Speaking as someone who was a Librarianship student not
that long ago, I found involvement with a local special
interest group invaluable. I was a student representative
on my local CDG committee which provided real insight into
the workings of CILIP as well as a desire to stay involved
once I was qualified. The local committee was always keen
to know what would attract students to their events and
sent me to a national council meeting so I could experience
the CDG at a higher level. I believe more regional groups,
(both local branches of CILIP and the special interest
groups) should be encouraged to include students from local
universities in their committees. Equally, universities
should be encouraging their students to get involved.
I'm sure many do already, but more opportunities would
be welcome. This would encourage student membership
(committee work is great for the CV!) and encourage future
involvement. Admittedly student workloads don't always
allow full involvement in running events or serving on
multiple committees, but attending a few meetings and
contributing to those is a great start. If activites are
devolved to regions, this too should benefit students.
I'm not sure about the usefulness of roadshows - most of
the postgrads I studied with were already aware of CILIP
and already members - the roadshow told us nothing new. If
roadshows were staffed by local branch/special
interest group members it might have been more relevant.
Professionals from local libraries/information
services who contributed to courses was an approach already
used by my Library School and was highly successful - the
more it can be used the better.
I like the idea of pages in Update dedicated to students.
In addition, I think CILIP should be thinking about how it
supports library trainees. Update pages catering for
students should also encompass those about to embark on a
Librarianship course.
Caroline
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Caroline Gale
Subject Support Librarian
Main Library
University of Exeter
Stocker Road
Exeter EX4 4PT
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