> The discussions this week that followed Lesha's initial contribution have
> raised a number of specific questions about aspects of registration, in
> additon to some more general queries about Library Association policy and
> practices.
> Replies have been sent direct to many of the contributors.  However, I
> hope that all list members will find the following comments and
> information helpful.
>  
> Registration
>  
> Who can register?
>  
> The Library Association is a broad church and its members are drawn for a
> great range of occupations.  Charter candidates reflect this diversity.
> Some work exclusively in the electronic environment, others are equally
> comfortable in the more traditional environment.  Regardless of where they
> work if they believe their work will enable them to fulfill the criteria
> for assessment, against which all applications are assessed, they will be
> encouraged to join.  Job titles are not a bar to registering. If you have
> any doubts about whether you meet the criteria have a chat with someone in
> the Professional Qualifications Dept.
>  
> Route B.  Candidates who are not following a Library Association approved
> training programme (Route A) can register at any time on Route B.  They do
> not have to complete a further two years service after registering before
> submitting an application.  It is helpful if you register in advance of
> sending in your application so we can check all the details and ensure you
> are put in touch with the Registration Liaison Officer for your area; the
> RLO is another excellent source of advice and support.
>  
> What to include
>  
> All candidates whether Route A or Route B must include ALL their LIS
> experience since obtaining their  qualification.. Candidates who have
> worked for a number of years will probably choose to evaluate their more
> recent career in detail, highlighting significant learning experiences and
> activities from their earlier careers.  
>  
> Forms of submission
>  
>      Two new forms of submission were added in 1995 when the Regulations
> changed.  The new forms are Portfolio and, Proforma and Interview.
> Candidates can chose ANY of the forms of submission whichever Regualtions
> they are bound by.  However, candidates bound by the 1991 Regulations
> should be aware they may be invited to attend a professional interview to
> facilitate the assessment process, should the Board feel it is
> appropriate.  Under the 1995 Regulations only candidates submitting a
> Proforma will be interviewed, it is an intrinsic part of the assessment
> process. There is nothing to be afraid of in opting for the Proforma,
> candidates are told discussion topics in advance. It really is a
> discussion, not like a viva or job interview.
>  
> If you are not sure which Regulations cover you, please telephone or email
> the Professional Qualifications Dept. [[log in to unmask]]
> The Proforma is available on disk, together with a number of other cpd
> tools.  Please contact the Professional Qualifications Dept. if you would
> like one.
>  
> How do I get to see examples of successful Associateship applications?
>  
> All the Registration Liaison Officers regularly receive successful
> submissions.  The number of Proformas and Portfolios available for
> candidates is still relatively small, compared to the number of PDRs.  It
> will take some time to build up a supply of Portfolios and Proformas,
> however, the number available in 1998 was double that available in 1997.
> Incidentally, all the Portfolios and Proformas submitted so far have been
> successful.
> The following RLOs have a Proforma and/or a Portfolio that is available to
> candidates.
> Portfolios: Scotland, North Thames, Devon & Cornwall, North West, South
> Thames, South Thames, West Midlands, 
> Proforma: Devon & Cornwall, East Midlands, North West, Scottish, North
> Thames, South Wales
>  
> Low salary appointments
>  
> The Library Association does respond to advertisements that appear in both
> Library & Information Appointments and in other papers where the salary is
> low.  Discussions with a numberof employers have led to salary revisions
> in a number of cases once they understand the range and complexity of the
> work required from information professionals.However, it is very important
> for members to continue to alert the Association to advertisements that
> they feel are badly paid.
> Any member with concerns about professional and/or employment issues can
> discuss them with one of the Professional Advisers, in the Professional
> Practice Dept.  who deal with sectoral issues.They are:
> Trish Botten (Schools and Youth) [log in to unmask]
> <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
> Mark Field (Special) [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
> Lyndsay Rees-Jones (Special) [log in to unmask]
> <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
> Roddie Shephers (Academic) [log in to unmask]
> <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
> It is worth noting that L & I Appointments is a business venture as well
> as a members service that has become a market leader in recent years.  It
> generates considerable income that is used for the benefit of members of
> the Association.  If the Association was to adopt a policy of boycotting
> low pay posts this would lead to a loss of income to obvious disadvantage
> of members.  It would also become more difficult to monitor salaries and
> conditions.
> 
> I hope that this information helps clarify some of the issues raised in
> the current debate.  
> 
> Marion Huckle 
> Professional Adviser 
> Professional Qualifications 
> [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> 
> 
>  


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