By bert Washington on Wednesday, May 23, 2001 - 03:46 pm:
On the 24 Apr 2001 I suggested via the Workplace and Solo lists that the LA should establish a dedicated and permanent lobbying arm, as part of the new body. There were several messages supporting this idea, so I for one want to propose that a dedicated ‘awareness raising section’ within the LA (or whatever replaces the LA)is established. This would at least be a starting point in gaining wider acknowledgement for our skills and ultimately (one can but hope) improved status and pay.
I believe the lobbying section should have as its primary aim the promotion of the library profession et al amongst employers, with Government and the general public being secondary but essential elements also included in all campaigns. This lobbying section should be established in such a way as to provide for direct input from and feedback to the LA’s membership, so that from the grass roots all members have the chance to be (get) involved and help to make a difference.
Raising of awareness could be achieved through campaigns in the media, as well as by direct contact and by mail shots to significant individuals. These should draw attention to the worth that information professionals have in society and business. The broad range of skills and abilities that library and information professionals maintain should be broadcast loud and clear. The message should be stated and re-inforced that because of the varied and many types of library and information units that exist in the UK the information profession adds as a whole an invaluable element to the quality of life. That our standing as a civilised society and the nation’s wealth generating capability is immeasurably enhanced by those who work in public, school, academic, government, business and special libraries.
Bert Washington.
By Anne Partridge on Thursday, May 24, 2001 - 11:02 am:
Bert,
The Career Development Group of the Library Association (both under its present name and as the Association of Assistant Librarians) has always been active in lobbying the Library Association and external bodies. It is currently looking into a number of issues, one of which is the attitude of employers to professional involvement. As one of the Groups representatives on LA Council, I shall be bringing the issue up at the next meeting of LA Council in July. We have carried out our own research in this area and sought the opinions of many leading figures in the profession. One of the main outcomes has been that we as a profession do not sell ourselves enough. We cannot entirely blame the LA for this, as we as individuals must promote our profession aswell. I believe that there is a need for a massive push by all of us to make sure that employers and employees alike realise the benefits of professional activity. I would be interested to hear about any ideas you may have with regards to campaigns in the media and mail shots.
If you would like to know more about the Group, go to the Groups website at www.careerdevelopmentgroup.org.uk
If you would like to input into any of the Groups campaigns or perhaps initiate a new one, then please feel free to contact me.
By Bob McKee on Thursday, May 24, 2001 - 02:12 pm:
Well done Anne - for being alert to the opportunity of promoting CDG. I'll be interested to see the results of the research; and to hear your comments at Council in July.
You're right, Bert - lobbying (the whole process of awareness raising/advocacy/promotion/etc) is core business for the LA. I would argue that the "dedicated arm" already exists - and is about to be stengthened. We have a team of Professional Advisers and Policy Officers who are highly regarded in their areas of expertise and they lead on much of this activity because of their knowledge and their contacts. We have a range of advisory panels and sectoral committees through which our members can inform and support this process of policy development and advocacy. What we are now adding is a strengthening of our dedicated marketing/promotion/external relations team; we advertised this week (Monday's Guardian, Media Section) for a Head of External Relations - a new post to work directly with me and lead the marketing/promotion team in precisely the sort of ways which you outline.
Thanks to both of you for your comments.