Getting Your S/NVQ: A Guide for Candidates in the Information and Library Sector, 2nd ed.

Citation

Pierce, A. (2000), "Getting Your S/NVQ: A Guide for Candidates in the Information and Library Sector, 2nd ed.", Library Management, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 109-115. https://doi.org/10.1108/lm.2000.21.2.109.5

Having been personally involved in the implementation of NVQs in a library for a number of years, the second edition of this useful working tool is most welcome. Even though the author has clearly noted in his sub‐title that this volume is aimed specifically at S/NVQ candidates, anyone who has a training, managerial or assessor role in the ILS sector will benefit from the information provided. Arundale, currently a senior lecturer in Brighton University’s School of Information Management, has been actively involved in ILS S/NVQs since they were first introduced five years ago, and has been a member of the ILS Lead Body responsible for the Standards. The first edition (1996) proved useful as a reference tool during the experimental, early days of ILS S/NVQs; the second edition contains largely the same information, but details have been updated to coincide with the introduction of the revised standards earlier this year, and with the changes regarding the awarding bodies.

The book provides the historical background to this para‐professional qualification; it introduces us to the numerous organisations involved, and their various roles in the development of ILS S/NVQs. The qualification’s key role in recognising and rewarding existing skills and abilities to a nationally agreed level is emphasised, as are other advantages such as the qualification’s transferability. Arundale has noted the benefits candidates may gain from undertaking S/NVQs, such as self‐development, self‐assessment, discipline and motivation. The volume’s glossary is particularly useful, as are the pages of addresses, and detailed explanation of an actual ILS S/NVQ unit, but a short bibliography would be a welcomed addition. I particularly like the highlighted summaries and soundbites at the end of chapters, and value its methodical, no‐nonsense approach to this much discussed qualification. It is a logically‐planned volume, helpful and clearly presented, without being too biased towards any particular ILS sector.