A comparison of education and training opportunities for library technicians in the UK, USA, NZ and Australia.

Kerrie Blyth Library technician, TAFE Tasmania - Australia

I am currently carrying out research for my 2001 ALIA Dunn & Wilson Scholarship project and have prepared a short questionnaire to assist with this research, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. (ALIA is the Australian Library & Information Association of which I am a member)

There are two parts to my project. I am investigating the education and training of para-professional library staff in the UK, USA, NZ and Australia

and

I am intending to establish an international network to promote the sharing of ideas, skills and opportunities.

The results of my research will be reported at the 12th National ALIA Library Technician Conference in Brisbane in September 2003.

Objective 1 - Assessment of education and training

Your country of residence (please highlight) UK USA NZ AUST

What term/terms are you aware of that are used to describe para-professional library staff in your country?

How many years have you worked in the library industry ?

Do you have any formal library qualifications?

If so please note which qualification

Were they obtained in the last 5 10 15 20 years?

Is your qualification officially recognised in your state or country?

What form of study did you undertake to achieve this qualification?

On campus (classroom based)
Off campus (distance /flexible)
Online
On-the-job
Other

Are you currently studying for a library qualification?

What form of studying are you undertaking?

On campus (classroom based)
Off campus (distance /flexible)
Online
On-the-job
Other

Are you pursuing further studies if you have already gained library related qualifications?

If so what are they?

Do you have access to staff or professional development in your job?

Are you a member of any professional library and/or information association?

If so which association and how long have you been a member?

Does your membership provide you with professional development opportunities?

Objective 2 - Formation of an International network

This involves establishing an international network for para-professional library and information staff through the use of a specially designed web page. I would organize and administer this website and am asking interested participants to put forward their name, city of residence, state/county and country and email address. Participation is for the purpose of having contacts around the world to assist anyone in our profession when they are traveling or seeking information in another area or country. The level of assistance you offer is entirely up to the individual - it may be to simply offer advice on travel options within your own city or an offer to guide someone through your own workplace should they be visiting. Communication will be only between yourself and the person who has made contact via your email link. I think that simply to make a commitment to provide whatever assistance you wish, is all that will be required to make this network successful.

Would you consider taking part in the international networking project for library staff as briefly outlined above?

If so, would you please provide me with your email and /or postal address so I can contact you with further details.

E-mail:

Postal address:

Thank you for your time.

Kerrie Blyth ALIATec CP
Library technician
TAFE Tasmania

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