Dunn and Wilson scholarship project 1999 Changing roles, changing goals: transferring library technician skills beyond the library

Introduction

This study was made possible through the Dunn and Wilson Scholarship and supported by ALIA, the Australian Library and Information Association. The proposal offered to develop a framework for skills assessment and an identification of alternate career pathways where library technicians could utilise the skills, knowledge and expertise developed through formal training and on the job experiences.

The intention of the study was to produce a reference tool for library technicians to aid them in the identification of skills and knowledge, and the range of roles that could be considered. The research does not offer a quantitative analysis of the number of job positions advertised in major papers throughout Australia.

Personal success in achieving these roles depends entirely on the individual skills and knowledge, the individual attitude, and the approach to the job process. There are many avenues available to obtain information on effective resumes, interview skills and job identification.

In the twelve months following the receipt of this scholarship in September 1999, I was provided with two unique work opportunities that aligned closely to the subject of the proposal. Initially I was working as a personnel consultant for a specialist library and information recruitment firm. I am currently working as an information and technology trainer at Macquarie University Library. These two positions have allowed me to gain personal as well as professional insights into the subject of this project.