Professional Development, Education, Research and Publishing Sub-Committee

Membership

Kathryn Cass (chair), Edmund Balnaves, Elke Dawson

Work Plan

Terms of Reference

Purpose

To advise the Board of Directors on strategies for the key priority areas of education, professional development and workforce planning.

Scope

The Standing Committee will:

1. Provide advice and leadership on matters relating to library education, professional development and workforce planning and on establishing and maintaining standards of professional education;
2. Position ALIA as the leader in identifying and articulating skills and workforce needs for the profession;
3. Identify industry requirements, consult with stakeholders, promote and support research relating to the library and information industry workforce;
4. Plan for professional development in the library and information industry and encourage members to involve themselves in PD activities;
5. Provide course accreditation for professional and paraprofessional courses;
6. Develop strategies to encourage and attract motivated people to study in order to join the library and information profession;
7. Liaise with other ALIA standing committees.

Relevant Objects

1. To promote and improve the services provided by all kinds of library and information agencies;
2. To ensure the high standard of personnel engaged in information provision and foster their professional interests and aspirations.

Membership

The Standing Committee will comprise one Director to act as chairperson, up to one other Board member, the Executive Director and up to four external representatives.

Terms of office

Board members and external representatives will normally be appointed for up to a two-year term. These members may not serve more than two consecutive terms and will be appointed following the May Board meeting.

Communication

The Standing Committee will meet at least four times per year. The Standing Committee shall meet electronically, via teleconference or face to face as required.

The Standing Committee Chair will report to each Board Meeting on the work of the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee may refer matters of interest or concern to the Board of Directors for consideration.

The Standing Committee shall also report to the ALIA membership utilising inCite and e-lists as appropriate.

Review

The Standing Committee shall be subject to the review requirements of the ALIA Board of Directors at least once every two years, with the option of a special review of the terms of reference by September 2007.

Secretariat

ALIA National Office will provide secretarial support. ALIA National Office staff supporting this Standing Committee will be the Manager, education, policy and research.

Endorsed by ALIA Board of Directors, August 2007.