Cilip axes jobs to ensure survival. Redundancies give info pro association room to move into online networking.(Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professional)

By making 13 people redundant in an organisational restructuring, Cilip is financially back on track, according to chief executive Bob McKee. The chartered institute is now looking to invest in 21st century networking technology for a new generation of online information professionals.

Nine people have left Cilip through early retirement, voluntary severance and redeployment. One of those who left was Tim Buckley-Owen, who had headed up membership services. A series of backroom roles have also been deleted. "I wish we didn't have to do it," McKee said.

The redundancies are part of an overhaul to create a sustainable future for the organisation. Nigel Macartney, Cilip honorary treasurer, said in a report to members: "2005 is expected to show an operating loss of more than [pounds sterling]200,000." The redundancies will save [pounds sterling]391,000, which McKee said would go towards developing Cilip services.

Like major businesses, including retail chain Boots, Cilip faces a shortfall in its pension fund. "It is due to increased life expectancy and a devaluation of assets," McKee said. In response, Cilip has raised employer contributions to 23%, and employee contributions to 8%. "We are taking as much as we can from both parties."

To avoid a pension catastrophe and ...