CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
7 Ridgmount St, London WC1E 7AE.

Tel: 020 7255 0500  
Textphone: 020 7255 0505  
Fax: 020 7255 0501  
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News from CILIP
Wednesday 13 April 2005
For immediate release  (Please copy to online discussion lists)


CILIP's Framework of Qualifications: enhancing opportunities, rewarding achievement

CILIP's Framework of Qualifications has been expanded and enhanced to provide an accessible but rigorous suite of qualifications that will benefit individuals and employers. 

Library and information assistants and para-professionals can now enhance their careers by registering for a new CILIP qualification - certification.  The qualification will entitle successful candidates to use the post-nominal ACLIP.

The framework of qualifications will also be expanded through the introduction of a voluntary revalidation scheme for CILIP members who have already gained chartered status (MCLIP and FCLIP).  Chartership distinguishes information professionals for their commitment to professional development through experience and work-based learning. The revalidation scheme acknowledges the fact that library and information services operate in a dynamic and challenging environment and that practitioners need to regularly update their knowledge and skills.

CILIP's highest qualification, fellowship (FCLIP) will continue to recognise Members who have made a significant contribution to the profession at large. CILIP accredits courses in library and information science at 18 Universities in the UK and its qualifications are recognised globally.

Debbie Shorley, President of CILIP comments, "I'm delighted that CILIP is leading the way on this for the information and knowledge profession. CILIP's new Framework of Qualifications couldn't have come at a better time. Government and employers now recognise the value of professional qualifications frameworks to support a highly skilled and motivated workforce. Many professions are revising their qualifications frameworks and at the same time, introducing revalidation procedures to ensure that practitioners meet the highest standards of professional practice. Library and information staff need to be outward looking and responsive to the changing information environment. At the same time investment in staff development and training undoubtedly improves morale and helps employers recruit and retain good staff."

The enhanced framework is already attracting significant interest according to Marion Huckle, CILIP's Head of Qualifications and Professional Development, "Already over 200 members have registered an interest in ACLIP and the number of paraprofessionals in membership has shot up from just over 700 in October 2004 to over 900 in March 2005 - an indication of just how timely and relevant this initiative is for LIS workers."

The CILIP Framework addresses the Government agenda for workforce development at local, regional and national levels and encourages effective joint planning and working with other learning organisations. It will also provide many benefits for employers such as:

* Providing flexible, accessible qualifications that recognise and reward the diverse skills profiles of information and library workers
* Providing personal development and learning opportunities tailored to specific qualifications
* Establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with key partners and stakeholders

The expanded framework will be showcased at the Library + information Show, which takes place at the Pavilion, NEC Birmingham next Wednesday and Thursday (20 and 21 April).  CILIP will be celebrating with the first affiliated members to register for certification on Thursday 21st between 12pm and 2pm.  Visit the CILIP stand (320) for a glass of wine and more information.

Full details on all aspects of the framework are available on the CILIP website at www.cilip.org.uk/qualificationschartership/ or from the Qualifications and Professional Development Team.  Tel: 020 7255 0610.  Email: [log in to unmask] <Mailto:[log in to unmask]>

Contacts for media enquires: 

Tim Buckley Owen, Head of Membership, Marketing and Media
Tel: 020 7255 0652
Email: [log in to unmask] <Mailto:[log in to unmask]>

Marion Huckle, Head of Qualifications and Professional Development
Tel: 020 7255 1613
Email: [log in to unmask] <Mailto:[log in to unmask]>

Notes to Editors

CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers, with around 23,000 members working in all sectors, including business and industry, science and technology, further and higher education, schools, local and central government, the health service, the voluntary sector, national and public libraries.  For more information about CILIP, please go to www.cilip.org.uk.

-Ends-