I believe that we, as a professional body, need to start showing and proving our worth vocally from the ground up. We cannot just rely on CILIP to simply tell folks we are professionals, if we are not prepared to at least match other chartered professionals and ensure proof of continuing growth and expertise.  Otherwise we just end going round in circles.  

I accept that this will mean many feeling they are paying for providing the proof in terms of time, and in some cases financially to attend courses where their employers won't pay, and this is unacceptable on a personal level.  But as a profession this situation is vital if we want to properly move forward.

And I voted knowing this may force me out of the profession entirely as I have restrictions on how far I can travel for work, and although successfully revalidated at the beginning of the year I am now working as a Xmas temp delivery driver!  If I cannot get back into the profession then I will struggle to pay CILIP membership and access CPD required for revalidation.  But I voted for what I believe is best for the profession, not for me.

Lynne Coppendale.
Qualified, Chartered Professional Librarian.