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54 - Formal qualifications

from Section 3 - Activities and tools

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 June 2018

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Summary

FORMAL TRAINING FOR librarians in the UK dates back to the late nineteenth century (Broughton, 2010). Professional (rather than academic) qualifications are managed by CILIP; presently the normal route is postgraduate study, e.g. a Masters in Library and Information Studies or equivalent (Broughton, 2010). By focusing on assignments that mirror professional activities students develop a more professional mindset and capabilities; this can include briefing papers, competitive intelligence reports, new designs for libraries, delivering information literacy teaching and evaluating it, presentations, and web pages which are much closer to the reality of professional writing and activity (UKLIBCHAT, 2015a).

In order to facilitate your staff in achieving their qualifications support can be provided in a number of ways, including releasing staff from work for studying and helping with flexible hours. Working whilst studying has been reported (UKLIBCHAT, 2015b) as being beneficial, as it helps people finance their qualification and provides access to useful resources and advice from their colleagues. For staff considering undertaking a formal qualification where financial support is unavailable from the workplace other support/ funding is available; this includes the John Campbell Trust Award, disabled students allowance and/or career development loan.

Modes of study

There are different modes of study available for staff wanting to undertake a formal professional qualification whilst working; these include distance learning and part-time study. Both distance learning and part-time study were considered amongst contributors to a UKLIBCHAT (2015b) Twitter chat to have the advantage of being more affordable, as students could continue working to finance the course and did not have to take a career break to gain the qualification. In addition, students who are already working in LKSs were able to immediately put into practice the skills they were gaining as they were learning them (UKLIBCHAT, 2015b).

Out of these two modes of study, distance learning is considered advantageous because of its flexible nature and the need for self-motivation, e.g. self-set deadlines. Conversely, it is purported that there is a lack of regular contact with fellow students and tutors; in addition, flexibility can lead to time management and motivation issues (UKLIBCHAT, 2015b).

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Publisher: Facet
Print publication year: 2016

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