The course you choose may depend on qualifications you already hold and the formal qualification in library and information studies required for a particular work level. If you do not have a degree you should enrol in an undergraduate course in library and information studies. If you have library technician qualifications and wish to become a librarian, you should enrol in an undergraduate course in library and information studies and seek credit for your technician studies. Librarians are professionals who manage and provide library and information services by analysing, evaluating, organising and synthesising information to meet client needs. The role of the librarian focuses on management, direction, policy formulation and application required to meet the information needs of clients.
Library technicians work with librarians in the provision of library and information services.
The role of the library technician focuses on the operational and technical aspects of the information or library service. In 2002, a new library technician's course at Diploma level, based on the Library and Information Services Training Package will continue to be implemented. The Diploma will be offered as the entry-level qualification for library technicians. The Association is currently reviewing the recognition process for the Diploma of Library and Information Services course based on the training package. Some courses are available by external study.