Interesting editorial. It looks like even with the accreditation for MLS programs there are arguments for certification of individuals. It seems to me that opposition to certification comes from two directions: 1. opposition to certification as a concept/practice in general 2. opposition to specific aspects of a certain certification program.
Like many who are skeptical of certification, the writer uses both arguments, which tends to confuse the issue. His admission that he was indifferent to the certification status of professionals he consulted in his daily life is surprising to me. Berry wrote:
I was shocked to realize that I know absolutely nothing about the level or currency of the certification of my accountant, lawyer, doctor, cardiac specialist, plumber, auto mechanic, or any other professional whose services I use. My perception of them is unaltered by their certification or lack of it and that includes my librarian. If my librarian were certified, I probably would never know. So much for improved image and status
--------
When choosing a pediatrician not too long ago my wife and I were certainly looking for someone board-certified. My taxes get done by a CPA. Look at the list of occupations that Berry cites, all of which are more recognizable than Archivist or Records Manager, and probably more widely understood than Librarian. The author seems to be suggesting that all these occupations have certifications and that he is unsure if the practitioners he chooses were/are certified.
My personal experience has been that among other benefits - certification, because it is used in so many occupations and is so widely (almost universally) understood as a concept, moves an otherwise poorly known and understood professional like an Archivist closer to the mainstream.
I wonder how the author feels about the cost vs effectiveness of the ALA accreditation of MLS programs?
Tom Heard, CA
AIG Archives-Executive Records
American International Group, Inc.
Suite 4301
70 Pine Street
New York, NY 10270
Phone: 212-770-7258
Fax: 212-770-8060
-----Original Message-----
From: Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer [SMTP:c_crawfo@CULINARY.EDU]
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2001 1:07 PM
To: ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
Subject: certification
As a followup to the recent discussion of the merits of certification
for archivists, list members might be interested in the editorial from
the Feb. 15, 2001 issue of Library Journal, available on the Internet
at:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/articles/views/editorial/editorialindex.asp
The American Library Association has a proposal to start a program
for certifying librarians. To give you a short summary of the
editorial, John N. Berry is skeptical about certification for
librarians.
Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer
Special Collections Librarian/Archivist
Culinary Institute of America
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538
(845) 451-1757
c_crawfo@culinary.edu
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