Implications of being in the position

For library technicians
Wilma was unsure whether library technicians would continue to occupy the position especially as four library technicians had applied for another position at the same level and it had been offered to a librarian. The interlibrary loans position had been traditionally held by library technicians and she had certainly developed it, however, basically Wilma thought the future of the position would depend on what the administration wanted; essentially it would be the best person who applied irrespective of level of qualification.

John thought that library technicians working in higher-level positions might be trail blazers for others in their discipline. He did not necessarily see himself as such because he had not consciously set out to lead the way, however, he thought that others might well view him as a role model. John thought that his being in the position might contribute to the development of library technicians by making people 'stop and say look we had a picture of a library technician being capable of this and this ... but [what] we've realised here is that a library technician qualification is part of a life experience ... [having the qualification] is only part of the picture'. John also had some problems with the label because people, including library technicians, used the phrase 'just a library technician' and he believed in the importance of promoting library technicians and of inspiring those doing the associate diploma. Conversely, however, he thought there was a danger in highlighting the potential and disenfranchising those people who wanted to focus on process work, of detracting from their pride in their work. John thought there was a need to recognise that individuals would have different aspirations and that they do not always have 'to go onwards and upwards to be the best leaders'.

Sandra hoped that in light of her occupying the position, library technicians might consider their own potential, however, she did not see herself as being a standard or benchmark for library technicians. Sandra thought it important that others knew about her experience and that she would be willing to talk about it.

For the library
Wilma thought that the library should recognise the need of library technicians to progress, however, from what she had heard from librarians in the organisation she believed the status quo would be maintained and library technicians would compete with librarians for HEW Level 6 positions. John thought that he might be one of a small group who could be considered as a good role model in relation to his management style. He also spoke about the Library administration having taken a risk in appointing him and he hoped they would continue to support the philosophy of appointing the best person for the job. John expressed some anxiety, based on a realisation arrived at during the interview, that if a library technician failed at the HEW6/7 level the administration might then wrongfully arrive at the conclusion that no library technicians were capable. He was concerned that the administration might then move away from appointing the best person. Sandra expressed the hope that the administration would continue to make managerial appointments on the basis that the library degree was not imperative.

For library and information services
Wilma considered that the interlibrary loans position had the potential as a benchmark for library technicians and certainly demonstrated that the role of library technicians extended beyond the ALIA definition (1994/5) of supporting 'established procedures' (p2) because she had to establish procedures in the absence of policy statements. Wilma, like other library technicians in her library, were working at a higher level than some librarians and she thought there was a need for that to be documented by ALIA. Sandra hoped that the community at large would consider the potential and value of library technicians operating at the higher level. John thought that the community at large should look at the individual and their total experience rather than the qualification and consider that outcomes were the essential performance indicators. John also spoke of the possible implications for the associate diploma with more focus on management. John raised whether one implication may be that it highlighted the question of whether there were too many different courses and that there might be a place for offering one course in which people can select the areas and levels of study.

A a