Mel,
It sounds to me as though you have a very nice job. However, what "they"
are asking you to do is to provide a justification for something which, if
they were truly concerned about quality and professionalism, they would
not have to ask. In fact it is their job to know these things and to value
it, not to ask you as post holder to provide a justification for it.
You are on possibly dangerous ground (this reminds me of the trouble
lately seen at Bangor University). It also reminds me of the job advert at
the City of Nottingham Libraries to which I have tried to draw peoples'
attention. Regardless of anything anyone else on this list may say to you
I would suggest that you contact CILIP HQ and ask for their professional
guidance team's advice and backing. Your employer can change your job
description with or without your consent, but if they attack the implicit
values of librarianship by trying to undermine the need for professional
qualifications then that is something that CILIP should be helping you
with. Whether you enlist their help or not is of course your decision.
Employers generally do not like outside "interference". For that reason
don't act upon my advice alone. Canvass as much opinion as you can.
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