ALIA's role in education of library and information professionals

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 Australian Library and Information Association is the body which sets and maintains standards for entry into the library and information profession in Australia. It plays a vital role in ensuring that education for the profession produces graduates who have the ability to provide excellent library and information services to benefit the nation and individual clients and who can respond to and meet the ever-changing information needs of a dynamic society.

Statement

The library and information sector in Australia serves the information needs of a democratic, progressive, technologically sophisticated and culturally diverse society. Library and information professionals contribute to the knowledge-base of Australia and the globalised society. Library and information professionals have a responsibility to assist their clients to become information literate so that they can effectively seek and use the information they need.

To fulfil this important role library and information education must equip graduates with:

• the core knowledge, skills and generic attributes to deliver the highest-quality library and information services;
• the skills to promote and defend the ethical values and importance of library and information services to the community;
• an understanding and appreciation of the information and learning needs of clients of library and information services;
• an understanding of the characteristics of the dynamic environment in which they and their clients operate;
• an understanding of the sector and its importance to the nation so they can contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the profession;
• an appreciation of the historical background which has formed the current information environment;
• an understanding of the importance of research activity within the profession to encourage the expansion and diversification of its knowledge base;
• a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development undertaken in partnership with employers, educators and training providers.

As a standards body, ALIA has a responsibility to ensure the availability of high-quality educational programs both as a basis for professional practice and as a means of ongoing professional development. To this end, ALIA works collaboratively with educators, employers and training providers to promote and encourage continuous improvement in the education of library and information professionals, institutional support for library and information courses and the contribution of practitioner expertise to courses offered at entry-level to the profession and for ongoing professional development.

Related documents

Courses in library and information management
Professional development for library and information professionals
The library and information sector: core knowledge, skills and attributes
ALIA core values statement
Statement on professional conduct