Like this:

I was delighted to attend the seminar/workshop on Information Services for Refugees and Migrants: ILIG (The International Library and Information Group of CILIP), on 14th October, 2008, and a social evening organised by CILIP and impressed by its functions and services towards the Information Professionals.

I found CILIP as a National Library Association equivalent to Indian Library Association, Delhi.

But I felt that the CILIP is more powerful than ILA in organising various Training courses, Conferences, maintaining 29 special interest groups, having access to number of online resources including databases, providing opportunities for jobs and careers, Policy and advocacy and many other services.

CILIP was formed with the unification of The Library Association and The Institute of Information Scientists. The formation of CILIP was not an easy process. It was formed after various permutations, combinations and discussions. The proposal of unification of various associations to form into a single body was initially made in 1989 and gave it a shape in 1998. Finally the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals was formally inaugurated on 1 April 2002.

Cataloguing and Indexing is a forum which is one of the 29 special subject interest groups. The group helps in the the organisation, storage, retrieval or dissemination of bibliographic information. It also helps to contribute to the promotion and maintenance of bibliographic standards and keep in touch with modern developments.This Group also promotes best practice, contributes to the development of metadata, national and international standards and formats and provides opportunities for learning and professional development. The members of the group are very active in publishing sector. It provieds all tools and resources for Cataloguing such as Organisations and Services, Cataloguing Resources, Cataloguing Internet Resources, Z39.50, Metadata and XML etc.

It is very interesting to know about the other activities of the group like actively engaged in the maintenance of current bibliographic standards, such as AACR2, DDC, MARC formats and the ISBDs, nominating members to serve on those organisations responsible for their development. The Group unites all those with an interest in bibliographic control, including not only librarians but also colleagues from the book trade. It holds an annual residential seminar and other meetings and workshops throughout the year. It publishes a quarterly journal Catalogue & Index and other specialist publications. Catalogue & Index is issued free to all members of CIG. It advises CILIP on matters concerning bibliographic control.

CILIP also provides Recruitment services for job seekers through Infomatch and LIBEX job exchange. It also helps in Job Evaluation. CILIP also provides various information services like Information Management, Knowledge Management, International information, Online Resources, Diversity issues, News bulletins, Information and advice enquiry service, Reader development, News bulletins, Information Centre etc.

FACET Publishing Bookshop is owned by CILIP which was earlier known as Library Association Publishing that publishes quality literature and it has a Facet publishing online shop too. The other Publications Update magazine, Gazette and Electronic access to JIS and JOLIS research journals, Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), Emerald journals and database resources, Information Research Watch International, Keeping Within the Law are the other fascination services of CILIP. It also provides Professional developement service which includes many other services.

CILIP is a founder member of IFLA

CILIP also gives travel grants to the IFLA Conference for CILIP members and it also explains the benefits of IFLA attendance.

I wish in a developing country like India, efforts could be made to form a professional body like CILIP to foster the needs of Information Professionals.

Advertisement