I'd like to become a librarian or an information scientist, how can I get started?
You can apply for a course (
undergraduate and postgraduate) accredited by CILIP. There may not be one offered by the university closest to you, so you will find distance learning options on our
definitive list.
You should have some library experience or be working in information (see below for finding entry level jobs) to enrol and get the most out of your course.
Once you're qualified you are eligible to apply for posts asking for qualified librarians and information managers and you can become Chartered.
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I have a degree but it's not in librarianship or information management. How can I get started?
To become a librarian or information professional, you will need some library experience (see below to help find an entry level post) either as an assistant or a CILIP Graduate Trainee.
While you are working, you can apply for university courses which should be accredited by CILIP. Contact the universities directly to check on fees and attendance requirements.
Once you're qualified you are eligible to apply for posts asking for qualified librarians and information managers and you can become Chartered.
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How can I find an entry level job? Every post seems to want experience
As well as checking local and national papers, you can find suitable jobs advertised on
www.lgjobs.com,
www.jobs.ac.uk, and CILIP's own
www.lisjobnet.com. If the post asks for previous library experience or a CILIP qualification it is not likely to be an entry level position. It may be worth calling ahead to see if transferable customer and administration experience would be acceptable. The
CILIP Graduate Traineeships are paid jobs, normally on a year's contract. No or little library / information experience is expected.
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I work in an information service already and would like to qualify but I can't afford to follow an accredited course
An
accredited qualification is ideal because it will be widely recognized and is more easily used
overseas. By investigating alternatives, you are not ruling out studying for an accredited qualification in the future.
You can consider CILIP's own qualifications. This would generally be gaining ACLIP Certification. If you are in a suitable professional role, you could then work towards Chartership (the professional qualification normally gained after completing an accredited course).
The nature of CILIP's qualifications is that they are about continuing professional development and measure how members are performing in their workplace, applying their learning and maintaining their awareness.
By following this route you may become a Chartered Member of CILIP which broadens your career prospects as well as recognizing you as a professional librarian / information manager.
If circumstances change you can still go on to follow a CILIP accredited qualification. Some universities will give you credits for your Chartership, allowing you to do part of the course rather than follow a whole programme.
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