Librarians

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger

In this conference presentation, Michael and Holger investigated the way in which people’s expectations of becoming a librarian match their lived experiences. Is a day working as a librarian full of reading books, constructing Dewey numbers and avoiding eye contact with people? Or is it a dynamic, rapidly changing vocation that calls upon highly developed communication skills and a strong connection to contemporary society?

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) recognises that new forms of work have developed in response to the need for increased labour market flexibility. ALIA believes an appropriate, legal and fair employment policy balances the need for flexibility with protection for employees.

As the standards body for the library and information profession in Australia, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) establishes the formal qualifications required as a basis for entry to the profession. It is vital therefore that the Association promotes the principle that staff appointed to librarian and library technician positions hold qualifications appropriate to those positions. Where formal librarian or library technician qualifications are required for a particular position, this requirement should be articulated in the job description for the position.

The Australian Library and Information Association endorses the IFLA Code of Ethics for Librarians and other Information Workers adopted at the IFLA congress in Helsinki August 2012.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) believes people engaged in library and information services are members of a profession committed to act with integrity, ethics, trust, expertise and the promotion of public good.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) requires members, both personal and institutional, to adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice and professional competence. All members are bound by the ALIA Constitution to act responsibly and to be accountable for their actions. The ALIA Code of Conduct establishes a common understanding of the responsibilities of members.

This document is superceded by "ALIA member code of conduct statement" (2020).

A thriving culture, economy, environment and democracy requires the free flow of information and ideas. Australia's library and information services are fundamental to the free flow of information and ideas and a legacy to each generation, conveying the knowledge of the past and the promise of the future.

Library and information services professionals commit themselves to the ten core values of their profession as described in the Australian Library and Information Association values statement.

The Australian library and information profession is committed to increasing the Australian Library and Information Association’s presence in the global library community, to providing leadership through ALIA’s expertise and to promoting greater understanding of international librarianship and library issues in the global information environment.

Adopted 1997. Amended 2001. Reviewed 2009. Amended 2018. Superceded by "ALIA international relations statement" (2022).

Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended finalists in our 2010 ALIA Library Stars competition. Read their stories to discover about the new, exciting and inspirational programs that are taking place in Australian public libraries