ABSTRACT
National and vocational qualifications in the library and information world seem to have been in a continuous state of review and change in the last 20 years. Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) was established in 2005 as the new sector skills council whose five constituencies include libraries, archives and information services. With a strategic role for leading workforce development in the lifelong learning sector, LLUK is responsible for the National Occupational Standards (NOS) which underpin vocational qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Information and Library Services and the Progression Award in Library and Information Services, both awarded by City and Guilds. An NVQ is a nationally recognized, vocationally based qualification. It assesses a candidates competence, that is, the skills, knowledge and understanding they have, in a work situation. The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) website is used to provide proformas, information, forms and sample applications for candidates.
