NGAC is delighted to have been able to ask questions of the candidates for this year’s ALIA board elections. Our questions were focused on issues specifically related to students and new graduates. Each candidate’s responses will be posted separately. There are a number of candidates this year and we’ve received a fabulous response so far.  

Many thanks to all candidates for taking the time to answer our questions. 

Today’s responses come from Penny Davies.

1. What do you think of the state of the profession for new graduates? If they are finding it difficult to find their first job what advice would you give them?

The LIS profession is at a time of burgeoning significant change. The myriad developments on the world stage including technology, our understanding of operating in non-traditional forums, vision to develop and deliver new outcomes etc all place the profession in an exciting space.

Added to this, generational change is already being seen but will flourish over the next years as many existing LIS professionals retire. As this age group represents a large proportion of the industry which is magnified at the managerial and leadership level this anticipated exit will open opportunities for many, both existing and new graduates entering the profession.

This is a vibrantly exciting time ripe with opportunity for individuals and the profession as a whole.

For new Graduates finding it difficult to find their first job I would encourage them to seek out someone in the industry they trust and admire. A good mentor can be a lifelong relationship and establishing someone early can greatly assist new grads in developing their careers. Ask this mentor to assist you in the process of preparing job applications and your CV. They may well be able to take you through a mock interview scenario. Any confidence that a young grad can develop will greatly assist in the process. If you don’t have a pre-existing relationship head down to the local library and introduce yourself.

Passion and a preparedness to learn about the organisation you want to work for are critical. It may be necessary, even desirable, to think outside the proverbial box when applying for jobs. Whilst it is desirable to have a career goal sometimes it is necessary to seize an unusual opportunity to open doors.

2. How can ALIA help students and new graduates? For those in hiring positions what are the benefits of hiring new graduate LIS professionals?

ALIA holds an important role in advocating for all in the industry including new grads. The professional development structure and ALIA weekly are very useful tools to be informed and abreast of change, opportunity and best practice.
The benefit of hiring new graduates include freshness, enthusiasm and passion coupled with up to date training giving the new grad an edge that is often only seen at that point of freshness. Coupling that with the experience existing within an organisation can deliver exciting, creative and innovative outcomes.

3. What are the essential skills librarians and information professionals need in order to be relevant both today and going into the future? What could ALIA do to promote librarians as information professionals and service providers with skills relevant to a wider range of industries?

The contemporary LIS professional must be engaged, adaptive, innovative and flexible. A commitment to ongoing professional development is a must in order to stay current, fresh and relevant in a fast changing world. A commitment to the role and a spirit of service are fundamental. As LIS professionals in many ways we hold enormous power. Bringing people and resources/information together through our expertise is highly satisfying and rewarding.

Just as it is incumbent for all LIS professionals to stay abreast of industry trends so it is true for professionals and ALIA as an organisation to also keep a watching brief on changes and developments in other industries. Important lessons can often be learned and extrapolated as well as creating opportunities to forge relationships and to advocate for the standing of the profession at all times with all parties.

4. What have been the benefits of undertaking professional development in your career? Why should the Professional Development program be compulsory for all ALIA members?

Professional development is critical to staying informed, vibrant and relevant. Whether through formal learning opportunities or informal such as professional reading it is critical to be constantly learning, absorbing and growing to ensure that we are providing the best quality service at all times.

I would like to think that all practitioners would see the need and be committed to pursuing excellence in their profession which includes formal and informal learning. The LIS profession is not a stagnant field. Whilst the technological changes are evident to all, it is equally important to be abreast of changing community expectations, modes of learning and engaging and seeking and sourcing information. Ongoing professional development is a prerequisite to providing cutting edge, innovative, resourceful, relevant services.

5. What would you like to see the ALIA board achieve?

I have a particular commitment to ensuring the profession is as energetic, relevant and vibrant as it can possibly be. I would relish the opportunity to work as part of the board ensuring that the profession continues to be respected and valued and that in many instances it realises a new understanding and value in the eye of government, school principals, councils, business and the many others who employee LIS professionals and through controlling budgets and policy direction have an enormous say in influencing the climate in which the profession works. I wish to see the profession valued by those outside the profession and for those within it to have a firm commitment to excellence and pride in themselves and their colleagues.


We encourage all eligible members to consider these responses as they make their decisions to vote in the election. Voting is underway in the 2016 ALIA Board of Directors election and will close on Friday 8 April 2016.

More information about the process and this year’s candidates can be found at the ALIA website.

Alisa Howlett, Chair ALIA New Generation Advisory Committee

You can now view the Draft Program for ALIA Information Online 2025 – Transformation & Disruption.

Interested in attending? Register via this the ALIA Information Online Event link.

RSVP Date: 17th March

Cost:

Members $400 | Non-Members $500| Institution  5 attendees $1800 | Institution 10 attendees $3500 | Unlimited $6000

 

One Day ALIA Member Price (includes ALIA personal members and institutional staff members): $150

One Day Non-Member Price: $200

Two Day ALIA Member Price (includes personal members and institutional staff members): $275

Two Day Non-Member Price: $375

 

 

When  is this on?

Tuesday 18th March – 20th March

Location: Online via Zoom 

Time Zoom begins: 9am AEDT

 

Program Summary:

Day 1: Tuesday, 18th March – Indigenous Knowledges (Program highlights Dialogue Session: Libraries and their Intersection with Indigenous Knowledges held on 13th October 2024).

Day 2: Wednesday, 19th March – Greening GLAMR

Day 3: Thursday, 20th March – AI

Download the Draft Program for more info.

.

 

Poster reads draft program for Alia information online is available.

The Truck Cat Simultaneous StoryTime

Now is the time to find yourself a copy of The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel from your local book shop, library or department store.

Save the date for #librarystorytime on May 21st from 12pm – 1pm (AEST).

A man pats a cat on the head. A truck is behind him.

ALIA CPD Scheme Skills Audit Focus Group EOI

Are you an ALIA Student or Graduate Member?

Add to your ALIA CPD Scheme hours by joining the ALIA CPD Scheme Skills Audit Focus Group.

ALIA are in the process of reviewing the ALIA CPD Scheme to meet the ALIA Skills, Knowledge and ethics Framework.

As a member of the ALIA CPD Scheme focus group you can provide feedback on gaps in library skills in the Library and Information Service Workforce.

The Focus Group will begin in March. You can add the 2-3 hours contributing to the Focus Group as ALIA CPD Scheme hours.

Interested?

Email education@alia.org.au with the subject line ‘Skills Audits Focus Group’ to let the team know your interest in participating.

The front of the Ngutungka Henley library. South Australia's newest library.

RSVP by 12 February to join ALIA SA on their library tour of Ngutungka Henley Library.

When: Thursday, 13 February 2025

Location: 

Ngutungka Henley
378 Seaview Road
Henley Beach, SA 5022

Time: 6pm – 7pm (ACDT)

Cost: ALIA Members & Non – Members: FREE

Stay updated on ALIA SNGG, ALIA Special Interest Group (SIG) & ALIA News by bookmarking our ALIA SNGG Newsletter WordPress page.

Help promote ALIA SNGG by following  us on Facebook, Instagram, X and Linkedin.

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