Qualifications

Vocational qualifications

To get you started in the world of the infoprofessional you can take a vocational qualification, these are on the job qualifications so you can earn as you learn!

EDI is accredited by the UK regulatory authorities to award over 370 vocational qualifications across 15 sectors, including Information and Library Services.

EDI has developed two brand new qualifications for the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), in partnership with Lifelong Learning UK and key industry stakeholders. These are aimed at assistants working in libraries, archives and information services:

§ Level 2 Certificate in Libraries, Archives and Information Services (30 credits)

§ Level 3 Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services (45 credits)

The qualifications replaced the existing NVQs from 1 August 2010 and have been updated to reflect the diverse range of skills currently required of those operating in libraries, archives and information services settings. Units include understanding LAIS organisations, records management, making use of digital resources to support customers and a range of specialist optional units at level 3.

The QCF is a unit-based system which enables common recognition and acceptance of credit obtained by the learner. As some units of credit are common between the level 2 and level 3 qualifications, it allows learners to easily progress from level 2 to level 3 and then potentially onwards to higher education qualifications as their careers develop.

The qualifications will be available to training providers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information please contact

enquiries@ediplc.com, call 08707 202 909 or visit www.ediplc.com

Professional qualifications

When you’re on the pathway to becoming a professional librarian you’ll need the support of CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. This is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers. CILIP provides information on academic and short courses together with information on job opportunities at all levels of the profession.

CILIP accredits undergraduate and postgraduate library and information courses, which are internationally recognised. You can chose a course to suit whichever area of the profession you want to work in. CILIP accredited university courses offer the main route to Chartership which will open up further career opportunities.

There are three levels of professional qualifications; Certification, Chartership and Fellowship, of which Certification is the ideal first step for those getting started on the career ladder.

CILIP qualifications provide opportunities for everyone employed in the library and information sector with a route to professional status.

Find out more by visiting the website.

If you want to become a professional archivist, the Archives and Records Association is the place to go to find out more. There are a number of post-graduate courses that you can follow but you will need some pre-course experience first. ARA keeps a list of placement and trainee opportunities (some of which are voluntary, some are paid posts) and some posts are also advertised on archives-nra (the mailing list for archivists and records managers in the UK).

What are you interested in?

If you are not sure what you want to find out about, here are some ideas. You’ll be amazed at how varied a career in labraries and information could be

Working with Children and Young People	Promoting Books and Writers	Working with Computers and Technology
Supporting Local Communities	Helping Patients and Healthcare Staff	Exploring the Past
Helping People to Learn	Organising Information	Helping Vulnerable People

INFO Professional

Qualifications

What are you interested in?

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