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Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
from Wikipedia

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP, pronounced /ˈsɪlɪp/ SIL-ip) is a professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers in the United Kingdom.

Key Information

It was established in 2002 as a merger of the Library Association (LA, sometimes LAUK) and the Institute of Information Scientists (IIS).

CILIP in Scotland (CILIPS) is an independent organisation which operates in Scotland in affiliation with CILIP and delivers services via a service level agreement.

CILIP's 2020 goal is to "put information and library skills and professional values at the heart of a democratic, equal and prosperous society".

History

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CILIP was formed in 2002 by the merger of the Library Association (abbreviated as LA or sometimes LAUK) – founded in 1877 as a result of the first International Conference of Librarians[5][6] and awarded a Royal Charter in 1898[7][8] – and the Institute of Information Scientists (IIS), founded on 23 January 1958.[9][10]

The first President of the Library Association had been John Winter Jones and other notable Presidents had included Richard Garnett (1893), Frederic G. Kenyon (1910), W. C. Berwick Sayers (1938), Lionel McColvin (1952) and Douglas John Foskett (1976).[11] The jubilee (50th year) of the Association was celebrated in 1927. Library associations from fourteen European countries and the United States signed a resolution at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Library Association of the United Kingdom held in Edinburgh which brought the International Federation of Library Associations into existence.

The Library Association offered professional recognition at the level of Associate of the Library Association (ALA), the basic professional qualification, and Fellow of the Library Association (FLA), awarded for a higher level of professional achievement.[12][citation needed]

Membership of the CILIP on unification in 2002 was estimated at 23,000.[13] Sheila Corrall was the first President of CILIP,[14] succeeded in 2003 by Margaret Watson.[15]

In 2017, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals was rebranded to CILIP: The library and information association.

Description

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Former CILIP headquarters in Ridgmount Street, London

CILIP has its headquarters in the British Library in London.[16] Until 2023, CILIP had been based at number 7 Ridgmount Street,[17] in the building purpose-built in 1965 as the headquarters of the Library Association.[18]

CILIP is a registered charity.[19]

Activities

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The cover of the first issue of Information Professional magazine (November 2017) showing Roly Keating of the British Library

CILIP launched a monthly journal, Information Professional[20] in 2017, providing news, interviews, and analysis. This publication succeeded Library & Information Update[21] which was published from 2002 to 2017 and the Library Association Record[22] published from 1899 to 2002. CILIP publications also include Lisjobnet (a recruitment website), and Facet Publishing (professional books).

CILIP hosts an annual conference for members and non-members. Past keynote speakers include Dr Carla Hayden (Librarian of Congress in the US), Professor Luciano Floridi and Sir Nigel Shadbolt.[23][24]

CILIP works to raise the profile of the work of librarians and information professionals through campaigns, public affairs activity, and awards and medals, as well as promoting best practice. Campaigns have included My Library By Right[25] (publicising local government's statutory obligation to provide library services), Facts Matter[26] (championing the value of quality information during the 2017 UK General Election), and the annual Libraries Week campaign[27] and Libraries Change Lives Award.[28]

CILIP awards the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals for children's books. CILIP works in partnership to award the Amnesty CILIP Honour, a special commendation which is part of the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals. Special interest groups also make their own awards, such as the Jason Farradane Award and Tony Kent Strix Award of UKeiG.

There are over 20 special interest groups for members working with, for instance, rare books and prison libraries[29] and a similar number of 'organisations in liaison' with CILIP, such as Information for Social Change, the National Acquisitions Group, and the Society of Indexers.[30] CILIP, in its previous incarnation as the Library Association, was a founder member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) in 1927.[31]

Some specialist groups organise conferences such as the annual LILAC (Librarians' Information Literacy Conference), held since 2005 by the CILIP's Information Literacy Group,[32][33] or the Health Libraries Group conference, held every two years.

CILIP's archives are held by University College London Special Collections, having been deposited with the institution between 2002 and 2007.[34]

Professional development

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CILIP accredits degree courses in library and information science at universities in the UK, as well as a number of overseas programmes in China, Germany, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Oman, Thailand and Qatar.[35]

There are three levels of professional registration with corresponding postnominal letters:[36][37]

Honorary Fellowship (HonFCLIP), akin to an honorary degree, is granted to a small number of people who have rendered distinguished service to the profession. CILIP provides opportunities for continuing professional development and a self-assessment tool, the Professional Knowledge and Skills Base. Registered members may revalidate their registration annually.[39]

Membership of CILIP is not compulsory for practice.

Membership

[edit]

The following information on CILIP membership is taken from CILIP Council reports with the exceptions of the estimates for 2002, 2003 and 2005.[40] Membership numbers for 2004 and 2006 are not available.

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Number of members ≈23,000[41] 22,689 (20,373)[42] 19,206[43] 18,490 17,634[44] 17,192 15,705 14,555 13,974 13,567 13,163 12,632 11,868 9,793 9,337 9,749 8,758

The method of calculation was changed in 2018 to count 'Life Members' as a separate category in published membership statistics and hence these figures do not represent a continuous series. As at January 2019 there were approximately 1,000 'Life Members' of CILIP.

CILIP in Scotland

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CILIPS
Established1908 (117 years ago) (1908)
PresidentMartina McChrystal
HeadSean McNamara
Staff2[45]
Budget£22,000
Members1,200 (as of 2019)
Location
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Websitewww.cilips.org.uk

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIP in Scotland, or CILIPS) is a charitable incorporated organisation affiliated to CILIP.[46] All CILIP members working or living in Scotland are automatically members of CILIPS.[47] Policy, finances, operational matters and advocacy are devolved to CILIPS Trustee Board and staff and CILIP services are delivered via a service level agreement.[48] CILIPS works with the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), the advisory body for the Scottish Government on library and information matters.

CILIP in Scotland was originally established as the Scottish Library Association in 1908 and affiliated with the Library Association in 1931.[49] When CILIP was established in 2002, the Scottish Library Association voted to change its name to CILIPS.[50] CILIPS published a professional journal, Information Scotland (ISSN 1479-8441), between 2003 and 2009, which subsequently became a newsletter.

References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) is a chartered professional body dedicated to uniting, supporting, and advocating for librarians, information professionals, and knowledge managers across all sectors in the United Kingdom. Formed on 1 June 2002 through the merger of the Library Association, established in 1877, and the Institute of Information Scientists, founded in 1958, CILIP holds a Royal Charter that emphasizes fostering education, training, research, and the promotion of information science and library services. Headquartered at 7 Ridgmount Street in London, it operates as the sole chartered institute worldwide focused exclusively on this profession, providing professional registration pathways including Certification, Chartership, and Fellowship to validate members' competencies and experience.
CILIP advances the profession through advocacy for library and information services, development of ethical frameworks emphasizing trust and professional integrity, and initiatives to enhance skills via continuing education and accredited qualifications. It publishes resources like the Information Professional magazine and champions the sector's role in knowledge management amid challenges such as declining public library funding and evolving digital information landscapes. Notable achievements include establishing a structured professional development framework that supports career progression and establishing itself as a key advocate during sector crises, though membership numbers have faced ongoing decline, reflecting broader pressures on the profession. The organization has encountered internal controversies, including failed rebranding efforts in 2014 that were rejected by members and debates over award selections, such as the 2017 Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals, which drew criticism for perceived biases in judging criteria. Additionally, CILIP has pursued equity initiatives, including a 2017-2020 action plan to address underrepresentation of Black and minority ethnic staff—comprising only about 2% of members despite higher proportions in the general population—which underscores efforts to confront demographic imbalances amid critiques of institutional priorities. These elements highlight CILIP's role in navigating professional standards while responding to both internal governance reviews and external societal expectations.

History

Origins and Predecessor Organizations

The Library Association (LA), CILIP's principal predecessor, was founded in 1877 in the to advance librarianship amid the expansion of public libraries following the Public Libraries Act 1850. It emerged partly in response to the American Library Association's formation the prior year and the first international librarians' conference, aiming to standardize practices, provide training, and lobby for professional recognition. By the late , the LA had established examinations and a registry for qualified librarians, growing to represent thousands of members across public, academic, and special libraries. The Institute of Information Scientists (IIS), the other direct predecessor, was established on 23 January 1958 to address the distinct needs of professionals handling scientific documentation, abstracting, and in an era of rapid technological and scientific growth post-World War II. Unlike the library-focused LA, the IIS emphasized emerging disciplines like , including classification systems and early computing applications for , attracting members from industry, government, and research sectors. Over four decades, it developed qualifications and networks, such as the UK Online User Group, reflecting the divergence between traditional librarianship and specialized information handling. These organizations represented complementary yet overlapping domains: the LA rooted in public and cultural access to , and the IIS in technical and scientific processing, setting the stage for their eventual unification to encompass the broadening information professions. No earlier unified body predated the LA as a national entity, though regional or specialist groups existed sporadically before 1877.

Formation in 2002 and Charter Status

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) was established on 1 April 2002 through the merger of the Library Association (LA), founded in 1877, and the Institute of Information Scientists (IIS), founded in 1958. The unification created a single professional body to represent practitioners across library services, , and related fields, addressing overlapping roles and fostering collaboration amid evolving digital information landscapes. The LA brought established advocacy for and academic libraries, while the IIS contributed expertise in and retrieval systems; the merger integrated these strengths without dissolving regional branches, such as the LA's Scottish counterpart, which later rebranded as CILIP in . CILIP's charter status derives from the Royal Charter originally granted to the LA on 17 February 1898 by , which recognized the profession's role in advancing education and knowledge dissemination. As the LA's successor, CILIP operated under this charter from inception, with revisions approved in 2002 to expand its objects beyond traditional librarianship to encompass broader information professions, including skills in data handling and digital services. Subsequent amendments, such as by on 5 November 2014, refined governance while preserving core powers to regulate membership, award qualifications, and maintain professional standards. This status uniquely positions CILIP as the sole chartered institute worldwide dedicated to these fields, enabling designations like Chartered Member (MCLIP) for qualified professionals demonstrating advanced competence.

Key Milestones Post-Formation

In 2014, CILIP established the Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB), a comprehensive framework delineating the core knowledge and skills required across library and information professions, designed to facilitate professional registration, career mapping, and competency demonstration. This tool, developed by an expert working group, addressed the evolving demands of digital information management and served as a foundational element for certification processes. By 2016, CILIP revised its definition of , expanding it to encompass abilities such as critically evaluating online sources, ethical use of data, and navigating complex digital environments, in response to technological advancements and shifting societal needs. This update, led by the Information Literacy Group, aimed to equip professionals with tools for promoting user empowerment amid challenges. In 2018, following extensive member consultation including a 2017 survey on principle importance, CILIP introduced a streamlined Ethical Framework comprising seven principles—such as concern for the public good and impartiality—and an updated Code of Professional Conduct, replacing the prior 12 principles to offer more actionable guidance in contemporary ethical dilemmas like data privacy. The framework emphasized professional judgment while maintaining commitments to intellectual freedom and equity. The PKSB underwent a significant refresh in September 2021, incorporating new areas like data ethics, applications, and competencies to align with sector-wide transformations in . In 2023, CILIP's Green Libraries Partnership transitioned into the Green Libraries Campaign, broadening efforts to integrate environmental into practices through advocacy, tools, and sector-wide on reducing carbon footprints. This initiative built on prior green library conferences and responded to institutional pressures for ecological accountability in public services.

Organizational Structure

Governance and Leadership

The governance of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) is primarily exercised by its Board of Trustees, which holds ultimate responsibility for the organization's strategic direction, financial oversight, , and compliance as a registered charity under law. The Board consists of up to 15 trustees, elected or appointed for terms typically lasting three years, with members drawn from diverse sectors including academic, public, and special libraries, as well as and related fields. As of October 2025, the Chair is Kate Robinson, University Librarian at the and a former CILIP President in 2022, who assumed the role in January 2024; other trustees include professionals such as Prof. Alison Brettle (health information expert at ), Liz Jolly (Chief Librarian at the ), and Jonathan Waterfield (charity finance specialist). Trustees are tasked with approving key documents such as the annual budget, strategy action plan, and risk register, while ensuring alignment with CILIP's charitable objectives to promote library and information services. Supporting the Board are specialized committees, including the (chaired by the CILIP President) for financial scrutiny and the Resources Committee (chaired by the ) for operational ; these bodies report directly to the Board and address areas like compliance, performance monitoring, and awards processes. The Presidential Team operates in an ambassadorial capacity, distinct from the Board's fiduciary duties, with the President elected annually to represent CILIP externally, champion a strategic theme, and oversee ceremonial functions such as awarding Presidential Citations. As of 2025, Sue Lacey Bryant serves as President (succeeding from role), a consultant and Visiting Professor at with prior experience as for ; the is Carryl Allardice, at the Foreign, & Development Office. Operational leadership is provided by the , Louis Coiffait-Gunn, who heads the Senior Management Team responsible for day-to-day execution of the Board's strategy, staff management, and policy implementation. Devolved accommodates the 's nations through dedicated chairs for (Richard Aird, Director at ), Wales (Jamie Finch, librarian at ), and Ireland (Julie Reid, Deputy Head of Services for Libraries NI), who lead respective national committees or trustee boards—such as the separate CILIPS Trustee Board in —to tailor activities to regional contexts while aligning with overarching CILIP goals. This structure balances centralized accountability with localized input, with trustee elections held periodically to refresh expertise, as seen in the addition of five new Board members in January 2024.

Regional and Special Interest Groups

CILIP organizes its regional structure through member networks in England, encompassing nine primary regions: , , , North East, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, and & . These networks deliver localized support, including events, advocacy, and representation for members within their geographic boundaries, such as the network's focus on continuing for librarians in that area. Sub-networks exist within some regions, for instance, the sub-network under the South East, which emphasizes regional representation and professional opportunities, and the group covering , , and with regular meetings. In , CILIP supports members via a separate framework of branches and groups, coordinated through the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS), which handles localized activities while aligning with CILIP's national objectives. This structure ensures tailored engagement, such as the School Libraries Group Scotland, which promotes professional interests specific to school librarians. Complementing the regional networks, CILIP's Special Interest Groups (SIGs) form thematic communities centered on professional sectors, skills, or topics, enabling members to connect, share expertise, and participate in targeted events. Key SIGs include the Academic & Libraries Group, which supports librarians in higher education and settings; the Commercial, Legal & Scientific Group, focused on specialized ; the , Diversity and Equality Group, addressing inclusivity in library services; the International Library and Group (ILIG), dedicated to global librarianship; the Libraries Group, advocating for children's and services; the & Group; the & Group; and the Metadata & Discovery Group, which publishes the quarterly Catalogue & Index journal (ISSN: 2399-9667) since 1966. SIGs operate under CILIP's group rules outlined in its general regulations, emphasizing their role in building vibrant professional communities and contributing to sector-wide knowledge dissemination through journals, conferences, and collaborations with bodies like SCOOP. These groups enhance member value by addressing niche needs not fully covered at the national level, though participation remains voluntary and tied to CILIP membership.

Mission, Ethics, and Standards

Core Objectives and Ethical Principles

The core objectives of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), as defined in its granted in 2002, center on working for the public benefit by promoting and through the establishment, maintenance, and development of libraries, services, and related resources. This foundational purpose aligns with CILIP's refreshed statement of purpose, which emphasizes uniting, supporting, and empowering professionals across sectors to foster a professional community dedicated to improving lives via quality services and expertise. Strategic priorities include strengthening through standards and , building communities via networking and collaboration, supporting leadership development, promoting a diverse and inclusive profession, advocating for the sector, and expanding membership to enhance collective impact. CILIP's mission positions it as the leading membership association for professionals in , , libraries, and allied fields, with priorities such as delivering member services, securing professional interests through , advancing skills development, and driving in practices. These objectives underpin efforts to elevate standards in libraries and services, ultimately aiming to improve , , and societal prosperity. Ethical principles form a of CILIP's framework, guiding members' conduct and updated in 2018 to comprise seven core principles alongside a code of professional practice. Members are required to uphold these in their work, with CILIP acting as steward to support implementation and address breaches through disciplinary processes. The principles are:
  • A1: , equalities and diversity, and the equitable treatment of users and colleagues.
  • A2: The public benefit and the advancement of the wider good of the to .
  • A3: Preservation and continuity of access to knowledge.
  • A4: , including freedom from .
  • A5: and the avoidance of inappropriate .
  • A6: The confidentiality of information provided by clients or users and the right of all individuals to .
  • A7: The development of information skills and .
This framework replaces an earlier set of 12 principles from the pre-2018 era, streamlining focus on public good, access, and professional integrity while emphasizing evidence-based decision-making in ethical dilemmas.

Professional Knowledge and Skills Base

The Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB) serves as the sector-wide skills standard for professionals in information, , libraries, and data, established by CILIP in collaboration with employers, practitioners, and subject experts to define the foundational competencies required across the field. It functions primarily as a and development tool, enabling individuals to identify personal training needs, prepare for performance appraisals, support career progression and job applications, and demonstrate alignment with professional benchmarks. For organizations, it aids in workforce skills analysis, staff training programs, and mapping career pathways, with adaptations used by employers for internal capability frameworks. The PKSB's structure encompasses core ethical principles and values, alongside generic skills and specialized professional knowledge areas, organized into categories such as , customer focus, leadership, and strategy development. These elements are designed to reflect the evolving demands of the profession, including transferable skills like , resource discovery, and compliance, which align with international standards such as ISO 30401 for knowledge management systems. Sector-specific guides extend its applicability, for instance, tailoring components for healthcare roles through partnerships like that with Health Education England, emphasizing practical self-assessment for specialized contexts. Integral to CILIP's professional registration processes, including , Chartership, and Fellowship, the PKSB requires candidates to map their experience against selected criteria—typically 10-12 subsections for qualifications—to evidence competence and support revalidation. A refreshed version launched in September 2021 incorporated updates to numbering and content for greater relevance, with ongoing evolution informed by member feedback via CILIP's ideas platform, ensuring it remains a dynamic tool rather than a static . Access is provided through an online interactive tool for members, downloadable PDFs in English and Welsh, and premium team assessment options for up to 50 users, promoting broad adoption for both individual and collective professional growth.

Code of Professional Conduct and Intellectual Freedom

CILIP's Ethical Framework, launched in October 2018 following a review process that included over 1,500 survey responses and multiple workshops, comprises a set of Ethical Principles and a supporting Code of Professional Practice for library and information professionals. The framework aims to guide members in navigating contemporary ethical challenges, such as , technological disruptions, and access restrictions, by emphasizing professional judgment and accountability. The Code of Professional Practice, originally issued in 2004 and amended in 2012, outlines member obligations across five categories: personal responsibilities (e.g., maintaining competence and ethical conduct); responsibilities to information users (e.g., ensuring unbiased access and ); to colleagues and the profession (e.g., promoting and reporting misconduct); to society (e.g., advancing equitable information access); and to employers (e.g., aligning professional duties with organizational goals while challenging unethical practices). Central to the Code is the commitment to , defined by CILIP as the right to access and express information without undue interference, aligned with of the Universal Declaration of . Members are required to protect user privacy, provide impartial services free from personal bias or , and resist attempts to limit access based on subjective objections, while recognizing legal limits such as prohibitions on or . The policy, formally approved in January 2024, mandates professionals to actively promote and defend these freedoms, oppose both intentional and unintentional restrictions imposed by governments, institutions, or individuals, and engage in to advocate within their workplaces. In response to rising pressures, CILIP established an Committee on October 24, 2025, tasked with countering suppression of ideas and information deemed objectionable by various actors. This initiative builds on prior resources, such as guidance for managing safe and inclusive services, and underscores the organization's role in upholding unrestricted access as foundational to democratic societies, though it acknowledges proportionate restrictions must remain challengeable through legal and ethical scrutiny. Violations of the , including failures to safeguard , may trigger CILIP's disciplinary processes, potentially leading to sanctions against members.

Membership and Certification

Membership Categories and Requirements

CILIP provides individual membership categories designed to accommodate professionals at various career stages, including full-time workers, part-timers, students, retirees, the unemployed, and supporters outside the sector. Membership is broadly open to anyone with an interest in , , , or services, without requiring formal qualifications for entry, though professional registration (such as Chartership) is a separate process for demonstrating competencies. Subscriptions are payable annually or in monthly installments via direct debit, card, or other methods, with rates set following member votes, such as the 2020 approval of increases and category adjustments effective January 2021. The primary categories include standard, concessionary, , part-time, and non-practitioner memberships, with voting rights generally limited to practitioner categories like standard and . Non-practitioner and donor categories (Friend and ) are non-voting and aimed at broader supporters.
CategoryEligibility RequirementsAnnual Fee (as of latest available rates)Notes
StandardWorking in , , , or librarianship fields; open to all sector professionals regardless of experience level.£172.80 (£14.40/month)Full voting rights; baseline rate for full-time practitioners.
ConcessionaryLow-income individuals (e.g., receiving ), retirees, or unemployed persons in or connected to the sector; automatic for retirees upon renewal notification.£103.68 (£8.64/month; 40% discount on standard)Applies to qualifying standard or other practitioner memberships; supports for those facing financial hardship.
Enrolled in librarianship, , or related accredited courses; standard rate for non-accredited or .£64.80 (£5.40/month); £43.20 (£3.60/month) for accredited coursesDiscounted to encourage early professional engagement; voting rights included.
Part-timeEmployed part-time in the sector; self-identified based on reduced hours.Approximately £138.24 (£11.52/month; 20% discount on standard)Concessionary adjustment to reflect lower professional engagement or income.
Non-practitionerIndividuals not currently working or studying in the sector but wishing to support CILIP's networks and activities.Comparable to standard or concessionary rates (exact fee varies; non-voting)For allies, retirees outside practice, or enthusiasts; no sector employment required.
Additional donor categories like Friend and allow higher contributions for non-voting support, with funds directed toward CILIP's objectives, though specific rates are not publicly detailed in standard listings. Organizational or group memberships exist for institutions but are not part of individual categories. All members must adhere to CILIP's upon joining, with subscriptions subject to annual review.

Professional Registration and Chartered Status

Professional registration with the Chartered Institute of and Professionals (CILIP) constitutes a voluntary scheme designed to verify members' competencies, knowledge, and experience in library and information work. The scheme operates at three levels— (ACLIP), Chartership (MCLIP), and Fellowship (FCLIP)—each requiring a portfolio assessment against CILIP's Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB), which outlines essential professional knowledge, skills, , and behaviors. Enrollment necessitates CILIP membership, with mentor support provided throughout the portfolio development and reflective process. Chartered status is attained via Chartership, targeted at mid-career professionals demonstrating sustained competence and impact in the field. Candidates must submit evidence mapping their practice to the PKSB, including critical reflections on and professional behaviors, often culminating in an or . Upon approval by an assessment panel, successful applicants earn the post-nominal MCLIP, denoting chartered membership under CILIP's authority, which underscores commitment to sector standards without implying statutory regulation. This level correlates with enhanced career prospects, as data indicate 64.8% of higher earners in the profession hold such qualifications. Maintenance of all registration levels, including chartered status, mandates annual revalidation to affirm ongoing . Participants record a minimum of 20 hours of CPD activities—such as , reading, or networking—and submit a reflective statement on how these efforts advanced their skills and practice. Revalidation incurs no fee for members and can be completed online, fostering continual alignment with evolving sector demands like and . Failure to revalidate risks lapse of status, though reinstatement is possible upon fulfilling requirements. Certification suits early-career individuals or those with prior non-specialist experience seeking formal recognition, involving a lighter portfolio focused on foundational PKSB elements. Fellowship, by contrast, demands evidence of strategic leadership and exemplary contributions, typically after several years of chartered practice. Across levels, the scheme prioritizes over prescriptive training, enabling flexibility while tying progression to verifiable professional growth.

Benefits and Criticisms of Membership

Membership in the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) provides access to continuing professional development resources, including online courses, webinars, e-learning modules, and events such as the annual CILIP Conference and Rewired series, enabling members to enhance skills in areas like information management and digital literacy. Professional Registration schemes, including ACLIP, MCLIP, and FCLIP designations, offer certification with post-nominals, mentor support, and evidence of competency via the Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB) tool, which has been linked to improved career progression and earning potential for registrants. Members also receive free subscriptions to the Information Professional magazine and sector journals, along with toolkits like CILIP Connect for local advocacy. Networking opportunities include participation in Special Interest Groups, regional networks, and member-only communities, such as the pilot online forum for and mobile libraries, fostering collaboration and sharing. Financial perks encompass discounts like 35% off Facet books, event reductions, and eligibility for grants or bursaries, plus tax relief on fees under government schemes, which can offset costs for self-funding members. CILIP utilizes membership dues for broader , including lobbying policymakers—such as events at the Houses of and ministerial correspondence—to promote library funding and professional recognition. Additional support includes free and access to resources like the Libraries Change Lives map. Criticisms of CILIP membership often focus on cost relative to perceived value, with standard individual fees at £172.80 annually (or lower for concessions and students at £43.20), which some members argue exceed tangible returns amid public sector budget constraints and declining library roles. A 2010 analysis questioned whether benefits like journals and events justify fees compared to other professional bodies, suggesting limited added value for many in a profession facing job market challenges. Former and current members have voiced dissatisfaction with advocacy effectiveness, citing insufficient impact on funding cuts and sector relevance, as reflected in surveys and online discussions where membership is deemed "expensive and useless" for career advancement without further qualifications. Proposals to devalue entry-level perks, such as free student access, highlight concerns that diluted exclusivity undermines professional prestige. These critiques underscore debates on whether CILIP's structure adequately delivers measurable professional uplift in an evolving information landscape.

Activities and Advocacy

Conferences, Events, and Publications

CILIP organizes an annual conference for , , and professionals, featuring talks, workshops, networking opportunities, and an exhibition to address sector challenges and share expertise. The 2025 event, themed "North Star" with a focus on ethical principles and , was held over two days at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, including keynotes, skill-building sessions, and social events, though registration has closed with interest forms available for 2026. Specialist groups within CILIP host targeted conferences, such as the annual LILAC (Librarians' Conference), organized by the Information Literacy Group since 2005, which emphasizes , digital literacies, and educational technologies, attracting delegates from over 30 countries. Other events include the Rare Books and Special Collections Group conference, with the 2025 edition themed "Systems, Standards and the Specialist Collection." Regional and thematic gatherings, like the Green Libraries Conference on sustainable initiatives (27 October 2025, ) and the Supplier Showcase networking event (21 November 2025, ), supplement these, alongside webinars on topics such as cataloguing and AI training. CILIP's primary publication is Information Professional, a member magazine delivering news, in-depth reporting, interviews, and analysis on sector developments, particularly technology and innovation like AI applications. Issued periodically (e.g., Autumn 2025 edition), it offers free digital access via a dedicated app for members, including archives and supplementary content like the Pen&inc. magazine and Annual Buyers' Guide. Members also gain access to professional journals through CILIP, including special interest group publications such as the Journal of Information Literacy (JIL), which features peer-reviewed research articles and project reports advancing boundaries. Other accessible titles encompass group-specific outputs like Library and Information Research, an open-access journal publishing empirical studies without submission fees. These resources support continuing , with submissions welcomed from practitioners and academics for articles, reports, and reviews.

Campaigns for Library Funding and Access

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) has conducted multiple campaigns to safeguard funding and ensure equitable access, emphasizing libraries' statutory role under the UK's Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. These efforts often involve local and national politicians, public mobilization, and legal challenges to counter budget cuts that have reduced library services by approximately 30% in real terms since 2010, leading to over 800 closures and widespread reductions in opening hours. In response to ongoing pressures, CILIP launched the Libraries at Risk Monitor in 2023 as part of its initiative, enabling public tracking of proposed cuts and providing templates for objections to local authorities. This tool supports campaigns against service reductions, with CILIP directly intervening by writing to threatened councils; for instance, in February 2024, letters were sent to five English and five Scottish local authorities facing budget proposals that risked closures or diminished provision. More urgently, on 28 October 2024, CILIP contacted 807 councillors, 90 MPs, and 11 metro mayors across 19 English and Welsh authorities ahead of the national budget, urging adherence to statutory consultation duties and sustained professional staffing to maintain access. The LibrariesDeliver campaign, initiated on 2 July 2019 in partnership with the EveryLibrary Institute and funded by , aimed to activate public advocacy for adequately resourced libraries by highlighting their societal impacts and facilitating supporter connections via a dedicated digital platform. Complementing this, the annual #LibrariesChangeLives effort, active since at least 2019, collects user impact stories for an online map to build evidence for influence, including pre-election pushes in 2024 to prioritize library funding amid economic recovery debates. Earlier, CILIP's My Library By Right campaign, launched in late 2015, mounted a against government inaction on library duties following widespread cuts, garnering endorsements from figures like and authors such as ; though the ruled in February 2016 that ministers were not legally compelled to intervene directly, it spotlighted access inequities and prompted parliamentary scrutiny. CILIP also backs coalitions like Speak Up for Libraries, formed around 2015, which coordinates defenses against closures through joint statements and actions. These initiatives underscore CILIP's strategy of blending data-driven with citizen engagement to resist erosion, though outcomes vary, with persistent challenges from local fiscal constraints.

Support for Sector Development

CILIP supports the development of the library and sector through a range of programs, qualifications , and skills frameworks designed to enhance professional competencies across , academic, and special libraries. Central to these efforts is the Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB), a sector-wide standard that outlines core competencies in areas such as , user-centered services, and digital literacies, enabling individuals to assess gaps and plan targeted development. The PKSB, updated periodically to reflect evolving sector needs, underpins professional registration and is used for appraisals, job applications, and career progression. In continuing professional development (CPD), CILIP provides eLearning modules, online courses, and half-day training events focused on , methods, and , with webinars accessible for skill-building in areas like and . The organization accredits short courses and higher education programs to ensure they align with essential skills, facilitating entry-level and advanced qualifications for over 20 learning providers as of 2023. Graduate traineeships, typically lasting one year with paid placements, combine practical experience in libraries with completion of a postgraduate-level accredited qualification, aiming to build a pipeline of qualified professionals. Sector-specific initiatives include the Public Library Skills Strategy 2017-2030, which emphasizes workforce attraction, inclusive practices, and diverse entry routes such as to address skills shortages in . Through CILIP Pathways, the institute assesses and endorses apprenticeship standards in and , integrating PKSB elements to standardize outcomes. Research and development projects, often in partnership with bodies like , drive innovation; for instance, the "New Skills for the Future Library Leader" program, launched in recent years, targets emerging leaders with tailored to adapt to technological and societal shifts. In 2024, CILIP released the Future Libraries report and accompanying toolkit, providing strategic guidance for libraries to reimagine spaces and services amid funding constraints and digital demands. These efforts collectively aim to foster resilience and expertise, though their impact depends on sustained funding and adoption by local authorities.

Controversies and Criticisms

Challenges to Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Pressures

In recent years, library professionals have encountered growing pressures to remove or restrict access to books addressing topics such as race, , and LGBTQ+ issues, with a 2023 CILIP survey revealing that one-third of librarians reported such requests from the public, often accompanied by threatening behavior. These challenges have intensified, influenced partly by transatlantic advocacy groups importing US-style book challenge tactics, leading to increased scrutiny of library collections. CILIP has positioned itself as a defender of , emphasizing that materials should not be restricted except on legal grounds, in line with its ethical framework. A 2024 survey by , referenced in a joint statement by CILIP, the Society of Authors, and the School Library Association, found that 53% of school librarians had been asked to remove books, highlighting risks to diverse collections and learner empowerment. In response, CILIP issued guidance underscoring the role of inclusive collections in resisting while delivering trustworthy information. Specific incidents, such as conflicting reports in July 2025 about book relocations in libraries, prompted CILIP to affirm libraries' trustworthiness in providing factual access without undue interference. To address these pressures systematically, CILIP established an Committee in August 2025, aimed at countering the "disturbing effects of " by reviewing evidence and developing solutions that account for the full complexity of challenges, including media influences unimaginable decades ago. The committee's inaugural emphasized understanding multifaceted threats to of expression and access, drawing on CILIP's policy that supports training and advocacy for professionals facing attempts. Despite these efforts, broader debates persist on whether professional curation equates to subtle , particularly amid funding constraints that may incentivize avoiding controversy. CILIP maintains that historical lessons from past episodes reinforce the need for librarians as guardians of thought and freedoms.

Diversity Initiatives and Award Selection Debates

In response to criticisms of underrepresentation in its Carnegie Medal longlist, which in 2017 featured no , Asian, or minority ethnic (BAME) authors despite nominations from over 200 librarians, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) launched an independent diversity review of the Carnegie and (CKG) Awards in March 2017. The review, chaired by Dr. and involving consultations with over 600 stakeholders including authors, publishers, librarians, and young readers, identified gaps in diversity across ethnicity, gender, disability, sexuality, social class, and other axes in nominees, shortlists, winners, and judges. It recommended ten actions, such as establishing an equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) advisory panel, providing EDI training for judges, reviewing award criteria for inclusivity, expanding the judging panel to up to 15 members, and co-opting diverse candidates if standard recruitment fell short of diversity targets. CILIP implemented these changes, including a revised to "inspire and empower the next generation through " with an emphasis on diverse representation, opening nominations to external organizations like BookTrust and the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and creating a publicized list of diverse authors and illustrators to encourage submissions. By 2018, longlists showed increased diversity, with more BAME and LGBTQ+ representation, and subsequent years included measures like a children's choice prize to amplify young voices. These initiatives aligned with broader CILIP efforts, such as the 2017 to address sector inequalities by 2020 through targeted pledges on , , and collections diversification, and the , Diversity and Equality Group's annual Diversity Award recognizing advancements in equality within libraries. The reforms sparked debates on award selection processes, with proponents arguing they ensure awards reflect societal diversity and counteract historical underrepresentation in prizes, where data showed persistent gaps in BAME winners (e.g., fewer than 5% of Carnegie winners from 1936 to 2017 were from minority ethnic backgrounds). Critics, including some librarians and commentators, contended that mandating EDI considerations in judging criteria and panel composition risks prioritizing demographic checkboxes over literary merit, potentially influencing selections toward ideological rather than exceptional or artistry, as evidenced by defenses that 2017 nominations already demonstrated the profession's broad search for quality diverse works. Such concerns highlight tensions in professional bodies like CILIP, where empirical underrepresentation data drove policy shifts, yet causal links between diversity mandates and selection outcomes remain unquantified in peer-reviewed analyses, amid acknowledged sector biases toward progressive norms.

Organizational Management and Relevance Critiques

Critiques of CILIP's organizational management have frequently highlighted inefficiencies and priorities. A 2014 governance review sparked member discussions on the organization's commitment to subsidizing pension funds for long-retired Library Association members, potentially straining finances for active participants. Commentators within the profession argued this focus, alongside high operational costs such as website maintenance, contributed to elevated membership fees perceived as disproportionate to benefits received. Additionally, the CEO's , reported as several times the librarian's , drew for diverting funds from frontline amid sector job losses. Financial management has faced scrutiny over responses to declining revenues. In , CILIP shuttered its membership support unit, eliminating three full-time positions as part of cost-cutting measures amid falling numbers. Annual reports since have emphasized risk and plans, with a 2021 audit confirming no material issues, yet persistent member attrition—linked to closures and devaluation—has prompted strategic membership model overhauls proposed in 2021 to stem losses and better reflect workforce diversity. Relevance critiques portray CILIP as disconnected from evolving professional needs, particularly in and school libraries facing . Members have accused the body of inadequate representation, with librarians—comprising a minority of membership—feeling sidelined in policy priorities. A 2015 CILIP post on library elicited backlash, including tweets labeling the "super out of touch" for downplaying members' efforts against council cuts. Similarly, a 2016 proposal for a "kite mark" quality certification for school libraries was dismissed by educators as impractical and ignorant of sector realities, exemplifying perceived detachment from practical challenges like funding shortfalls and digital shifts. These issues culminated in internal controversies, such as the 2013 rebranding debate, where over 100 members demanded a special meeting to halt changes viewed as emblematic of top-down . Employee feedback has reinforced monotony in operations, with ratings averaging 3.3 out of 5, citing limited career progression despite a supportive environment. While CILIP has initiated reforms like ethical updates and advocacy networks, critics maintain that membership erosion—exacerbated by broader crises, including over 180 closures or volunteer handovers since 2016—signals a failure to adapt decisively to a profession increasingly marginalized by technological disruption and budget constraints.

Recent Developments and Impact

Engagement with Emerging Technologies

CILIP has developed the AI Hub as a central resource to connect , , and professionals with updates on , including webinars on AI applications in libraries, keynotes on generative AI, and discussions of global AI literacy trends. In 2025, CILIP commissioned a survey of librarians and information professionals to gauge AI uses and attitudes, finding widespread defensive postures toward the technology due to reliance on external platforms outside library control, with many respondents prioritizing risk mitigation over proactive adoption. This follows a 2021 landmark report on AI, , , and impacts, which CILIP has used to advocate for professional readiness while emphasizing ethical concerns and skill gaps. To build competencies, CILIP offers targeted training, such as the 2024 half-day online course on AI for public library staff, covering practical integration and ethical considerations. The organization also maintains a Digital Technology Group, uniting members focused on advancements like and data analytics in library services. In positioning information professionals as intermediaries between and users, CILIP promotes through events like the 2023 two-day program highlighting skills in data literacy and emerging tools. Broader efforts include a 2020 project exploring digital technologies' workforce implications, leading to recommendations for upskilling in areas like and cybersecurity. CILIP's free Digital Leadership for Libraries course, comprising five online modules, equips workers with strategies for adopting technologies such as cloud-based systems and user analytics. Surveys indicate plans to collaborate on a , addressing gaps in areas like AI ethics and programming basics among professionals. These initiatives reflect CILIP's strategy to harness technologies for enhanced service delivery while cautioning against over-dependence on unverified AI outputs that could undermine accuracy.

Policy Advocacy and Sector Influence Post-2023

In the lead-up to the on July 4, 2024, CILIP issued "Trust Libraries: 10 Pledges" directed at the public and incoming , emphasizing libraries' roles in providing trustworthy information, fostering , enabling community learning, and supporting economic and environmental objectives such as fueling the through data skills. These pledges aimed to secure commitments for sustained in library services amid fiscal pressures, with CILIP engaging newly elected MPs through targeted communications and analyses to advocate for libraries as essential public infrastructure. CILIP's advocacy extended to defending against perceived threats to collection integrity, including a September 4, 2024, joint statement with the Society of Authors and School Library Association condemning pressures in school libraries, where a survey indicated 53% of librarians faced requests to remove books—56% of which were actioned, frequently involving topics related to LGBTQ+ representation—and urging adherence to for diverse holdings. In July 2025, responding to public disputes over book relocations in libraries prompted by political claims of ideological content, CILIP affirmed libraries' neutrality in curating evidence-based collections free from partisan interference, while establishing a dedicated Committee to offer strategic guidance and public positioning against democratic erosions via content policing. Sector influence manifested in targeted campaigns linking libraries to national priorities, such as the Libraries Change Lives Week from June 2 to 8, 2025, which highlighted contributions to , and Green Libraries Week from October 27 to November 2, 2025, promoting initiatives. Ahead of the October 30, 2024, national budget, CILIP lobbied councillors, MPs, and metro mayors to safeguard allocations against cuts, reinforcing the organization's role in shaping local and national fiscal discourses on cultural and informational access. These efforts, grounded in professional ethical frameworks, sought to elevate libraries' policy profile without documented direct legislative alterations attributable to CILIP by late 2025.

References

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