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Foundation of Library and Information Science

Notes the only body in the United Kingdom to accredit university courses in library and information
studies, and its Royal Charter empowers it to award Chartered professional status to Members
who fulfil its professional criteria.

Notes CILIP is governed by a Council and an Executive Board, supported by a number of
special Committees, Panels, and Boards. In 2008, CILIP included approximately 21,000
members and offered its services to approximately 15,000 people engaged in library and
information work who are regular customers of CILIP Enterprises.

History

It was formed in 2002 by the merger of the Library Association (abbreviated to LA or sometimes
LAUK) – founded in 1877 as a result of the first International Conference of Librarians and
awarded a Royal Charter in 1898 – and the Institute of Information Scientists, founded in 1958.
Membership is not compulsory for practice, but members can work towards Chartered
Membership which entitles them to the post nominal letters MCLIP, and subsequently toward
Fellowship (FCLIP). Affiliated members can also obtain ACLIP upon completing certification.
Honorary Fellowship (HonFCLIP or FCLIP (hc)), a qualification akin to an honorary degree, is
granted to a small number of people who have rendered distinguished service to the profession.

Functions

The functions of CILIP are as follows:
CILIP accredits degree programmes in library and information science at universities in
the UK, including Aberystwyth University, City University, London, Loughborough
University, the Manchester Metropolitan University, the Robert Gordon University, the
University of Sheffield and University College London.

CILIP is perhaps best known to the general public for awarding the Carnegie and Kate
Greenaway Medals for children’s books.

CILIP publishes a monthly magazine, CILIP Update, including listings of job vacancies.
CILIP Update contains news, comment and features from the library and information
sectors. Lisjobnet is the magazine’s recruitment website, providing the latest online library
and information jobs. CILIP also runs a publishing imprint, Facet Publishing. There are
several local branches across the United Kingdom, 28 special interest groups and over 20
organisations in liaison including such bodies as the African Caribbean Library Association,
the Librarians’ Christian Fellowship and the Society of Indexers.
CILIP hosts a conference every two years called “Umbrella” (containing ‘LA’ the acronym
of the Library Association). Umbrella 2009 and Umbrella 2011 (July 12–13) were held at
the University of Hatfield and Umbrella 2013 (July 2nd to 3rd) at the University of
Manchester. The title is abbreviated from “Under One Umbrella” a Library Association
event held every two years

Role in LIS Education

CILIP’s policy is to improve all aspects of professional practice through its work in education,
maintaining a framework of universally recognised qualifications and providing a wide range
of opportunities for CPD. In 2002, CILIP undertook a review of its qualifications framework.
The new Framework of Qualifications was launched in April 2005. It is designed to be flexible
and adaptable, as the areas will evolve and develop over time to accommodate changing needs.

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