Inform Canada is pleased to share with you information about the name changes for AIRS professional credentials. In Canada, an I & R Specialist will now be called a Community Resource Specialist and certified as such. Resource Specialists will be renamed as Community Resource Specialists – Database Curators.
The new names will be introduced in January 2019 (although some of the references within various InformCanada/AIRS publications will roll-out in a more staggered basis).
This change was undertaken with the aim of elevating the perceived status of the profession among funders and stakeholders.
FAQs
1. Does this affect what organizations use as job titles currently?
Organizations can continue to use whatever job titles they wish and members of the public can be told any job titles you wish. The proposed name change refers only to AIRS certification
2. What will happen to existing AIRS certification holders?
Current AIRS certification holders will be grandparented to the new title without cost and there is no change to future fees.
3. When will this happen?
The new names will be introduced in January 2019
4. Will everything happen at once?
No, the AIRS website and certification application and re-application forms will reflect the name change. The 2019 edition of the AIRS I&R training manual will also reference the new names. From January to April 2019, AIRS will review and revise all the various public materials that refer to the old names. As an AIRS Board representative, InformCanada continues to be at the table and engaged in this work.
5. What is a digital badge?
A digital badge is a validated electronic image that can be used to display the accomplishments of an individual in terms of their qualifications. It provides a easy-to-read visual identity that features the individual’s name, the nature of their qualification, its expiry date and a summary of the knowledge it covers and the process to acquire it. A digital badge can be displayed as part of one’s email address, LinkedIn profile, Facebook display and in a variety of other ways.
6. What about digital badges?
Digital badges for the new names will be introduced during the January/February period. All existing certification holders will receive the opportunity to acquire a digital badge at no cost. Digital badges will not be available under the old name.
7. Can I continue to use the old name?
Certification holders can continue to use the old names if they wish until such time as they need to acquire Recertification, which must be done under the new names for certification purposes, but within their own organization, their organization’s preferred job title can be used.
For example:
Jane Smith
Now :
Through AIRS/IC: 2016-2018: Certified Resource Specialist
Job Title at organization: Manager, Information and Referral
As of January 2019:
Through AIRS/IC: 2019-2021: Community Resource Specialist – Database Curator
Job Title at organization: Manager, Information and Referral
If you have any questions about these changes, please do not hesitate to contact InformCanada at info@informcanada.ca
Here is an example of a digital badge:
