Academic librarian : Training

Professional development and further training are required to become a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) . There are two training routes to chartership depending on the level of supervision available to the candidate. Chartered membership is the first level of professional qualification, usually awarded two or three years after graduation. Chartered members can use the letters MCLIP after their name. The second (and highest) level of membership is chartered fellowship (FCLIP), which can be applied six years after becoming chartered and is intended to demonstrate an advanced level of professional skills and expertise.

In addition to on the job training, short courses, workshops and seminars are offered by professional bodies such as the CILIP, The Association for Information Management (ASLIB)  and through university training departments. Post-experience Masters degrees for mid-career professionals are available full or part time or by distance learning. Research degrees are also offered by most information studies departments.

Information professionals are expected to contribute to their profession by undertaking continuing professional development (CPD). This can be achieved by reviewing and contributing to professional literature, taking part in email discussion lists, teaching on relevant postgraduate courses as practitioners, networking and attending relevant conferences.