Personal membership

ALIA provides a range of services to the sector and the people who work within it. The recognition of educational courses in library and information services is one of these key services. Others are the opportunities provided for personal and professional growth, employment and recognition.

Personal membership of ALIA also entitles you to a wide range of benefits. As well as free publications,online services and discounts on conferences, ALIA now offers a range of deals through an affiliation program with a range of personal service providers, from car rental to health cover.

The membership year runs from 1 July to 30 June. You can join at any time during the year, and fees vary depending upon when you join. For example, if you join in July at the beginning of the membership year, you pay a full-year fee. If you join in October, you pay for the months from October to June of the following year.

Membership fees also vary according to your level of income, your status as a student / retired person, or as an overseas resident. A full breakdown is available on our membership fee tables.

Membership categories

Your membership of the Association can reflect your interest and involvement in the sector - all categories carry the same fees, some are self-nominating, and others require ALIA-recognised qualifications. Read on...

Associate
Members in this category hold an ALIA-recognised library and information science qualification at under-graduate or post-graduate levels. They are entitled to receive a certificate of associate membership, and may use the post-nominal letters AALIA while a financial member of ALIA. They are also entitled to membership of the professional development scheme.

Graduates in the allied fields of records management, archives, and computing studies whose qualifications are recognised by their professional body may be admitted to associate membership. They may then use the post-nominals AALIA(RecMan), AALIA(Arch) or AALIA(CS) respectively.

Library technician
Members in this category hold an ALIA-recognised library technician qualification. A library technician member receives a certificate of technician membership, and is entitled to use the post-nominal letters ALIATec while a financial member of the Association. They are also entitled to membership of the professional development scheme.

Associate fellow

Members in this self-nominating category have demonstrated current professional or technical and personal knowledge and skills, and have a significant degree of autonomy in their decision-making in practice. To qualify for Associate fellow, the applicant must demonstrate:

• a minimum of five years associate or library technician membership of ALIA;
• continuity of participation in the professional development scheme - compliance for at least the previous five years; and
• current employment in the Australian library and information sector or an allied sector.

Associate fellows may use the post-nominal AFALIA or AFALIATec.

Download an associate fellow application form, or contact ALIA National Office, freecall 1800 020 071 if you would like to apply.

Member
All interested individuals, including those studying towards a library and information science qualification, may join ALIA as a member. No qualifications are required.

Students
Studying full time for a library and information sector qualification? ALIA welcomes students as members and has many services to help you with your studies. These services include all the member benefits offered to all personal members as well as access to e-lists that are of specific relevance to students. Membership is offered at a generously discounted rate for full time students.

New graduates
Just finished your course? ALIA has services to help you as you begin your career in the library and information sector. Membership is offered at a significantly reduced rate for the first two years after graduating.

Retirees
Retired? ALIA can help you stay connected with other retirees. Services include all the member benefits offered to personal members as well as access to any groups and e-lists including the ALIA Retirees group. ALIA Membership is offered at a generously discounted rate for people over 55 and retired.

Membership of the associate and library technician categories require recognised qualifications. If in doubt about your eligibility or if you hold an overseas qualification, contact ALIA National Office for advice on 1800 020 071.

Overseas assessment of qualifications
Information for applicants with other overseas library and information qualifications: To work in the library and information sector in Australia you will need to have your overseas qualifications assessed. To receive a copy of the overseas application form please email. Please include your name, postal address, contact phone number and country of qualification.

Membership benefits

A snapshot of what ALIA can offer you as a member...

Further membership benefits, including discounts with major booksellers and suppliers, are being investigated and will be announced as they become available.