Scottish/National Vocational Qualifications: views on the ground

Abstract

Discusses the results of three studies investigating the reception of Scottish/ National Vocational Qualifications (S/NVQs) in the information and library sector. Examines the views of managers and workers towards the qualifications. Although managers generally feel that S/NVQs are a useful way of accrediting the skills of those without professional library qualifications, concerns remain about their bureaucratic and time‐consuming nature. Among library workers, a considerable lack of knowledge still exists although there is enthusiasm for a flexible and accessible qualification that can be acquired on the job. The evidence suggests that attitudes towards S/NVQs in the information and library sector remain equivocal and that a degree of confusion and lack of understanding prevails.