For the past decade or so the training of library technicians in Australia conform to a national qualifications framework – the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This means that the qualification gained by library technicians, Diploma in Library / Information Services, is a nationally recognised qualification and is transferable from state to state. That means a qualification gained in Western Australia is the same qualification gained and therefore recognised on the other side of the country in New South Wales or Victoria.

There are 5 national qualifications for library/information services:

• Certificate II in Library/Information Services
• Certificate III in Library/Information Services
• Certificate IV in Library/Information Services
• Diploma of Library/Information Services
• Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services.

The concept Vocational Education Training (VET) is about a relationship between training body and employers in the library sector. Therefore various components of each of the qualifications have been agreed on by employers as to what skills are required in the workplace, now and in the future.

Some of the principles that underpin the qualification structure are:

• The qualifications give individuals and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) maximum flexibility in building programs of study that meet regional, provider and individual students needs.
• The competencies develop incrementally from one level to the next.
• Articulation arrangements should ensure career progression and facilitate transfer of credits into related programs.
• All qualifications should aim to develop attitudes of client service.
• Qualifications should aim to provide practical experience as an integrated part of the learning.

There are 2 ways to obtain any VET qualification in Australia:

• Formal education and training and
• Assessment which recognizes prior learning and current competencies.
  

Anyone who demonstrates the required competencies can receive formal recognition for their existing skills and knowledge, without being enrolled in the library/information services course. People with library and information services experience are encouraged to undertake assessment. They then can receive part or all of the national qualification, depending on their experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone would be familiar with the practice of attending formal education and training classes. However, some might not be familiar with the concept of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). A person can obtain skills and knowledge in the workplace, without the person not even being aware they have these skills and knowledge. With RPL, a persons skills, regardless of how they have been acquired, are recognised for the purpose of advanced standing in a program of study. RPL also applies to completion of competencies in other courses.

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
RTOs are government accredited organisation/businesses entitled to conduct the courses under the AQF. RTOs have to go through a rigorous audit process to become approved. This audit process is continuous to ensure the RTO maintains the standards and accreditation.

There are many RTOs in Australia that conduct the library/information services course. Some are government agencies, such as TAFE colleges, or private business, such as Docmatrix Pty Ltd.

Courses are also conducted at universities, such as Charles Darwin and Edith Cowan.

Course Structure

Certificate II in Library/Information Services
Core units
Develop and apply knowledge of the library/information services industry
Follow health, safety and security procedures
Provide quality service to customers
Use business technology
Develop and use information literacy skills
Process and maintain information resources
Assist with circulation services

Elective unit – 1 - such as:
Process information resource orders
Work in a culturally diverse environment
Assist with the presentation of public activities and events
Develop and update local knowledge

Certificate III in Library/Information Services
Core units – including all the units from Certificate II
Same as Certificate II with the addition of:
Use multimedia
Use cataloguing tools

Elective units – 3 - such as:
Information Organisation and Management
Library Customer Service
Public Programs
Information and Computer Technology
Multimedia

Certificate IV in Library/Information Services
Core units
Develop and apply knowledge of the library/information services industry
Implement workplace health, safety and security procedures
Lead work teams
Use, evaluate and extend own information literacy skills
Assist customers to access information
Operate computing packages
Use cataloguing tools
Undertake cataloguing activities
Obtain information from external and networked sources to meet customer needs
Search databases

Elective units – 6 - such as:
Information Organisation and Management
Library Customer Service
Public Programs
Preventive Conservation
Multimedia
Information and Computer Technology
Recordkeeping

Diploma of Library/Information Services
Core units
Same as Certificate IV with the addition of:
Establish effective workplace relationships
Catalogue and classify material
Research and analyse information to meet customer needs
Monitor and enhance information access
Select and acquire information materials
Train small groups

Elective units – 8 - similar to the ones for Certificate IV.

Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services
Same as for the Diploma with the addition of:
Manage a budget
Analyse and describe information materials
Plan and develop information management systems
Plan and develop activities, events and programs
Develop and maintain community/stakeholder relationships
Manage information access
Analyse and describe specialist/complex material

Elective units – 8 – similar to Diploma with the addition of:
Business Administration and Management
Finance
Human Resources