To LT or not to LT, that is the question: The Australian Library and Information Association accreditation of library technician courses

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) establishes and maintains standards for entry into the library and information profession in Australia. ALIA’s course accreditation program has a long history of supporting and reinforcing these standards. The importance placed on education is reinforced in the Objects of the Association’s Constitution 3.2 (c) “To ensure the high standard of personnel engaged in information provision and foster their professional interests and aspirations”. (ALIA, 2014a) ALIA firmly believes that formal Course accreditation fosters excellence in the provision of education for the Australian library and information services sector. ALIA aims to ensure that all students undertaking an ALIA accredited course experience a quality program, with an appropriate curriculum delivered effectively and supported by the required resources, and that these quality programs reflect the needs of employers seeking a trained and effective workforce.