Courses in library and information management

The phrase 'library and information professionals' refers to those members of the profession who have completed an entry-level qualification in library and information management at either Associate or Library Technician level.

ALIA objects addressed

To promote and improve the services provided by all kinds of library and information agencies.

To ensure the high standard of personnel engaged in information provision and foster their professional interests and aspirations.

Principle

The education of library and information professionals is a key factor in the development of excellence in services provided by libraries and information agencies. Courses educating new professionals for the library and information sector must develop graduates capable of providing a high standard of service to benefit the nation and individual clients living in a culturally diverse community that responds to global social, technological, legislative and economic change.

Statement

Library and information management courses need to be grounded in the principles of the profession so that graduates can understand and apply its theoretical and practical dimensions. Courses need to be flexible and adaptable in order to respond to change which impacts on the delivery of library and information services to clients.

The Australian Library and Information Association works collaboratively with educators and training providers, employers and practitioners to promote the development and continuous improvement of courses in library and information management. Initial education should prepare library and information graduates who can achieve excellence in practice. Through the course accreditation process, the Association will ensure that courses:

• consist of a curriculum that delivers the core knowledge, skills and generic attributes to ensure the highest standard of professional practice;
• are offered in a number of delivery modes and through flexible delivery options across the institutions providing library and information management courses;
• are appropriately resourced by the providing institution in the number and levels of staff qualified to teach and administer the course and in the infrastructure available to support the course;
• have appropriate quality-assurance mechanisms set in place by the providing institution;
• are advised and supported by industry through mechanisms which enable consultation between course providers and practitioners;
• encourage and facilitate teaching staff exchanges into industry and practitioner exchanges to the teaching environment;
• provide workplace experience as an integrated component to link theory to the practice of the profession;
• offer opportunities for students to engage in authentic learning activities [for example, fieldwork, project work and access to resources in libraries and information agencies].

Related documents

ALIA's role in education of library and information professionals
Professional development for library and information professionals
The library and information sector: core knowledge, skills and attributes
ALIA core values statement