Pathways Projects

The Australian Library and Information Association Framework of Skills, Knowledge and Ethics for the Library and Information Services Workforce is the first major output of the wider and ongoing Pathways Project, which comprises several component parts.

We are delighted to launch the LIS Workforce Framework that so many members of the sector have contributed to as the first deliverable in this body of work, and we are looking forward to the work to come as the Pathways Project continues.

What’s next?

The LIS Workforce Framework is one component of a larger scheme of work. Here’s what you can expect to see next.

Australian Code of Ethics for the Library and Information Services Sector

Throughout the public consultation periods, focus groups and workshops, we heard just how important the ethics and values that unite the library and information services sector are to those who work in it. They are our foundation and they are what unite and guide our work to provide services to our communities.

We heard your concerns that the library and information sector in Australia lacks a Code of Ethics that is specific to our country and our communities. We are officially announcing our intent to begin the process of creating an Australian Code of Ethics, which will be developed with broad cross-sector consultation. We aim to have a first draft ready by March 2024.

First Nations Core Domain course

There was overwhelming support from all sectors for the Core Domain ‘Respect and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, cultures and Country’. To support competency in this crucial area for current and new entrants to the sector, ALIA is working with First Nations LIS experts to develop a training course that addresses this domain and will be available for enrolment in coming months.

ALIA Values Statement

Embracing and connected to the call for greater clarity around our shared vales, the ALIA Core Values Policy Statement, which was last updated in 2018, has been revised and updated to better reflect the central importance of respect and recognition for First Nations’ priorities in the library and information services sector. Read the updated Core Values Policy Statement.

Continuing Professional Development

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a central component of Active Professionalism and the commitment to lifelong learning. Tracking your skills development will be streamlined through the mapping of the Framework Domains to the CPD scheme. These will be closely aligned, so that you can articulate your professional development to corresponding key knowledge domains in the Framework.
• The CPD scheme has historically only been open to some membership categories of ALIA. We are delighted to announce the imminent opening of the CPD scheme to all ALIA members!
• Because all achievements are worthy of recognition, ALIA will be consulting broadly, including with educators and employers, to develop credentialling guidelines to recognise competency against the Framework domains and subdomains.

Universities and TAFE

At ALIA, we have been guided by the expertise and experience of TAFE and higher education educators on the Pathways Advisory Board, and we will continue to work with all LIS university and TAFE educators to ensure that the accredited courses align with the Framework. This means that we can move forward together with a shared vision of the sector’s skills and knowledge.

Because the sector and individuals need skills that respond to a fast-changing professional landscape, we are working with universities, TAFEs and training providers to develop new courses targeting specific areas.