Winter 2008
Volume 11
Number 4
In this issue
Meet the President Maria Cotera Five week study tour to the UK Glorias Asiimwe P for Professional Anna Grigson Diverse skills, diverse opportunities Benjamin Chan The Seal of Recognition: Raising standards Carol Barker
www.careerdevelopmentgroup.org.uk/impact
ISSN 1468-1625
PRESIDENT Amanda Quick 6 Clair Wood Place, Cupar, Fife KY15 4GZ Tel: 01334 659116 Email: manda_quick@yahoo.co.uk SECRETARY Jon Scown Cultural Services Admin. Centre, Mount Street, Bridgwater TA6 3ES Tel: 01278 451201 Email: jmscown@somerset.gov.uk FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE GROUP Paul Tovell Librarian, Nottinghamshire County Council Tel: 01909 472408 Email: paul.tovell@nottscc.gov.uk FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ADVERTISING Stella Wisdom The British Library, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ Tel: 01937 546873 Email: stella.wisdom@bl.uk SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Janice McQuilkin The Library University of Ulster Magee College, Northland Road Londonderry BT48 7JL Tel: 028 7137 5299 Fax: 028 7137 5626 Email: j.mcquilkin@ulster.ac.uk
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Impact, the official journal of the Career Development Group of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals; formerly the Assistant Librarian, the journal of the Association of Assistant Librarians. Views expressed in Impact are not necessarily those of the Career Development Group or the Editors. Material may be reproduced in printed and electronic formats without permission, provided acknowledgement is made. Copy can be submitted to the Editors in plain ASCII text format, MS Word format, or in the body of an email message. Accompanying photographs of a resolution of no less than 150dpi (mono) or 300dpi (colour) are welcome.
Impact Copy Dates 2009 Issue Articles Publication Spring 13 Feb 13 March Summer 22 May 19 June Autumn 14 Aug 11 Sept Winter 20 Nov 18 Dec Career Development Group Website: http://www.cilip.org.uk/special interestgroups/bysubject/ careerdevelopment/ Registered charity number: 313014
Winter 2008 Volume 11 No. 4 CONTENTS 68 Meet the President / Maria Cotera 71 Diving into the world of oceanic research / Josephine Showunmi 72 Seal of Recognition: Raising standards / Carol Barker 74 Dates 75 Five week study tour to the UK / Glorias Asiimwe 79 ILIG/CDG Hosts Directory / Tracey Ainsley 80 Hosts Directory form 81 Diverse skills, diverse opportunities / Benjamin Chan 84 Cleaning up our act: CILIPS North East Branch adopts a beach / Dawn Bellamy 85 P for Professional / Anna Grigson Back cover Competition JOINT HONORARY EDITORS Cheney Gardner Reading Development Manager LB of Richmond Upon Thames The Cottage, Little Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1QL Email: cheneygardner@googlemail.com Charlotte Hobson Subject Librarian (Business) London Metropolitan University Learning Centre 236-250 Holloway Road London N7 6PP Email: c.hobson@londonmet.ac.uk Printed in England by Headley Brothers Ltd Ashford, Kent
Impact Winter 2008
Editorial Our first article introduces you to the new CDG President Maria Cotera, who will take up the post at the start of 2009. She has plenty of ideas for the group’s future and welcomes your observations so don’t be shy if you have a view. We also have some thought provoking articles for you. Anna Grigson has tips on how everyone can be a Professional and Benjamin Chan has brought his experience to bear with a piece on diversity and career development. If you need inspiration then read the article from new Ugandan Library School graduate Glorias Asiimwe, who recently visited the UK on a study tour, which CDG helped to fund. You will see our British libraries through entirely new eyes. The study tour would not have been possible without the Hosts Directory of volunteers who provide accommodation for visiting professionals, so if you would like to join their number then find out more on p79. CDG has also recently achieved the CILIP Seal of Recognition for our training courses. This is thanks to the hard work of many people – not least the Honorary Learning Coordinator, Carol Barker - and means we can use the Seal on our publicity (within guidelines) to indicate the high quality of our courses. You can read more of the details in Carol’s article. We also have two articles on a maritime theme: an account of an unusual networking idea from CILIPS North East branch and an article on a CDG visit to the National Oceanographic Library. This issue is Charlotte’s last, as she is standing down at the end of the year. Thanks go to her for all the hard work and effort she has put in. All that remains now is to say we hope that you enjoy the issue and we wish you a very happy festive season! Cheney Gardner & Charlotte Hobson 67
Meet the President Maria Cotera A few facts I went to library school in Granada, Spain. My first post, working in public libraries in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, taught me to multi-task and serve a very diverse user population, as people from all over the world came, attracted by the climate, quality of life and the ‘80s business boom, mixing with the locals and creating a ‘mini-London’. On arrival in the UK in 1998 I became a member of the then Library Association. I got a job in the London School of Economics Library in 1999 after a period of voluntary work in Canning House Library to familiarise myself with the British library system. I moved to University College London Library in 2001 where I work as a retrospective conversion cataloguer. Currently I am also about to finish a secondment planning my second staff conference, a post I enjoy immensely as it allows me to work with colleagues from all departments and draw on skills acquired as part of my professional activism. I gained my Chartership in 2002 and have been an active member of the Career Development Group ever since, first as committee member and website officer in the London & South East Divisions, and as national Honorary International Officer until March, when I became Vice-President.
Hands-on Activist, Innovator, Entrepreneurial CDG is not the only group in which I serve. I am also a committee member of CILIP’s International Library and Information Group (ILIG), the founder and lead Convener of the Women, Information and Libraries Discussion Group of IFLA, as well as an active ex officio member of IFLA’s Management of Library Associations Section. All these commitments give me a broader perspective on the role of libraries and professionals across the world, and a wide network of colleagues to learn from and share ideas with. Most CDG Past Presidents say that being asked to become Vice-President came as a bit of a surprise to them and the idea was quite daunting. This is certainly not my experience; I am always looking for fresh opportunities to continue developing both professionally and at a personal level, and I am not afraid of putting myself forward and getting involved. With the encouragement of a few colleagues, I actively sought my nomination; I believe I have positive things to offer to the Group and am I ready for the leadership challenge.
I would like to concentrate on my plans for my presidential year as I believe that is far more relevant than talking about myself. However, I also appreciate that it is useful to know about the person behind the ideas, I have always been interested in innovaso I will start with a few personality traits to tion, as I think that we should seek to antichelp paint the picture. Impact Winter 2008
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ipate changes and be well prepared for when they come, rather than being reactive to them. I am enthusiastic, committed and have bags of drive and energy: when I put my mind to something this is what I get out of bed for, and I can keep going until I reach my goal. I listen to my development needs and believe in myself – eg, this year I decided to develop my entrepreneurial skills by enrolling on a young entrepreneurs course, alongside some of UCL’s brightest students. My business idea (nothing to do with libraries) won the runner-up prize, proving we all can achieve our goals if we put our minds and enthusiasm to it, and are not scared of hard work! Accountable, Committed As your President, I will be accountable for everything the Group undertakes during my presidential year, and I am fully committed to listening to your views and keeping you informed of all our activities. During 2009 we will move all content from our own website to CILIP’s content management system so you can find all the information you need in one place. We will also develop our web pages to ensure you can get the best out of your membership, and will continue to do our best to ensure information - including annual reports and financial records - is made public and kept up-to-date, and that any useful links and contact information are regularly posted on the new website. Presidential Goals My main goal for my presidential year is to make CDG’s governance more transparent and accountable by distributing decision making processes as widely as possible, and empowering divisional committees to contribute fully to National Council, the governing body of the Group. To this aim, in 2009 we will move from two Impact Winter 2008
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to three Council meetings, offering divisional representatives more opportunities to join the presidential team and honorary officers in discussions and decision making. To undertake Group business more effectively, Council meetings will move around the country to encourage local divisions - especially those which traditionally have found it difficult to send representatives to London to host Council meetings within their regions, at which ordinary divisional members will be welcome. There will also be changes to the way business itself is conducted, with more time to discuss specific issues, as agendas will no longer be fixed, but set according to specific issues (‘How to recruit more members’, ‘Fundraising for international projects’ and so on) and outcomes used to plan future activities. Divisional committees will be encouraged to submit items, their contributions being especially valuable as the best way of sharing new ideas and best practice among the whole Group. The aim is not only to get more business done but in a more democratic and practical way by encouraging wider participation. I am thrilled that National Council has voted in favour of the trial, which will take place during my presidential year. We will monitor success and expenditure by asking Council members to provide feedback; this information will help Council to plan future meetings more effectively. Engaging with Professional Activists Tuesday 19th May 2009 will see our first ‘CDG Activists’ Training Day’, a one-day event aimed at sharing best practice, training Group activists and networking. This will be an opportunity for divisional committee members to discuss current issues and be updated on Group activity, as well as a way of developing and encouraging our newest
members to take up positions of responsi- structures offer the best development opportunities). bility within the Group. Engaging with the Future Leaders of the Profession The Association of Assistant Librarians (as CDG was called) has traditionally been the group catering for the younger members of the profession. However, in the last few years it has become more difficult to attract students to some of our divisional committees and student conferences.
We will be working hard on recruiting and keeping new generation librarians engaged by identifying their needs and expectations as well as demonstrating to them the rewards of engaging with us. During 2009, we will be trying new ways to reach them, such as recruitment competitions and new technologies - blogs, wikis, survey software and conference podcasts.
According to statistics, around half of full-time undergraduates have a part-time job as they struggle to finance their studies, while a high proportion of LIS students are postgraduates already working in libraries, in most cases full-time, enrolled in distancelearning courses or studying part-time. Not only are they under tremendous time pressures, but these new patterns also make students less identifiable, as the line between paraprofessionals and students becomes blurred, and the new term of ‘New Professionals’ emerges. New professionals do not necessarily equal young professionals; the library workforce is aging - new generation librarians may be on their second or third career and they no longer identify themselves with the term ‘student’.
A New Professionals Co-ordinator role has also been created; I will be working closely with him, organising events in new formats to keep new professionals engaged, such as open sessions for members to come along to talk about any issues, and conferences which will provide CPD opportunities via full participation and intellectual debate.
Nevertheless, CDG recognises that new professionals are the future of CILIP, the Group and the whole profession, and our commitment to them is right at the top of my agenda. Another important aim for my presidential year is to engage many more new professionals with CILIP and CDG and provide the future leaders of the profession with a common voice, with CDG serving as the vehicle to establish a dialogue between the new generation and middle and senior professionals to debate issues in the multigenerational workforce (low salaries, deprofessionalisation, lack of diverse role models, whether existing organisational Impact Winter 2008
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Preserving the Past The AAL/CDG Archive, housed at UCL Special Collections, provides a doorway to over one hundred years of distinguished history of the Group. Unfortunately, despite being kept under controlled temperature and humidity conditions, some materials are showing signs of decay; this really concerns me, and I am delighted that CDG National Council has agreed to my proposal to commission an assessment to check the archive’s condition and prioritise what needs to be done. I also plan to look for grants and other sources of funding to allow us to undertake the necessary work to ensure that our corporate memory, a fascinating source for the history of the profession, is preserved for future generations. Wish List I would like and will work for my presidential year to be a time when we will all work together to share new ideas to advance the Group’s aims and objectives. Our divisional
committees around the country often need new members with different experiences and fresh perspectives and look forward to welcoming new activists; if you are passionate about your professional development and would like to share ideas and best practice with like-minded professionals, I encourage you to become involved. For a list of Divisional contacts see: http://www.cilip.org.uk/specialinterestgroup s/bysubject/careerdevelopment/ However, if you are most comfortable being an ordinary member - a receiver of membership benefits - you still have the right to be listened to. Creative and innovative suggestions are always welcome, even if you feel some may come across as crazy
ideas - those are definitely my favourites as, more often than not, they are the ones which give us more pleasure when we finally see them happening! So, if you can think of anything which you believe will help CDG’s advancement, please get in touch by email: m.cotera@ucl.ac.uk or call me for a chat on 020 7679 2302. Looking forward to hearing from you, Maria Cotera CDG President for 2009 For a list of Honorary Officers for 2009 please go to: http://www.cilip.org.uk/specialinterestgroup s/bysubject/careerdevelopment/
Diving into the world of oceanic research Josephine Showunmi On the 18th August 2008, the Career Development Group visited the National Oceanographic Library (NOL) in Southampton. The library is a national resource for the UK and fully supports the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) research strategy. It also provides resources and information to staff and students at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) including the School of Ocean and Earth Science and the University of Southampton as a whole. However, it is also open to members of the public by appointment. The collaborative centre also supports teaching of the university’s students. They have about a thousand registered members. Members of CDG came from various places such as London, Plymouth, and of course, Southampton itself. We were met by Assistant Librarian Karen Rolfe, who is Impact Winter 2008
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responsible for User Services, and then we were taken into the library. The visit began with an introduction to the NOC from Jane Stephenson, the Head of Information Services. We were then handed an information pack which contained leaflets about the library archives, a library guide, annual report and a copy of Planet Earth, a magazine published by the NERC aimed at non-specialists with an interest in environmental science. Afterwards we split up into two groups for two guided tours of the library, one group touring the library with Karen, and the other group looking at the Special Collections and items from the Archives with Adrian Burkett. Each group was shown certain parts of the library before a short break in the cafeteria where both groups had the opportunity to get to know each other, and we were privileged enough
be in a place that overlooked the sea. After- certainly didn’t, and was quite surprised to see the tusk of a narwhal whale as part of wards, we swapped tours. the library archive. The library collections take up two floors. The reference collection includes Structural Geology, Mathematical Geography, Engineering and Metallurgy, and Natural Science Oceanography. On the bottom floor, they have loose papers which are shelved by country of origin and by the date they receive them. Other items are a geological map collection and maps of the ocean floor.
Jane Stephenson giving an introductory talk
We were shown some of the specimens of minerals, fossils and other interesting items such as Crinoidea (sea lilies and feather stars) which were on display in the corridor leading to the library. We were shown some of the different types of equipment used to collect specimens from the bottom of the ocean. I particularly found it interesting to see the remote controlled vehicle Autosub 6000 on display. Amongst other things we saw a display of items and artefacts from the ‘Discovery Investigations’ undertaken between 1924 and 1949.
Overall, I found the day very enlightening. I learnt that having a passion to learn new things (like the researchers and scientists do) involves taking a lot of risks, but the end results are usually fulfilling and successful. For example, the use of the Autosub 6000. As I was not quite familiar with marine research, I found that the visit helped me to acquire an understanding of it, and of how technology has developed to assist in discoveries by being able to explore areas of the ocean that humans physically cannot. I came out of there with new knowledge, such as what research scientists get up to under the ocean!
I would like to thank Suzanne Wright for We then moved on to the library’s Special organising this visit. Collections which include reports dating back to 1887, over eighty British Expedition Josephine Showunmi Reports (as well as those from other counLibrarian, Phoenix High tries), charts, journals and monographs. Did School, London you know that some whales have tusks? I
Seal of Recognition: Raising standards Carol Barker The award of the Seal of Recognition (1) was introduced by CILIP in 2006, and organisations and individuals that provide training and development activities are able to apply. Any commercial, public, academic, or not-for-profit organisation that is Impact Winter 2008
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awarded it can use the Seal of Recognition symbol in its publicity, to demonstrate that the content of that particular course will be of a guaranteed high standard, and relevant to those who are working in the library and information sector.
The Career Development Group has a long history of providing high quality but affordable courses for all LIS workers and students, so it was an accolade that we were keen to pursue. With the aid of the handbook and other documentation provided by CILIP, the first step was to complete the application form and show that our learning events meet the criteria. So how do organisations such as ours know exactly what is required in order to develop activities that meet the specific needs of LIS workers, and successfully apply for the Seal of Recognition? This is where CILIP’s Body of Professional Knowledge (BPK) (2) comes in. This document sets out the unique areas of knowledge and practice that LIS professionals have, which set them apart from other professionals. These encompass, for example, the organisation and management of information, subject indexing, and the ethical framework within which we work.
ence, an indication of the level of background knowledge that is required of delegates, and the learning outcomes that delegates should expect to achieve as a result of the course. Course or workshop organisers must indicate in their publicity what teaching methods will be used during the session, such as presentations and hands-on activities, and whether there will be any kind of formal or informal assessment during or after the session, and whether it will lead to a qualification. Even if there is no assessment or qualification, a certificate should be given to each delegate as proof of attendance and an indication of the learning outcomes achieved. Presentations, handouts, and other course materials have to be clearly organised, well presented, accurate, and up-todate, as well as complying with Disability Discrimination Act requirements. Feedback forms must be given to all delegates, as this is the only way of ensuring that the aims and objectives of the course have been successfully met. Evaluating the responses and comments afterwards provides a valuable means of improving the quality of future activities. All these criteria will ensure that delegates can expect a high quality learning experience from any training and development activity given by an organisation that has been awarded the Seal.
The BPK also includes generic and transferable skills and areas of knowledge such as computer and information literacy, research methods, and training, mentoring, interpersonal, and management skills. Although these are by no means unique to our profession, these enable us to apply the specialist knowledge that we have, in a workplace setting. The BPK is the knowlA range of resources was collated from edge base of our profession, so it is an Candidate Support Officers, and LIS proequally logical foundation for the Seal. fessionals such as Michael Martin at CILIP Having explained how our learning (who is a speaker at many of our Frameevents addressed at least one aspect of the work of Qualifications workshops), Liz Jolly BPK, the next step in the process was to and Judy Broady-Preston, who had been compile a portfolio of carefully selected re- speakers at our National Conference in sources that would meet the stringent crite- Cardiff. Just as with any portfolio submisria and provide evidence to back up the sion, the difficulty was in choosing ‘edited highlights’ from a large selection of eligible statements made in the application. resources, rather than being tempted to put All publicity for a learning activity must in a whole bunch of documents and letting include a clear statement of the target audi- the assessors pick their way through them! Impact Winter 2008
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In the end, with guidance from Heather Taylor, an Adviser in CILIP’s Qualifications and Professional Development Department, I chose ‘the best of the best’ to illustrate the range and quality of resources that we use. I was delighted to receive an email from Heather at the end of October 2008 to say that the Career Development Group’s application had been successful, and we are therefore joining a select group of organisations who are eligible to display the Seal of Recognition symbol. This is highly significant for the Group because it will officially endorse our long-standing commitment to delivering relevant and high quality courses for LIS professionals. The criteria for being awarded the Seal are specific and must be adhered to if the Group is to retain the award. Organisations that are awarded the Seal can only use the symbol on publicity and other materials to promote a particular learning activity if it meets all the criteria. So you won’t find the logo on your local Career Development
Group division’s publicity for a pub quiz, social networking event, or sponsored walk, but you will find it on ‘Preparing for Chartership’, ‘Creating a successful portfolio’, and ‘Managing your career’ courses. With increasing demands made on our time in the workplace, and the need to continually update our skills and knowledge, it can be difficult to choose a Continuing Professional Development activity that is affordable and that meets our needs. Delegates who sign up for a Career Development Group course that displays the Seal of Recognition symbol can be assured that their chosen activity will be delivered to a high standard, and that it will be a very worthwhile use of their time. Carol Barker Honorary Learning Coordinator (1) http://www.cilip.org.uk/qualificationschar tership/seal/ (accessed 7 November 2008) (2) http://www.cilip.org.uk/qualificationschar tership/bpk/ (accessed 7 November 2008)
Dates Date: Wednesday 7th January 2009
Date: Thursday 12th February 2009
Event: Essential Skills Seminars 3: Writing for professional journals and newsletters Division: London and South East Time: 6pm-8pm Venue: Events Room, Mayfair Library, London Cost: £20 per seminar or £50 for three (CDG members); £25 per seminar or £65 for three (non-members); £15 per seminar or £35 for three (students and unwaged) Further information: With Elspeth Hyams, Editor of Library and Information Update Contact: Hannah Rose Email: h.l.rose@reading.ac.uk Access Code: S Impact Winter 2008
Event: What's happening in health information? A study day for non-specialists Division: West Midlands Time: 9:30am-3:30pm Venue: Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham B4 7SX Cost: £41.13 (CDG members); £47 (CILIP members); £52.88 otherwise Further information: Learn about healthcare resources, hear examples of best practice and see how this specialist area is developing and changing fast Contact: Catherine Mclaren by 29th January Email: catherine.mclaren@geh.nhs.uk Access codes: E, W 74
Five week study tour to the UK Glorias Asiimwe The period between 5th September and 12th October 2008 brought a great change to my life. The first thought that came to my mind when I read through my study tour programme (covering a wide range of library placements and places to visit) was ‘What a wonderful opportunity I have to see the world outside Africa, and what a great librarian I could become at the end of it!’ The programme was very relevant to me as it involved visiting different library sectors, thus broadening my perspective and experience. My friends who looked at it were envious – this trip would certainly be a turning point in developing my professionalism and making new contacts.
well equipped compared to the National Library of Uganda. My entry into the library profession had not been by accident; I had realised that in Uganda our reading culture is very low, and wanted to inspire a change. Due to this ambition, after my degree in Library Science I started working as a volunteer with the African Prisons Project, which builds and refurbishes libraries and hospitals in African prisons. The project is a UK charity founded in 2004 by Alexander McLean; it aims at improving the welfare, health, education and recreational facilities of prisoners. The project works in seven prisons in Uganda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. For more information visit: www.africanprisons.org
As a new graduate from the East African School of Library and Information Science, Places Visited / Placements Undertaken Ÿ Bristol Central Library Makerere University, Uganda - where a mainŸ Queen Elizabeth Hospital Library ly theoretical teaching approach is emphaŸ University College London Library Servsised due to inadequate resources, such as ices computers - I had completed my degree with Ÿ House of Commons, Archives Section less practical skills than expected. Ÿ Book Aid International The study tour to the UK was a once in a Ÿ CILIP offices lifetime chance to catch up on what I had Ÿ British Library missed - for instance, I have always heard my Ÿ Haddon Library of Archaeology and Anlecturer talking about microfiches but never thropology, University of Cambridge seen one until my visit to Bristol Central LiŸ Wren Library, Trinity College, Cambrary. bridge Ÿ Tower Hamlets Schools, London, includI was overwhelmed by how the libraries I ing Swanlea, Osmani and Davis Primary visited - ranging from primary school, prison, Schools public, hospital, government libraries and Ÿ Sheppard Library, Middlesex UniverNGOs - were so BIG, with a variety of books, sity periodicals, audio-visual materials and interŸ Department of Works and Pensions, net services, as libraries in Uganda are small, Adelphi Library with inadequate reading materials. For inŸ Department of Business Enterprise And stance, some libraries that had been referred Regulatory Reform, Export Control to as very small, such as a branch of Hackney Organisation Borough Public Libraries which I visited during a weekend break in London, were big and Impact Winter 2008
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Ÿ Environment Agency, Virtual Library, Bristol Ÿ Professional Association Research Network (PARN), Bristol Ÿ HMP Wandsworth Prison Library, London Ÿ Prison Libraries Group Conference, Hinckley, Leicestershire Ÿ HMP Nottingham Prison Library, Nottingham Ÿ Magistrates Court and High Court, Nottingham Ÿ African Prisons Project, met trustees, donors and volunteers in Nottingham and London
ent organisations explained things in great depth and offered me the opportunity to ask about anything I wanted to know regarding the library and information work they were doing.
Tower Hamlets Borough School Services surprised me, because it is rare to find primary or secondary school libraries in Uganda – they are only available in big/international schools - and therefore one only gets access to the library at university level, where there are not enough books anyway, and thus it is harder to develop a reading culture at an older age.
Professional Benefits Working practice at the Haddon Library of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge, gave me experience of what happens within academic libraries, and enabled me to meet different users and learn how to handle their specific information needs, especially as users came with varying ideas about what they needed.
The visits to Wandsworth and Nottingham prison libraries also took me by surprise; what I experienced was totally different from what happens in Ugandan prisons. I recall saying that the prisons looked like big hotels as they were so clean prisoners Glorias at University College and were well-fed, London compared to our prisons where a cell meant for two is occupied by ten or more inmates with one meal a day.
At University College London Library Services I went through the process of chasing a book, from being ordered with a supplier on request from a university lecturer, to the time it is shelved in the library; this also was eyeopening as previously I had no idea about how it was done practically. I would use this knowledge to order books that may be needed in our prison libraries.
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I was also very impressed to see how well equipped libraries in the different sectors were. For instance, for the first time ever I saw public libraries catering for all ages with collections especially for children, facilities for disabled people like computers for the poor sighted, and big computer laboratories; all these were totally different from what I was used to.
At the Environment Agency in Bristol I was taught and given literature on how to manage corporate records more effectively; this was very helpful because my major field of specialisation was records management which I had studied in theory. As a result of this tour, I now understand in practical terms that digitising records from paper to electronic form is the best way of storing information and saving valuable office space. Being relatively new to prison libraries, the visits to Wandsworth and Nottingham prisons
were very helpful; the librarians explained how they get prisoners into using the library materials and I was able to see a variety of other programmes that prisoners have access to, such as literacy, cookery, painting and construction. Despite the difference in situations in our prisons, I would use these ideas to create libraries which are not only about reading books but also stimulating the inmates’ imaginations and being creative.
librarians that may be interested in volunteering with the project.
Different institutions I visited showed an interest in helping us; for example, Book Aid International has agreed to donate books to the African Prisons Project and I was interviewed about my job, which I regard as a stepping stone for disseminating our work to a wider audience. As we build libraries from scratch without any government funding and, I learnt different techniques that librarians without assistance, our resources are limited. use to motivate people to use the library, such as reading competitions. This is something I will apply to improve the reading culture among Ugandan prison inmates to ensure that, when they are rehabilitated and back into the community, they are able to contribute to the social and economic development of our country. I observed the way classifying books differed from library to library - some used Dewey or UDC while others had their own classification schemes, for example hospital and medical libraries. This provided me with a wide overview of which scheme I would apply based on the nature of the library. Regarding cataloguing, although each library used a different management system, I learnt which major fields are captured. Despite the lack of computers in our libraries, I will apply this knowledge to create cardbased manual systems as this would be the best way of maintaining the library collection and getting to know what the library has got.
Glorias enjoys some sun at UCL
Personal Benefits My communication skills improved vastly, mainly because I had the opportunity to speak to so many different people. For instance, on 10th September I was interviewed in front of CILIP members at the ‘Informal’ event jointly organised by the International Library and Information Group (ILIG) and the Career Development Group. I was questioned about my Becoming a CILIP member will hopefully studies as a library and information profesenable me to create a big network with librar- sional in Uganda and my expectations of the ians in the UK as well as Africa. I see this as trip. a way to keep up-to-date with what takes place in the different library sectors by readI really benefited from this as, prior to my ing the information materials published by visit, I wasn't good at public speaking and CILIP and my Special Interest Groups, and always felt too small and shy to address peoseeking professional advice from other memple in a group. This has now changed and at bers. I would also be able to send information the moment I feel able to approach anyone regarding new developments within the Afriwithout the fear I once had. can Prisons Project and get in contact with Impact Winter 2008
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What I gained from this study tour is so precious that it will not only remain in my head but I will also share it with other librarians and apply it in my day-to-day work with the African Prisons Project. The experience taught me that one has always to work hard, with determination and confidence, to achieve the best in life.
organising such a comprehensive programme which enabled me to visit a great variety of libraries and information services, and for all the precious time she spent moving around connecting me to people and places I had to visit. Also for organising the Informal where I was able to meet so many friendly CILIP members.
I was given the opportunity to travel outside East Africa and see different places in the UK within a short period of time – something which I grabbed with both hands but which I would not have been able to do if it was not for the support of CDG.
To CDG for covering all my travelling expenses within the UK, and to its Honorary International Officer, Tracey Ainsley, for providing the SIM card that eased communication with different people.
I call upon CDG, ILIG and CILIP to continue with such study trips in future because they give a chance to overseas professionals to acquire extra knowledge and skills from those attained during studies, valuable working experience, as well as changing one's way of thinking.
To Sue Wilkinson, Chair, Prison Libraries Group, I am very grateful for inviting me to the Prisons Libraries Group Conference, where I learnt a lot from the experiences of prison librarians in the UK.
To Sarah Ellis and Elaine Jeffery for the financial support during my travel from and back to Uganda and my studies at MakBack in Uganda now I am working as a erere University. full-time librarian for the African Prisons Many thanks are also due to the following Project. My work involves sorting books, cataloguing and classification, managing people who hosted me in their workplaces the project's records, and writing proposals and/or in their homes (through the to local publishers/bookshops for book do- ILIG/CDG Hosts Directory) during my fivenations in local languages as some inmates week stay: Maria Cotera, Sarah Ellis, Doug can hardly read English. The knowledge and Yolande Knock, Beth Murphy, Aidan and skills acquired will be used as my daily and Clare Baker, Joanna Ball, Gillian Harreference to meet my job demands. ris, Manjot Bami, Sue Dearie, Alan Hopkinson, Anoja Fernando, Edwina Wontner, As our reading culture is still low, I plan to Chris Rhodes, Lucy Fisher, Joy Wandera, organise reading competitions in the prison Oliver Gyebi-Ababio and Javier Caravallo, libraries that the project works with to en- Alexander McLean, Lyn and Mark McLean sure that those who cannot read get an and Nicky McLean, Tony and Beth. opportunity to, as well as motivating those Lastly to CDG, ILIG and CILIP members, who can by giving small gifts to those who have participated well, thus encouraging and everyone else who made my stay in the UK comfortable and a life-lasting experiother inmates to use the library. ence; I owe you many thanks for making my Special thanks visit such a success and opening my eyes To Maria Cotera, Vice-President, CDG, for to the real world of librarianship. Impact Winter 2008
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If anyone wishes to donate books or alexandermclean@africanprisons.org provide any other kind of assistance to the African Prisons Project, please contact me Glorias Asiimwe at gloriasasiimwe@africanprisons.org or Librarian, African Prisons Project the Director at
ILIG / CDG Hosts Directory Tracey Ainsley Glorias’s visit wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the ILIG/CDG Hosts Directory. What is the ‘Hosts Directory’ and what is involved, you may ask? The International Library and Information Group (ILIG) and the Career Development Group (CDG) jointly maintain a directory of members willing to act as short term hosts to overseas LIS professionals coming to the UK for study tours, conferences and other work related events; this is open to all CILIP members wishing to arrange accommodation for visiting librarians.
waived, but no host will normally be expected to have a visitor for more than three days.
For the guest the advantages are: Ÿ Get to know a fellow LIS professional in the UK and to experience a little of the person's professional and cultural way of life Ÿ Get free of charge accommodation for a few days in a strange but welcoming country
To add your details to the Host Directory just complete the application form which is available at: http://www.cilip.org.uk/special interestgroups/bysubject/international/activi ties/hostsdirectory
The only criteria for joining are: Ÿ Bed space to sleep a guest Ÿ An interest in people Ÿ Some interest in international matters CDG’s Honorary International Officer holds a copy of the Directory's database, which is not given wider circulation to protect hosts’ private details. We are always looking for members from all over the UK. So why not get involved?
To arrange accommodation for visiting librarians please contact the Honorary International Relations Officer, Tracey AinsFor the host it is an excellent opportunity to: ley at tracey.ainsley@northumbria.ac.uk Ÿ Meet colleagues from other countries, extending their range of international I would like to thank everyone who hosted Glorias over her five week visit. She had a contacts Ÿ Learn more about library/information rewarding time that she says she will never work in the guest’s country of origin forget and I am sure she has made lots of Ÿ Contribute in a small way to building new friends. bridges to international understanding and cooperation Tracey Ainsley Honorary International Officer Bed and breakfast charges are generally Impact Winter 2008
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Career Development Group / ILIG Hosts Directory REGISTRATION FORM
Name:……………………………………………………………………………………........ Address:……………………………………………………………………………............... ………………………………………………………………………………………............... Work Tel:..........................................................Home Tel:............................................ Fax:………………………………………........Email:....................................................... Place of Work:…………………………………................................................................ ……………………………………………………………………………............................. Other information (eg language skills, overseas experience, membership of CILIP groups): ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… Whether ever available at short notice (eg 24 hours):…………………………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………………….... Any constraints? (eg female/male visitors only; vegetarian; unavailability at week ends): …………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………. Please return to: Tracey Ainsley Information Specialist Library & Learning Services City Library, Northumbria University Sandyford Road, Newcastle NE1 8ST Tel no: 0191 2437707 Email: tracey.ainsley@northumbria.ac.uk Impact Winter 2008
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Diverse skills, diverse opportunities Benjamin Chan In this article I am going to explore some of the issues surrounding diversity within the information profession, and the different and sometimes surprising ways it has affected me. About my background - I am British Chinese and grew up in Suffolk and California, returning to London where I am still enjoying a 12 year career as an information professional.
skills as well as IT, reference, and customer service skills. I went on to work in the reference sections of Westminster Reference Library and Marylebone Library. I enjoyed the variety and challenge of reference work mainly because questions could vary tremendously. You could, in fact, be asked about absolutely anything! I was asked about bed racing in Knaresborough, the Central Asian republic of Ingushetia and amputee statistics for a certain part of the male anatomy! I loved learning and every day was a learning experience.
Joining the Information Profession My first job in the information profession was at Charing Cross Library – a general lending library which houses a major Chinese collection, and one of the busiest libraries in the country. The local Chinese Now, on to an example of encountering community contributed to healthy book isdiversity: on one occasion, I had to train the sues, so much so that the borrowing policy heads of central borough libraries on a pilot for books was increased from eight to fifReference Interview Skills course. My age teen to thirty items per user borough wide! and appearance - I was wearing jeans – The staff were welcoming and friendly, meant I was gently ignored, and mistaken and the working conditions were flexible. for anyone but the trainer, when I opened This meant I could travel, work part-time the door for them. hours, and study. I had just arrived back in Also there were cases where I was the the UK, and London so I was keen to exduty officer for Sunday shifts, where library plore and travel around Europe. staff are sourced from all libraries. Quite It also provided a great way for me to often, library staff would assume because practice my Chinese on a Sunday after- of my age that I was in a junior position and noon. You may have heard of tourist lan- therefore was not the senior on duty. So guage where you know enough to be able there were occasions where members of to do basic tasks in another language. Well, staff made their apologies for lateness to I developed a specialised language of li- older, but more junior members of staff. braries in Chinese for particular tasks: · What you needed to join · Membership benefits · Overdue books This had twin benefits – I improved my skills in Cantonese and Mandarin and the library service benefited – as they gained a valuable member of staff, with a mix of language Impact Winter 2008
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Service in public libraries meant that I came across a wide spectrum of attitudes and perceptions that exist in society. I have experienced a few episodes of mistaken identity because of my ethnic group. From my ‘minority report,’ here are a few isolated incidents.
The following was a conversation I had with a library user: Me: ‘Can I help?’ ‘Regarding the computer disk problem you helped me with…’ Me: ‘Sorry?’ ‘I just spoke to you about it ten minutes ago.’ I was thinking to myself, have I suffered a case of amnesia or do I have a twin brother I don’t know about? In fact I was on the enquiry desk with a fellow British Chinese member of staff, eight years my senior, who was wearing a baseball cap, while I was wearing glasses, no baseball cap, and completely different clothes. So perception can be skewed depending on your point of view. I’m often amazed how little I get approached by charity workers in the street. I assume this is probably because they assume I am a tourist and perhaps don’t speak English. Another perception from the public would be that, by virtue of my particular ethnic group, I am an expert on all aspects of Chinese culture. Recently someone said to me, ‘The Year of the Rat’s supposed to be a very lucky year’. I said, ‘Really?’ They replied, ‘What, you don’t know? You should know?’ In true reference skills fashion, I said ‘No, but I’ll be able to look it up and get back to you.’ So, it was precisely these types of stereotypes and perceptions I was determined to break. To do so would require visibility. Also, as a newly qualified professional, a few years ago, I was determined to make my mark within the profession. So I sought out and embraced opportunities to raise my profile: · Profile in CILIP Update in 2005 · Speaking at the Online Information Conference · Career Profile on the CILIP website
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I feel supported in my current workplace in the Civil Service, as the policies for Equality and Diversity are well known and emphasised. In fact, Equality and Diversity is a mandatory training course for all staff. I know if I do face any incidents there are procedures and mechanisms in place to follow this up. Cultural Friction The main causes of friction I have experienced within my information career have been cultural. I grew up in Silicon Valley and have an enterprising family, and American culture has imbued within me a sense of entrepreneurship. My methods, characterised by my love of networking – to achieve results by reaching out to colleagues directly regardless of grade and team - has sometimes caused friction. I also have an activist learning style, which translates well when I’m creating new musical ideas with my band, or experimenting in my cooking – such as substituting Coca Cola in lieu of sugar. Such behaviours may not fit well within certain organisational cultures that are hierarchical, large, or have a culture of stability. In my pursuit of service improvement and change, I have certainly stepped on some toes. So at work, cooperation may include awareness and experience of internal politics. A personal lesson learned is to be aware of those whose buy-in you need, involve them and get them on your side. Perhaps one pivotal example, which indirectly aided my career was in my gung ho days as a Senior Library Assistant, I went to the top managers of my department telling them about the benefits of my new portal for my MSc dissertation. The dissertation project was an enquiry portal tool that grouped the most frequently used websites, with direct links into, eg, National Art Library Catalogue, from each special collection (Art
my family and friends have business involvement within the Chinese community in the UK, I wrote an article on Guanxi (Chinese business networking) and the information benefits that can be derived from I won the training manager over to the it, for Business Information Review. It was a idea, and he was prepared for me to brief topic I had to research and analyse, and I the library managers and librarians (I wasn’t learned new insights in the process. qualified at the time). However, it ended up On the positives of embracing diversity being blocked as I was treading on someone’s territory. Although disappointed perceptions, there are relatively few of my at the time, the experience led to a career ethnic group within the profession, and opportunity. The project’s thinking had an therefore you can achieve rapid recognition influence on the redesign of the existing - great for your personal brand. UnderrepWestminster Libraries gateway which is still resented groups benefit from role models to used today, some eight years later. I also champion awareness and challenge aslearned that opponents to your work can sumptions and preconceptions of who is an help you later on - like it or not, they’re information professional. aware of your abilities. In this case, three Regardless of ethnic group, our varying years later, he offered me his job when he backgrounds and experiences, we have a was promoted, and we’ve had a good worksense of professionalism, delivering a uniing relationship thereafter! versal service that transcends our differencThe dissertation project was also the es. We should constantly embrace these concept basis for the Enquiries Portal that I differences and raise our profile. Then we developed with the team for the Ministry of can strengthen mutual understanding, apDefence project, which was shortlisted for preciation and respect. an International Information Industry Award Ben Chan in 2006 for Innovation in Knowledge ManLibrary Intranet Editor, Information Services, agement. A feature of the portal allows Ministry of Defence colleagues to tap into each other’s diverse ben.chan362@mod.uk knowledge (colleagues have worked in a variety of sectors from media to law), A podcast of Ben’s presentation on this subject whether they are in Scotland or London, via at the CDG London & South East Divisions a question forum. 2008 AGM is available from: http://www.cilip.org & Design, Business, Law, Official Publications, Visual & Performing Arts) and consolidated staff knowledge of the most useful tools and subscription databases.
.uk/specialinterestgroups/bysubject/careerdevel
Positives – Diversity is never a disad- opment/divisions/londonse/Events+Further+Bac vantage but a strength! k.htm Applied to the information profession, how Links: can you turn diversity-related perceptions CILIP Diversity Group on their head or into a strength? One of the perceptions I experienced was the assumption that by virtue of my ethnic group, I was an expert on all knowledge pertaining to my ethnic group. By embracing this perception, I would achieve instant credibility when discussing such issues. As Impact Winter 2008
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http://www.cilip.org.uk/specialinterestgroups/bysubject/di versity
CILIP Encompass Project http://www.cilip.org.uk/qualificationschartership/encompa ss MOD Launches Diversity Drive http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/Defen cePolicyAndBusiness/ModLaunchesDiversityDrive.htm
Cleaning up our act: CILIPS North East Branch adopts a beach Dawn Bellamy Let me set the scene – most of you will have been there – in the evening, after work, here we are, huddled around a meeting room table, clutching cups of caffeine sustenance, planning events for the year ahead. All the usual ideas have been mooted and noted, some innovative and interesting ones too, responsibility has been borne on broad shoulders… and then the crackpot ideas start to come in. But wait, someone says ‘Why don’t we adopt a beach?’ Now this idea brings some quiet contemplation, it seems achievable and useful… and a little bit different.
you can imagine. A lot of the boats servicing the offshore installations leave from Aberdeen harbour, and as a result there is a huge amount of debris, related to the harbour activities themselves and from the human activity around the harbour – we especially picked up a lot of bottles and polystyrene cups and food containers.
The CILIPS (CILIP in Scotland) North East branch is in a fairly unique position: about half of the branch committee works for an oil company or oil service company, and we also have a member working for a charitable organisation. This means that as a group, we are aware of and have worked in corporate social responsibility projects, as well as being individually aware of environmental issues. Social responsibility is something both public and private organisations But what does this offer to the members of have been involved in recently, so the next step, CILIP in the North East of Scotland? In the main it would seem, is for professional organisations, it is a networking opportunity – when we were such as CILIP, to undertake and/or encourage cleaning the beach on the 20th of September we something similar. spent approximately four hours cleaning, and As a committee, the CILIPS North East Branch during that time the people who came along is quite small, around six members, and usually learnt about where people worked, we disat events we expect around fifteen people, so cussed our activities at work and some profesour social responsibility project needed to be sional issues, although not for the full four hours. quite small. This is why the ‘adopt a beach’ It is also a way for the CILIPS North East Branch scheme was chosen. When you adopt a beach, to do something for a community and environyou take responsibility for cleaning it a couple of ment in Aberdeen. times a year. The CILIPS North East Branch has If you would like to know more about how your adopted a beach adjacent to the harbour in branch or group can ‘adopt a beach’, please Aberdeen. It is an interesting beach to clean, in terms of both the types of litter picked up and its contact the Chair of the CILIPS North East situation – we can watch the ships leave the Branch, Gillian Adamson at harbour while cleaning up, a number of birds use gillian.adamson@sac.ac.uk the smaller piers for sitting on, and you can very Dawn Bellamy occasionally see porpoises from the harbour too. CILIPS North East Branch Committee Member Being so near the harbour also has its disadvan& Representative to CILIPS Council tages: Aberdeen harbour is extremely busy, as Impact Winter 2008
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P for Professional Anna Grigson The word 'professional' crops up a lot. As members of CILIP we define ourselves as part of a body of library and information professionals. As candidates for CILIP qualifications we have to demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development, a breadth of professional knowledge, an understanding of the wider professional context, and participation in professional affairs. But what exactly does 'professional' mean? Is there a difference between an information worker and an information professional? What exactly is the difference between training and professional development? And how do you go about becoming a professional? Being a professional is partly about developing the range of skills expected of anyone working in the library and information sector, such as those defined by CILIP’s Body of Professional Knowledge. But it's about more than that. Developing as a professional means not just doing training and having skills, but also knowing which skills you need to learn and taking action to acquire them. You need to be proactive about your own development and take responsibility for your own career. Working as a professional means not just being able to answer technical questions, but also knowing what questions need to be answered. You need to engage with other members of the profession so that you are aware of issues and trends, and current best practice. If you're new to the profession, this may all sound a little scary. You might think 'professionals' are a million miles from you – world-class leaders such as Dame Lynne Brindley who debate key issues at a nationImpact Winter 2008
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al and international level, or innovators like Sir Tim Berners-Lee who come up with ground-breaking ideas and technical developments that turn the information world on its head. But most professionals are not high profile leaders or world-renowned experts. They are simply working members of the library and information community who take time to step outside the day-to-day concerns of the workplace and engage with issues and debates. They may contribute to leadership by serving on the committee of a Special Interest Group, or play a part in developing professional knowledge by sharing best practice ideas. In short, they are people just like you – and you could become just like them. To be a professional you don't need years of experience, you don't need to be an expert and you don't need to be a leader. You just need to make a commitment to get involved in some way, and there are plenty of ways to get started. Read If you're reading this, you already know that reading is an excellent way to keep in touch with professional issues, build your background knowledge and pick up ideas for best practice. · Find something to read. As a CILIP member you have access to Update and to key library and information e-journals (www.cilip.org.uk/publications). You may be able to access other journals through your employer, or your local library, or there’s lots of material available free online. And if you’re looking for something about a particular topic, don’t forget that
as a CILIP member you can search Li- may be able to meet with colleagues at brary and Information Science Abstracts work. Or you could make time for discusfree (www.cilip.org.uk/publications/lisa). sion in staff meetings by introducing a regu· Set yourself prompts to remind yourself lar 'current awareness' session where you to read. Set up RSS feeds or e-mail can discuss wider issues not directly related alerts for your favourite journals, so that to your workplace. If you can’t get together with others in the table of contents is sent to you as soon as it’s available. If you use an elec- person, why not form a virtual book group? tronic diary such as Outlook, set yourself You could use a JISCmail list such as the reminders to check key websites on a ‘lis-cilip-reg’ list for Chartership candidates, regular basis, or set up search alerts to or even start a wiki. scan key blogs. · Set aside regular time for reading. If you Write are able to find time at work, maybe you Have your discussions sparked ideas? Why could set aside an afternoon a month to not make a contribution of your own by read, or if that’s not possible perhaps writing an article for publication, or starting you could read on the train or even over a blog? As your confidence grows you can use writing to share best practice with othbreakfast! ers, hone your ideas and raise your profes· Track what you've read and build up your own personal knowledge base. sional profile. Keep copies if you can, bookmark fa- · Review a book or article that you’ve read, perhaps for your staff newsletter, vourite websites and build a bibliography the newsletter of one of your CILIP Speusing free web services such as CiteUcial Interest Groups, or maybe for UpLike (www.citeulike.org), Connotea date. (www.connotea.org), or Zotero (www.zotero.org). · Write about an event you've attended and contribute a brief article to your local · Reflect on what you’ve read. Make CDG newsletter (if it’s a CDG event) or notes, or add comments to your bibliogto CILIP’s Gazette. raphy. Record your thoughts and opinions, and start to develop your · Share your experiences. Did you have professional viewpoint. an unusual path to Chartership? Is your job a little bit different? Why not write Discuss about it for the ‘People’ section in Gazette? Discussion is a great way to take ideas you’ve read about and think about how you · Share your opinions by commenting on could put them into practice. Admittedly others’ blogs, or even start your own. your usual book club may not be too impressed if you suggest swapping the latest · Write a case study about a project, or a new way of working. There are many Richard & Judy recommendation for a disacademic journals for information sector cussion of a new journal article about cataworkers, so why not think about writing loguing metadata, but perhaps you could an article for a journal that you read? join or even start a professional reading group which meets regularly to discuss hot Network topics in the information profession? If you work for a large organisation, you Networking with other professionals is a key Impact Winter 2008
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part of CPD. Talking with others will help and engage with the professional communiyou to pick up tips on best practice, find out ty. about other sectors and build a network of · Join a committee. Why not contact your contacts. There are plenty of ways to start local CDG divisional committee to find networking: out how you can get involved? There are all sorts of posts available, depending on · Use a mentor. If you’re working towards the amount of time you have available. Certification or Chartership then you’ll already have a mentor who could be a · Host a visit. You may think your workgood source of contacts, or offer advice place is dull but chances are there will be on how to make contacts. Even if you’re something that would be of interest to not working towards a qualification, findothers. Arranging a visit can also be a ing a mentor can be a way to build knowlgood way to find out more about where edge and confidence by drawing on the you work, and what your colleagues are experience of another professional. up to! · Look for events near you, including talks, · Make a presentation. Perhaps you could visits to libraries, or social events organoffer to speak about your experiences of ised by CDG, your local CILIP branch or Chartership at a CDG event? other Special Interest Groups. They are a good way to meet other professionals, · Support other professionals. If you’re Chartered and a member of the CDG, and many are free or low-cost. then you’re eligible to become a Candi· If you can't get out physically, then there date Support Officer (CSO) and offer are plenty of opportunities to network support to other CILIP members working online, including CILIP Communities towards a CILIP qualification. Alterna(communities.cilip.org.uk), Facebook tively, you could train to be a CILIP men(www.facebook.com), LinkedIn tor and offer support to individual (www.linkedin.com) and JISCmail lists candidates. (www.jiscmail.ac.uk). You can also net· Become an expert! Do you have specialwork by commenting on blogs, but reist knowledge which could benefit othmember that whatever you say goes on ers? Join CILIP Network of Expertise and record, and your current or future emInterests (cilip.camp7.org) and share ployers may be able to see it! what you know. · If you're feeling ambitious, why not take your networking to another level by going Get out there! international? Join in the CDG study tour, offer to host a visiting professional There are many ways to get involved that from overseas via the CDG/ILIG Hosts are well within your grasp, wherever you work and whatever stage your career is at. Directory (www.cilip.org.uk/specialinterestgroups/ Just take a deep breath, dive in and get bysubject/international), or investigate involved, and before you know it you’ll be a an exchange with an overseas profes- Professional. sional via LIBEX Anna Grigson (www.cilip.org.uk/jobscareers/libex). Assistant Digital Resources Librarian, University of Westminster & Share Candidate Support Officer, CDG London & Take your contribution beyond networking, South East Divisions Impact Winter 2008
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Join the Professionals All you have to do is join CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals before 1st June 2009 and choose the Career Development Group as one of your Special Interest Groups.
Take charge of your career today… and enter a prize draw to win a £50 voucher for Amazon
The Career Development Group will provide you with: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
a wide professional network of support in your part of the UK up-to-date guidance on how to take the next step in your career four issues a year of our printed journal Impact access to professional development opportunities – learn new skills on a committee, network with colleagues from different sectors, or attend courses at discounted rates
All of these for free as part of your CILIP subscription – as well as the chance to win £50 worth of vouchers! For more information and the competition rules go to: http://www.cilip.org.uk/specialinterestgroups/bysubject/careerdevelopment/ For more information on how to join CILIP, email membership@cilip.org.uk, call 020 7255 0600, or visit the website http://www.cilip.org.uk/membership/
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