Supporting the development of skills for information professionals

Preparation for entry into the information professions has always been through a combination of academic study and practical training. Broadly speaking there is probably general agreement about the knowledge and understanding which the new entrant to the profession needs to acquire. There is less clarity regarding the skills which are required if s/he is to function effectively as an information professional. The LTSN-ICS has tried to address this through involvement with the RAPID project. Support for the development of the skill set required by graduates for employment in the wider concept of library and information work is assured by providing for the personal development planning needs of students. The skills that they emerge with at the end of their chosen programme of study determines their employability. The identification and definition of the key skills which are specific to information work is important in ensuring that the academic curriculum, and associated practical training programmes provide new entrants with the skills which they need to complement the knowledge and understanding which is being acquired through academic study. The LTSN-ICS, by defining the skills set and providing a mechanism for recording these is supporting academics in achieving employability for their graduates.