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Dear Colleagues
Now this thread appears to have run its course, this might be
the moment to express disappointment that for me (and maybe for anyone from
CILIP HQ monitoring) little useful or clear emerged. Initially I felt
that the chief culprit was the design of the questionnaire which started this
off, in disproportionately attracting the dissatisfied, but failing to define specifics
for said dissatisfaction. Then, as the thread developed, with the
opportunity for remedy, the discussion instead touched on extras not actually
purchased by the basic sub.
For me the starting point is to draw up a list of core services
I need from a professional organisation. My list will not be the same as
everyone’s, so the P.O. has to judge where the aggregate needs are and
pitch accordingly. For some the P.O. will be taking on too much, for others
too little. Those who don’t subscribe to a Trade Union will want
the P.O. to double up on that function, as the BMA does: T.U. members on the
other hand will get the distinction.
CILIP has to decide what basic list of services will command customer
buy in. This is always going to be a compromise, never exactly suiting
everybody. It is important to distinguish between that core list and the
questions of how efficient and effective CILIP is in delivering what it does.
As we look at the effects of us all having to pay more for the mistakes of the
bankers, we might grumble about efficiencies in all areas of our lives.
As we look at the new Govt’s proposals to dismantle the MLA and transfer
representation to the Arts Council (anyone there understand medical libraries?)
we might shortly start complaining about CILIP’s lobbying effectiveness as
well, if we remain in shoot the messenger mode.
Personally I am grateful for that element of professional
leadership CILIP is able to offer in the current climate and I will be
renewing.
Colin
Engel
Deputy
Library Manager
Clinical
Library 1st Floor C Block
Russells
Hall Hospital
Dudley
DY1 2HQ
(01384)
321084 or ext.1084
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