Professional Development (PD)
FAQs
ALIA's PD Scheme | Transition to the New PD scheme recording interface
What is Professional Development (PD)?
PD is the participation in an activity which will enhance and/or increase our knowledge, skills and abilities in relation to our work.
But why do I need to do PD?
Our initial education provides us with our base skill set (our professional qualification), engaging in PD is about increasing and enhancing that base skill set.
How will PD benefit me?
As a participant in the PD Scheme you are showing a commitment to your professional growth. Recognition within the profession by the entitlement to use post nominal (CP) (Certified Practitioner) after one year's compliance, gaining the Certified Practitioner Certificate, listing in the ALIA Annual Report and on the ALIA website after completion of your triennium and by gaining the distinction of 'Associate Fellow' after 5 years of compliance in the PD Scheme.
Does it benefit my employer?
Yes. Keeping our skills up to date and keeping abreast of new and changing technology not only benefits us but gives an employer a staff member with expansive skills and experience.
Is PD compulsory in our industry?
No - As an unregulated industry there is no requirement to register in a PD scheme to retain our qualifications.
ALIA's PD Scheme
Who is eligible for the ALIA PD Scheme?
Only personal 'Associate' and 'Library Technician' members are eligible to join ALIA's PD Scheme. Registration in the PD Scheme is a benefit of your personal ALIA membership.
When can I register in the PD Scheme?
Eligible members may register at any time members registering after the 30th June of any year will record their PD activities between 1st July (that same year) to the 30th June (the following year) as their first PD year.
Members registering before the 1st July of any year will record their PD activities starting at the previous 1st July.
I am the ALIA Institutional Representative at my work place; can I register in the PD Scheme?
No. Participation in the PD Scheme is limited to personal Associate and Library Technician members only.
How long is the PD period?
The full PD period is one triennium (3 years) - recorded from 1st July to the 30th June of each year.
The PD year is also aligned with the ALIA membership year.
How do I accumulate points?
Points for PD activities may be determined by the type of activity and/or the duration. Refer to the 'Summary of Activities' or details.
How many points do I need to accumulate?
You need to accumulate a minimum of 30 points per year and a minimum of 120 points over the triennium (3 year period).
How do I record my PD activities?
You choose your preferred recording method. You can use the new ALIA recoding tool My PD, your workplace recording system or an e-portfolio. Just remember you will need to calculate your PD points and categories by using the ALIA Summary of PD Activities and you will need to be able to provide an accessible record and proof for audit purposes.
The ALIA PD Scheme tracking database will be available until 30th October 2010 for members who have joined before 1 July 2010 to allow you to complete recoding your PD activities for the PD year 2009-2010. The 'Annual PD Summary Record Sheet' and the ALIA Record of Learning Activity Sheet' will also be available during this transition period.
Can I add records before 1 July 2010 to the new My PD interface?
Yes, you can enter past records to my PD, but only back to the date you officially joined the ALIA PD Scheme and were available for audit.
How do I decide which category to record my activity against?
PD activities can fall under a number of categories refer to the Summary of Activities
Will I be audited?
Each year approximately 10% of those members registered in the PD Scheme are selected for audit (to be checked that they are complying with the scheme).
What is compliance?
Although participation in the ALIA PD Scheme is not compulsory, once registered there are a number of terms and conditions that must be met. This is compliance.
What do I do if I take a break from work such as parental leave or long service leave? Do I have to start again?
No, you do not have to start again - you may apply for an extension of the PD period by contacting ALIA's PD & Careers Manager.
I only work part time, is the PD Scheme still relevant for me?
Yes - keeping our skills current and relevant to our work environment is important for everyone.
What happens if you do not meet your PD obligations?
When you cease to participate in the scheme or fail to meet compliance requirements, you are no longer permitted to use the post-nominal 'CP'. You may submit a plan for making up the deficiency or, if appropriate, apply for an exemption.
What happens if you let your membership lapse?
You are ineligible to participate in the PD scheme if you allow your ALIA membership to lapse. You are welcome to re-join the scheme when you re-join ALIA but are required to re-commence your triennium and compliance requirements from that date i.e. accumulate a minimum of 30 points annually and 120 points over a triennium (three years).
Transition to the New PD scheme recording interface
Why has ALIA changed its PD recording mechanism?
There have been two main reasons why ALIA has changed its PD recording mechanism.
Firstly, the new ALIA membership database has the facility to provide members with automatic updating of ALIA PD training. It also has the ability to include more information and eliminate the need for completing the additional annual summary sheets.
Secondly, the original tracking database has recently been having access problems and has only been accessible by using the Firefox browser. The new recoding interface will be accessible via your choice of internet browser.
How do I record the PD Year beginning 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010?
You can choose to continue with the old tracking database which will remain available for updating until 30th October 2010 or you can enter your information into the new PD scheme interface.
Will I still have access to the tracking database after 30th October 2010?
Yes, but only by contacting the ALIA PD & Careers Manager pd@alia.org.au as the database will be archived.
What if I am mid triennium?
If you are in the middle of your triennium you can choose to enter from the 1 July 2010 PD year to the new PD scheme interface and keep your previous PD history in the archived tracking database. Alternatively, you can enter your PD activities for the previous one or two PD years. i.e. 2008-2009 and/or 2009-2010. All PD activity form 1 July 2010 needs to be entered on the new PD interface.
Can I change the automatically updated information?
Yes, you can alter information automatically entered.
Can I include additional activities beyond the maximum category points and add 0 for the point value?
Yes, the new PD scheme interface will allow you to add as many activities as you undertake even if you have acceded the number of points required in a particular activity.
Who can I talk to about the PD Scheme or a PD query?
Contact the ALIA Professional Development & Careers Manager by phone on 02 6215 8216 or email pd@alia.org.au
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