QUESTION: To get onto a CILIP accredited course, I’m advised to have library and information experience. But how can I get a library or information job without the qualification? It seems like Catch 22!
ANSWER: Entry level posts normally don’t need specific qualifications. They may ask for certain GCSEs, A-levels or the equivalent. Entry level posts are often Library / information assistant or graduate traineeships. See the Careers Gateway to get started.
QUESTION: Will I be disadvantaged if I study for the Postgraduate Diploma instead of the Masters? Would I still be able to apply for Chartership once qualified or go for jobs asking for qualified librarians and information managers / scientists?
ANSWER: Just make sure that the diploma is accredited as well as the Masters by consulting our definitive list on the left. If you're thinking of working overseas then you may find that having the Masters is helpful as it's more widely recognized, particularly in North America.
FOLLOW UP QUESTION: Can you please advise me what additional work I would have to do to gain Chartership if I were awarded a Diploma instead of a Masters?
ANSWER: If you get an accredited diploma there is no difference applying for Chartership.
FOLLOW UP QUESTION: The University also offers postgraduate certificates. Would this qualification be enough to practice?
ANSWER: In postgraduate courses there are Certificate exit points. We do not accredit the Postgraduate Certificate so this would not be sufficient to practice or to apply for Chartership on its own.