ALIA education

Qualifications from overseas

Australian employers generally require librarians and library technicians to hold an ALIA-recognised qualification at the appropriate level in order to be eligible for employment.

Reciprocal recognition agreements
ALIA has reciprocal recognition agreements with the Chartered Insititute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the American Library Association (ALA) / Canadian Library Association (CLA).

Under reciprocal arrangements with the UK, USA/Canada holders of graduate level qualifications accredited by these associations are eligible for ALIA Associate (librarian) membership and may apply for positions advertised at librarian level in Australia.

Other overseas qualifications will have to be individually checked
Qualifications from other countries may also be recognised by ALIA for work at librarian and library technician level in Australia.

To be considered for work as a librarian in Australia, you need to hold, as a minimum, a qualification equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree. For library technician work, you need to hold a Diploma or other qualification in library and information studies equivalent to a Level 5 qualification in the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Assessment of overseas qualifications
To work in the library and information sector in Australia you will need to have your qualification assessed by VETASSESS and ALIA:

1. VETASSESS is the Australian authority responsible for assessing the level of your qualification against an Australian qualification; and
2. ALIA, as the standards body for the profession, is responsible for assessing the library and information content of your qualification together with your professional experience to determine your readiness to work in the Australian library and information sector.

Please contact ALIA's membership (please remove '.nospam' from address) section for information about the assessment process and to request an assessment application form.

Further information about the recognition of overseas qualifications and migration to Australia is available from:

• National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition
• Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs

Looking for work in Australia?
Check out ALIA's job site links for the latest job ads, links to job placement agencies and various sites of interest.