National Policy Congress 2003

Continuing professional development opportunities for ALIA members

In the ALIA 2003 and 2004 plan: making the difference, one of the initiatives under Excellence is to 'Implement a comprehensive continuing professional development program through arrangements with external training providers' (Objects 2, 3, 5). The outcome for this initiative is that by December 2004 'A range of continuing professional development activities for personal and institutional members offered and evaluated'.

The aim of the brokered training program is to offer high quality training that covers a broad range of subject areas and is accessible through a variety of delivery modes. Where possible these courses will be offered at a discounted rate for ALIA members.

A program of training courses is currently being developed through brokered partnerships with professional training providers. At the moment ALIA has brokered partnerships with the following organisations:

• Monash Learningfast This partnership allows ALIA personal and institutional members access to training that will enable ALIA members to update their existing information technology and computer software skills.
  
  
• Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia (APESMA) who have a management education program which includes 1- or 2-day short courses, and online courses. APESMA Management Education also offers postgraduate qualifications in partnership with La Trobe University.
  
  
• CAVAL offers a wide range of face-to-face courses including seminars, through to practical, hands-on courses. CAVAL focuses on providing training for the library and information sector.
  
  
• Negotiations are currently underway for access to records management courses, public administration management courses and modules offered by universities via distance education for topics related to the library and information sector.

Other CPD opportunities provided by ALIA are:

• Conferences - including the ALIA Biennial Conference, ALIA Information Online and the Special, Health and Law Librarians Conference; and
• CPD activities organised by ALIA groups - these range from informal library visits through to 2-day symposia.

Questions for discussion at the regional NPC meetings

With the current situation outlined above, groups are asked to provide feedback through the NPC on the following questions:

1. What do group members' regard as the priorities for ALIA-brokered training?
2. What gaps are left between ALIA-brokered training, ALIA conferences, and ALIA group CPD activities?
3. What types of workshops, seminars, symposia etc are needed to fill the gaps?

For further information please contact please contact membership (remove the '.nospam' from address) at ALIA National Office, ph 02 6215 8229.