Library qualification pathways: a summary of different experiences

1
Library qualification pathwaysa summary of
different experiences

• Alice Hine, Faculty of Divinity
• Kate Arhel, Faculty of Music
• Yvonne Nobis, University Library
• Chris Barker, Jesus College
• Hazel Sanderson, Selwyn College
• Anna Martin, University Library

2
Introduction to the session

• An introduction to library qualifications
• Library staff share their experiences of
  postgraduate courses, NVQ courses and chartership
• An opportunity for questions and discussion

3
Postgraduate degrees

• The main route for graduates into professional
  library jobs
• CILIP accredits library and information courses
  in the UK www.cilip.org.uk/qualificationscharters
  hip/Wheretostudy
• Completion of an accredited course will help you
  get professional posts
• Completing a course will also enable you to
  register to charter with CILIP later on in your
  career

4
Things to consider when choosing a course

• What are the entry requirements?
• How much library experience is necessary? (often
  one year for postgraduate courses)
• How will you fund the course? Some funding is
  available from the AHRC for full-time courses.
  Career Development Loans are another option.

5
Methods of study

• Will you study full-time, part-time or by
  distance-learning?
• Not all universities offer part-time or
  distance-learning routes so this may restrict
  your choice.
• The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, the
  University of Wales, Aberystwyth and Northumbria
  University in Newcastle all offer distance
  learning courses.
• UCL, City and London Metropolitan offer part-time
  courses (one day a week for 2 years)

6
What kind of course?

• Although all the courses accredited by CILIP lead
  to a professional qualification, the content of
  courses can be quite variable.
• Traditional courses vs. more IT based courses.
• Choice of optional modules, such as rare books
  librarianship, medical librarianship or
  childrens librarianship.

7
MA Library Information Studies, University
College London
8
Course structure and content

• 6 compulsory modules and 2 optional modules
• 12,000-word dissertation

9
Compulsory modules

• Cataloguing and Classification
• Collection Management and Preservation
• Information Resources and Retrieval
• Introduction to Management
• Principles of Computing and Information
  Technology
• Professional Awareness

10
Dissertation

• Necessary for MA qualification
• 12,000-15,000 words
• Topic of your choice

11
Teaching and assessment

• Mixture of teaching styles (and locations)
• Assessment by coursework 1 exam

12
Flexible study

• Full-time (1 year)
• Part-time (2 years)
• Modular (2-5 years)

13
Why choose UCL?

• Excellent reputation
• Range of modules
• Flexible study
• Convenient location

14
In conclusion

• A course worth doing
• Take a look at some samples
• http//www.ucl.ac.uk/slais
• My contact details Kate Arhel, Pendlebury
  Library, Faculty of Music kma30_at_cam.ac.uk

15
MSc Library Information Management, City
University

• Not a 'traditional' library course -no
  cataloguing!
• Very IT orientated
• Online examinations in some modules
• Fully supported distance learning via WebCT

16
MSc Econ Information and Library Studies,
University of Wales, Aberystwyth

• Distance-learning is very flexible
• Students can take between 2 and 5 years to
  complete the course
• Three study schools to attend in Aberystwyth
• Meeting up with other students in Cambridge helps
  with motivation

17
City Guilds ALIS

• ALIS Award in library and information services
• Run by Cambridgeshire County Council,
• Libraries Heritage Division
• Duration 18-24 months. Monthly meetings (term
  time only)
• Homework Nothing too taxing!
• Structure 5 modules
• Four exams and a portfolio of tasks
• Contact Rebecca.Goldsmith_at_cambridgeshire.gov.uk

18
CILIP Chartership

• Chartered membership is the first level of
  professional qualification awarded by CILIP. An
  MCLIP implies you are experienced, alert and
  reliable.
• Most members gain Chartered Membership two or
  three years after gaining their professional
  qualification (various entry pathways exist)
• See www.lib.cam.ac.uk/libraries/chartership.htm
  for more information about chartership in
  Cambridge

19
What is involved?

• A portfolio should contain A cv, job
  description, a Personal Professional Development
  plan, organisational structure plans, a personal
  evaluative statement (maximum 1,000
  words),evidence to support the evaluative
  statement, evidence of mentoring etc.
• You need to have a registered mentor

20
More about chartership

• The award is based on evidence of meeting certain
  assessment criteria
• Continuing professional development in practice,
  and learning from experience are stressed
• Find out more at http//www.lib.cam.ac.uk/librarie
  s/chartership.htm
• Rules change sometimes