The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is proud to announce the release of an updated and enhanced version of the ALIA Skills, Knowledge and Ethics Framework for the Library and Information Services Workforce. This revision demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring the framework remains current, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of Australia’s library and information services (LIS) workforce.
A contemporary resource
When we launched the original framework in November 2023, we committed to this being a living document, subject to regular review and refinement. To uphold this commitment, we opened consultation in February 2025, gathering feedback from across the LIS community. The consultation responses demonstrate that the framework has been well-received and is making a real difference in workforce planning, skills mapping, and professional development across the sector.
“The positive feedback we received during consultation tells us that the framework is truly serving its purpose," says Jane Cowell, ALIA President. “It has been wonderful to hear from individuals and workplaces as to how they are putting the framework into action, from identifying professional development gaps through to whole institution workforce planning. It really shows how valuable ALIA’s work in this area is across our membership”
The revised framework continues to support the full spectrum of our workforce, from entry-level positions to senior leadership roles. It maintains the flexible structure that allows for diverse career pathways while ensuring all library and information professionals share a common foundation of ethical practice and contextual understanding.
Key enhancements for a changing world
Following the consultation responses, the feedback and revisions were considered by the ALIA Library and Information Services Workforce Advisory Committee (LISWAC) and then approved by the ALIA Board.
These changes reflect both sector feedback and emerging trends, and include:
Core Domains: We've enhanced clarity around how practitioners should apply knowledge at institutional, sector, and wider environmental levels in Core Domain 1 Environments and Contexts , as well as explicitly referencing contemporary issues including artificial intelligence and generative AI, sustainability, misinformation and disinformation, intellectual freedom, and inclusion. Core Domain 3, Ethics and Values, now aligns with the ALIA Code of Ethics for the Australian Library and Information Services Workforce, providing clearer guidance on ethical practice across our sector.
Professional Knowledge Domains: Key updates include a strengthened focus on the complete collection's lifecycle in Domain 2, an emphasis on libraries' active role in supporting literacy and learning development in Domain 3, and the important addition of Indigenous data governance principles in Domain 5. Data analytics in decision making, policy and research contexts has been widened to include data analysis and moved to Domain 8, Leadership and Management.
"These targeted revisions will strengthen our workforce in an ever changing world, while maintaining the strong ethical foundation that defines who we are as information professionals" said Michael Gonzalez, Chair of ALIA LISWAC.
The journey from here
The revised ALIA Skills, Knowledge and Ethics Framework for the Library and Information Services Workforce is now available on the ALIA website. We encourage all sector professionals, employers, and educators to explore the updated framework and consider how it can support your professional journey and organisational goals.
As we implement these updates, the framework will continue to underpin ALIA's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Scheme, inform accreditation processes, and guide workforce planning across the sector.
In August we will launch our Respect and Recognition course in partnership with the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at the University of Technology Sydney, aligned with Core Domain 2. This will provide further support for people to upskill in line with Core Domain 2, Respect and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, cultures and Country.
“Thank you to all the ALIA members who have supported this review and who have taken up the opportunity to use the Framework in their workplaces” says ALIA President Jane Cowell “Together, we will continue to build a diverse workforce that is skilled, ethical, and ready for whatever the future may bring”.