Canberra, 30 October 2020: ALIA is saddened to learn that RMIT has informed its students of plans to close its Master of Information Management course. This course has been highly regarded in Australia, producing quality graduates who have contributed considerably to the library and information services sector, and to academic research in library and information studies. ALIA will continue to work with the RMIT teaching staff to ensure the best outcomes for current students as the course is taught out.
This news illustrates a continuing trend that ALIA is keenly aware of, and has been working to address. In line with ALIA President Viv Barton’s presidential theme of Education, this has been a subject of focus in ALIA’s Future of LIS Education investigations, with an Issues Paper (November 2019) and Discussion Paper (August 2020). ALIA is currently calling for responses to this discussion paper, with submissions closing 31 October 2020.
On 30 November 2020, ALIA will release a plan for the future of the library and Information profession, as the culmination of consultations across the sector over the past year. This plan will launch an ambitious 4-year timeline for the strengthening of professional pathways in Australia. Following this release, there will be opportunities for those in the library and information sector to discuss this plan at a series of Town Hall meetings. This plan will also be the major focus of the ALIA Education Summit on 16 February 2021.
This initiative will be a vital action by ALIA toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Australian library and information profession.
About the Australian Library and Information Association
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector. With 5,000 members across Australia, we provide the national voice of the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. www.alia.org.au
Contact: Sue McKerracher, ALIA CEO, M 0404 456 749 T 02 6215 8215 E [email protected]