-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Trevor-Allen, John - Oxfordshire Customer Services
Sent: 09 November 2015 13:09
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Re-Revalidation

Speaking wholly for myself and without any reference to the views of my employer or to my role as a CILIP trustee –

I’ve voted yes on revalidation specifically because I’m concerned about the current challenges facing the profession, and especially because of the increasing reliance on volunteers rather than qualified professionals. I believe revalidation can be a vital part of the argument for retaining professionally staffed services.

Of course it’s obvious to us, as professionals, that there’s a world of difference between our skills and those of an enthusiastic but inexperienced volunteer, but it’s not obvious to the people making the political decisions hurting libraries. I think that’s a massive problem for us.

As different tasks and projects arise, as things change in the wider profession, I’m constantly shifting and updating my skills – I find CPD happens naturally, as well as through attending training events or reading up on developments in the press/online. So partly I’m for revalidation because I feel like I might as well get credit for the work I’m already doing!

But beyond that I’m in favour on an ideological level. I think the more we can do to demonstrate the extent of our professional skills, to showcase the effort we’re already putting into maintaining and developing them, the better it is for all of us.

To many of the people driving the political and ideological agenda, it seems that “library” just means “bookswap” and “librarian” just means “shelver”, or possibly “person who reads books all day”. That sort of misunderstanding is completely toxic to a comprehensive and efficient service (and sure, a Wee Free Library in a disused phonebox is nice, but it’s not going to help you get online, or apply for a job, or find that book you loved that had a red cover and possibly he turned out to be a spy at the end)…

…And yet despite the fact that attitude is completely toxic, and completely wrong, it’s still horribly common. Politicians don’t know what skills we bring, they don’t understand that how much work we put in to keep those skills relevant, and they seem to think they can replace us with amateurs without in any way damaging the service.

Whether it’s through ignorance or malice, the longer it takes the politicians to realise the full range of expertise professional staff bring, the harder the struggle against amateurisation of services is going to be.

Revalidation demonstrates that we’re serious about our profession (and worth paying for our skills!) – and helps make it clear that the a professional librarian has too much skill and experience to be swapped out for a volunteer with some time on their hands.

Genuinely, I think we need this. I think we need every weapon we can get to help defend professionally staffed services, and I think revalidation is a big one.

Thanks,
John


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John Trevor-Allen
Information Services Librarian
Oxfordshire County Council

-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Steve Powell
Sent: 09 November 2015 11:58
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Re-Revalidation

This is a brilliant summation, couldn't have put it better myself!
I am still a member of CILIP [though I have little idea why] and Chair of EMYLG...but I have never felt so distant from my own professional body.
'I find their lack of faith disturbing'

These thoughts are mine not those of my authority.

Steve Powell
Team Librarian
Nottinghamshire County Council


-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of McNabb, Helen
Sent: 09 November 2015 09:09
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Re-Revalidation


I stopped being a member of Cilip many years ago and have seen nothing at all recently to inspire me to rejoin.  The absence of support, leadership and general help for public libraries in a state of crisis is lamentable .  Fussing about names, revalidation and other things are fiddling while Rome burns - the profession is being whittled away by current events and CILIP doesn't seem willing to engage with it at all.
>
> I think revalidation when people are losing jobs left, right and
> centre is a joke, and one in very poor taste
>
> Needless to say these are my own thoughts, not those of my authority.

Helen McNabb
Library Resources Manager
Library and Information Service
Vale of Glamorgan Council / Cyngor Bro Morgannwg tel / ffôn: 01446 725383 mob / sym: 07885971665 e-mail / e-bost: [log in to unmask]

Visit our Website at 'www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk'
Ewch i'n gwefan yn 'www.bromorgannwg.gov.uk'

Consider the environment. Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.
Ystyriwch yr amgylchedd. Peidiwch ag argraffu’r neges hon oni bai fod gwir angen.


-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Martyn Wade
Sent: 08 November 2015 12:41
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Re-Revalidation

I think that these two postings probably cover the range of views regarding revalidation that are held by CILIP members.

For me CPD is an essential part of being a professional and my view on revalidation firmed up following my discussions with CILIP members around the UK - especially new professionals who are immensely proud of being a chartered librarian.  They argued that they had worked hard for the qualification, and they were keen to ensure that it maintained its value in the ever changing workplace.  They saw the importance that other professions placed on revalidation as a public commitment to maintaining the currency of their skills, and they could not see why any professional librarian would not wish to do the same.  They also argued that without revalidation it would be harder to get employers to be serious about the importance of the qualification and the skills it represented.

As a point of clarification for CILIP members, for revalidation CPD does not just mean - or even require! - attendance at conferences.  We are all aware that cost is an issue and so CPD covers any and all the activities which add to your professional knowledge and skills.  These can include reading, different practical and work experiences, on the job training, attending group and regional network meetings - anything that has added to or supported your professional skills. For further information on revalidation follow the link included in the email on voting.

Whatever your views, its your vote - please use it!

Lynne - thanks for your contribution to the discussion and I wish you all the best in finding a new professional post.

Martyn Wade
Chair, CILIP Board


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