Craig:
As a
CRM I may have a different view of the value of certification and specifically
the CRM, I also have an MLS. When considering the issue of certification it
helps to view it from the point of view of those who have to hire a records
manager or archivist. Those who hire librarians will state a
requirement for an ALA Accredited degree as a minimum requirement.
They know that someone who posseses that degree should have a minimum
knowledge base and skill set.
I view the
concept of certification in much the same way. The possesor of that
certification has passed a test or series of tests and therefore possesses a
minimum amount of experience and knowledge. As a records manager I would
certainly be view a CRM as a more desirable candidate but would use it as a
starting point and would also consider other strong candidates.
The CRM is considered the highest designation or terminal
designation for records managers. I received my CRM in 1983, and the number of
CRMs has remained fairly steady over the years at about 600-800 designees. In
all honesty I obtained my CRM to separate me from all those calling themselves
records managers. While many of my employers did not look specifically for a CRM
it did set me apart and in the interviews the fact that I could point to
certification was a positive.
There has always been a great deal of debate and disgust
about the debate on the records management listserv. Some view it as an elitest
group, stuckup stickybeaks, etc. In an ideal world certification would
be used to idenitfy the level of knowledge and experience a person has in that
profession. The level of certification rises with experience and increased
knowledge and skills. Employers would be made aware of this and could then match
the type of certification an employee would need to perform that
organization's requirements. Much as in the medical world. One
obtains an MD and then adds specializations.
There is always concern that certification will leave
qualified people behind because they either don't want to have to take a test at
that stage of their career, hate tests or don't meet some of the minimum
qualifications. The ICRM allowed individuals to be "grandfathered" during the
first few years of the certifications existence.
To make a long story short for me certification is a good
thing for a profession. It identifies an indivduals skill, knowledge and
education level. It makes it easier for an employer to identify qualified
candidates. In order to maintain my CRM I have to accumulate 20 hours of
educational experiences a year. I can't just stand on a series of tests I took
almost 20 years ago. I have to stay current.
Bob Nawrocki CRM
Robert F. Nawrocki CRM
Electronic Records Coordinator Records Management and Imaging Services Division The Library of Virginia 804.692.3505 rnawrocki@lva.lib.va.us Innovate and Infuriate -----Original
Message-----
From: Craig Wright [mailto:skavvy@CONCENTRIC.NET] Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2001 10:54 PM To: ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU Subject: Certification/qualifications again?
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