Information Scotland The Journal of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland ISSN 1743-5471 Issue contents | Journal contents | About the online edition of the journal December 2006 Volume 4(6)

President's perspective

Be active for your own good

Looking back over the last year, I believe that I have given a presentation to a Branch/Group or other organisation on average once per month. It has been revealing that when reflecting on the requirements of the organisers and looking at the issues which have been of most interest to me personally, that essentially we all wanted to talk about the same thing – the challenges facing our profession. I appreciate that in attending Branch and Group events I only see a snapshot of our profession but I see a huge willingness, indeed a thirst, from colleagues to address change constructively. I’ve asked quite a few of these audiences whether they’re ‘up for the challenge’. If their positive responses are typical of the profession, we as professionals and CILIP in Scotland have a very bright future indeed.

It certainly has been rewarding to have had the opportunity to meet CILIPS members the length and breadth of the country and to listen to a wide range of views. Despite the challenges facing us, I believe that we as a profession have the capability, aptitude and vision to tackle these issues head on. However, we cannot and should not rely on others to do this – each and every one of us must play our part in helping the profession flourish.

There are a number of ways in which we can all make a difference but two areas in particular. Firstly, we work in a world of lifelong learning where continuing professional development (CPD) is essential, not an option. Many of us have been through some form of job evaluation process over the last year, and this has highlighted the importance of CPD. Now that we have the CILIP Framework of Qualifications and the revalidation scheme in place perhaps those of us who have been chartered for a number of years should make a New Year’s resolution to work through the revalidation process! I am certainly intending to revalidate my chartership next year. For those of us who are not yet chartered, I would urge you to seriously consider this. It is imperative that both from an individual and at a wider professional level that we all ensure that as far as possible we maintain and develop a relevant skills set.

Secondly, I believe that we can and should do more to support CILIPS. Both the range and quality of the events on offer from Branches and Groups (and centrally from Hamilton of course) are impressive. I would urge all members to make the effort next year to attend at least one such event. The levels of attendance in some instances are below par compared to the time and effort made into making these events successful. For whatever reason, if you are not happy with the events or the programmes, email, write, pick up the phone, but please let people know!

There is another reason why we all need to engage with CILIPS. You may not be fully aware that CILIP in London is currently facing significant financial difficulties. The issue is not complex – for many years it has been spending more than it earns. A number of very hard decisions have already been made with services and staff being reduced. The financial situation remains pressing and further difficult decisions are in the pipeline. There is a real threat that within the next two years CILIP will seek to reduce the CILIPS funding base to such a level that the services we can provide our members in Scotland will be severely curtailed. It is not even beyond the realms of possibility that CILIP may look to draw on the healthy reserves which CILIPS has built up to make good Ridgmount Street’s projected deficits.

I believe that as a profession it is essential that we have a strong and active professional body in Scotland. As significant policy areas such as education and health are devolved, it is imperative that we retain the ability to address Scottish issues in Scotland. Through CILIPS we have excellent access to services, support and professional networks that address our immediate requirements. It is in our own interest and hands here in Scotland to influence the agenda through supporting CILIPS. Please be active in helping to take your profession and your professional body in Scotland forward. Use the services on offer and where you feel CILIPS and the Branches and Groups can make a greater contribution, let people know!

We have a fundamental role to play in closing digital and information divides. Information literacy is a change agent both in stimulating social and economic development. Information is the lifeblood of open and successful democracies. Information and knowledge creation is increasingly being cited as the key to generating and securing competitive advantage in the corporate environment. This is why in my Presidential year I have focused on themes of partnership working, information literacy, corporate information management and applying our core competencies in information retrieval into online/digital environments.

I have benefited greatly both professionally and personally in having had the opportunity this year to be President of CILIPS. I would like to express my gratitude to colleagues for their help, and to you as the profession for making this an enjoyable time. In many ways this year has been far too short. Just as I am getting to grips with the Presidency it has become time to pass on the office to the next President, Christopher Phillips. Christopher has a wealth of experience in the public library sector and I am sure that he will find the coming year as rewarding and enjoyable as I have.
Ivor Lloyd

Information Scotland Vol. 4(6) December 2006

Information Scotland is delivered online by the SAPIENS electronic publishing service based at the Centre for Digital Library Research. SLAINTE (Scottish libraries across the Internet) offers further information about librarianship and information management in Scotland.