where employers disregard qualifications, but where budgets are
being repeatedly (in perpetuity, it seems) cut, and job security continually
undermined. There comes a time when, surely, even the most altruistic of us
must ask: 'where's the pay-off?' Periodic validation is laudable, in
principle, for the reasons Jim outlines, but it must be entirely voluntary.
Personally, I would resist any move to make revalidation mandatory for
Chartered members.

Keith M C O'Sullivan
Canterbury Cathedral Library

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Jackson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 22 December 2003 13:28
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: CILIP CONSULTS ON FLEXIBLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR INFORMATION
PROFESSIONALS <fwd>


John,
Not being a chartered member ( yet! ) or having control
over salary grades I can not comment on how they do or dont
have relevance to HE Librarians.
However, at recent meetings, and in the national press
there is concern at a possible 'dumbing down' or blurring
of the edges between professional and non professional
staff in many different walks of life. Here is an
opportunity for members of a professional body, to look at
what they do, and how they plan to adapt to the future of
information provision. While CILIP can be accused  of
ignoring problems of salary in the past, I think this is a
positive step in the right direction, and will help correct
the impression that it does not care. The proposals aim to
recognize the skills, and knowledge of LIS personnel, and
perhaps even more importantly seek to reward those who have
those skills and knowledge.
On Mon, 22 Dec 2003 12:33:02 +0000 (GMT) "J.W.T.Smith"
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>
> Jim,
>
> Is this relevant to HE librarians? As far as I am aware most universities
> ignore Chartership and it does not affect grade or salary.
>
> In fact looking at CILIP's total silence on the proposed (probably
> negative) changes in grading and salaries for HE librarians is it (CILIP)
> relevant to HE librarians at all?
>
> Regards,
>
> John Smith,
> The Templeman Library,
> University of Kent.
>
> On Mon, 22 Dec 2003, Jim Jackson wrote:
>
> > I welcome this announcment, and trust that not only
> > CILIPS's membership take an active part in replying to it,
> > but also all those prospective members.
> > This is an opportunity not to be missed, and I hope that
> > some enlighted debate will follow. I am sure that
> > Affiliated members will be pleased with this inital
> > proposal and that as a membership we can take the
> > opportunity offered us to show how we can develope our
> > skills for the future.
> > It was indeed strange that the press release came on the
> > day that Update arrived on my desk, with its letter about
> > Revalidation, see page 23 January 04 Vol 3 (1).
> >
> > On Fri, 19 Dec 2003 11:21:39 -0000 Tim Buckley Owen
> > <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> >
> >
> > > CILIP CONSULTS ON FLEXIBLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR INFORMATION
PROFESSIONALS
> > >
> > > Consultation on Framework of Qualifications runs throughout January
2004
> > >
> > > CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information
Professionals has launched a consultation exercise on proposals for a new
framework of qualifications covering the needs of people working in every
tier of the profession.  For the first time, there would be a qualification
for CILIP Members working in para-professional or technical roles, as well
as a revalidation scheme for existing Chartered Members and a scheme for
non-conventional routes to qualification.
> > >
> > > A brochure is being mailed to every CILIP Member and the consultation
document also appears on the CILIP web site, giving each Member the
opportunity to contribute comments on the Framework via a questionnaire.
> > >
> > > "This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for all members of
the library and information community, and in particular for CILIP Members,
to endorse their commitment to the enhancement of professional knowledge and
competence," said CILIP's President Margaret Watson, launching the
consultation exercise.  "The proposals are based on research and analysis of
the skills and competencies needed by staff working in library and
information services in the 21st century.  Let us all make sure that this
Framework provides us with a robust and inclusive qualifications scheme for
the future."
> > > The proposed Framework introduces a Certification Scheme for
Affiliated Members and a Revalidation Scheme for Chartered Members.  It
includes illustrations of progression pathways and multi-entry points to
each stage of Certification, Chartership and Fellowship status, from both
traditional library and information services roles and non-traditional roles
- para-professional and professional.
> > >
> > > Information-related work experience, recruitment straight from school,
a first degree in information management or even experience in another
career - all these entry points and more are catered for in the proposed
Framework.  A more flexible approach and a variety of opportunities for
progression are its aims.  "Members will be able to gain recognition for a
much wider range of qualifications and experiences, from both within and
outwith the library and information sector," the consultation document says.
> > >
> > > The consultation period for the Framework of Qualifications runs until
31 January 2004.  For further details, please visit
www.cilip.org.uk/framework <http://www.cilip.org.uk/framework>.
> > >
> > > Contact:        Marion Huckle, Head of Membership, Careers &
Qualifications.
> > >                 Tel: 020 7255 0600.     Email: [log in to unmask]
> > >
> >
> > ----------------------
> > Jim Jackson
> > Chair - Affiliated Members Group of CILIP
> > C/O The Law Library
> > University of Exeter
> > Rennes Drive             Tel:44(0) 1392 263356
> > Exeter.
> > EX4 4RJ                  Fax:44(0) 1392 263196
> >
> >
> > ********************************************************************
> > Any Opinions expressed in this message are my own,
> > and not those of the University of Exeter. They do not form any
statement
> > by the University of Exeter or any other member there of.
> > --- End Forwarded Message ---
> >
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