Today the Professional Pathways project reaches an exciting new milestone with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) issuing a final call for focus group participants to help shape the future of the library and information profession.
Over the months of February and March Dr Gillian Hallam will lead the development process for a new framework to support current and new pathways into library and information services, and support the career-long learning and development needs of library and information professionals.
“We are seeking participants to give feedback, input and insight. This is your chance to influence the future of the library and information profession, and we want to hear from you” said ALIA and Professional Pathways Board Chair Vicki Edmunds.
“We’ve had a great response so far from people in the sector, with more than 600 people participating in consultations. For this next stage I’d like to particularly encourage people from special, government and public libraries, and well as Library Technicians to come forward, as we know those are areas that are currently underrepresented in the consultation.”
The framework development draws from the foundational evidence base collated in the Technical Report, and Member and sector feedback.
“A key finding from Professional Pathways Technical Report is that working with library and information educators, employers, stakeholders and people across the sector s is an essential part of the process” said Director of Policy and Education, Trish Hepworth.
“Our focus groups will ensure that the framework and the project at large align with current and emerging developments in the LIS field nationally and internationally, that it resonates with similar initiatives in other professions, that it takes into account the evolving trends in professional learning and most importantly that it will work for people on the ground.”
To participate in a focus group or if you want to discuss any aspect of the initiative please email [email protected] and keep an eye on our social media channels and website for the release of the Technical Report in February.