ALIA NSW Library Technicians

July-December 2001 report

How the group is moving towards achieving its purpose and goals.

The group is achieving its purpose and goals through the provision of CPD activities, by providing opportunities for networking, promotion of ALIA to the wider library community, attendance and participation in other ALIA and non ALIA meetings, actively supporting National LT initiatives and activities and representing the interests of members.

Report on key group activities and how well they have been attended and received.

CPD Workshops

Job Applications and Interview Skills/Children's Services Workshop - 10 people (members and non members) attended. Response from attendees was good

Book Repair Workshop - 8 people (members and non members) attended. Response from attendees was good.

The committee is conscience of keeping expenses to minimum. Venues are usually donated and the presenters donate their time and expertise, presenters out of pocket expenses are paid.

Networking - Opportunities for networking were provided for members at the second-last National Library Technicians conference in Hobart, regular group meetings, usual attendance 8 people and the now stalled 2005 LT conference bid committee.

Committee members have represented the group and association at TAFE graduations.

Committee members have attended and participated in ALIA NSW Forum meetings and 'Friends of UNTL' meetings.

Stephen Coppins has been asked to participate in one of the committees for the ALIA Biennial conference in 2002 and is on the NSW CREATE committee.

The committee is also speaking to Phil Teece regarding the acknowledgement by the NSW Dept. of School Education of LT qualifications held by school assistants.

One copy of our newsletter has been published with another to be published by the end of the year.

Participation of committee members in the ALIA National LT Group and ALIA's NPC.

Comments on variances in expenditure and income against budget.

Workshop income was down to the unusually high number of group and ALIA members attending. Although, this may seem good by providing CPD opportunities for ALIA members, most if not all were non members 'bludging' on their employers institutional membership.

Travel expenses were not used in this six months as the proposed meeting with members in Bathurst did not eventuate. But two regional meetings have been planned for 2002 to make up for it.

Comments on issues to be considered by the group for 2002.

Not really. Feedback received from the group's membership they are happy the way in which the group is heading. Although, the issue of the 'mega' conference looks likely to continue into 2002.

Issues that the group would like to refer to the Board of Directors or ALIA National Office.

Where does one begin.

Lack of consultation by the Board of Directors. This is causing a morale problems within the membership. One way to gauge the effectiveness of the management of any organisation is by the number of members. As the total number of personal members is reducing what more can one say.

Non members 'bludging' on their employer's institutional membership. ALIA NO should bring it to the attention of institutional members that only the nominated person has personal member's rights and privileges and not just any employee. This situation causes considerable embarrassment when running workshops and reduces the overall income for the workshop.

The reinstatement of National Library Technician conferences, showing that the Board of Directors does take into consideration the needs of its members.

Janette Telford
Secretary
ALIA NSW LT Group