CAUL supports the re-assignment of library and information courses to align with IT and teaching/education
The Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) is pleased to offer support for ALIA’s advocacy for the reassignment of library and information courses in universities from Cluster 1 to Cluster 2, alongside IT and education.
CAUL fully endorses the points made by ALIA in relation to the alignment of library and information studies with Information Technology and Teaching. Library and information professionals in university libraries are boundary spanners in an increasingly digital world. They are key partners in the education of students across all academic disciplines and their achievement of graduate capabilities such as digital competence. A high proportion of university library staff are employed in specifically educative positions or spend significant time engaged in educational activities, including imparting knowledge and skills relating to knowledge management, copyright and intellectual property.
The achievement of digital literacies, including digital fluency and digital security, as well as other information management skills are often integrated in the curriculum across various academic disciplines, with the involvement of university library staff. Additionally, library and information professionals in university libraries facilitate student learning through collaborative, creative and real-world projects in facilities such as library makerspaces.
Librarians in university libraries also contribute to lifelong learning through providing resources to alumni, adults studying short courses and through facilitating access to open access digital scholarly content for the wider community.
Our members have indicated strong support for the realignment of library and information courses from Cluster 1 to Cluster 2 and look forward to the Minister’s response.
Mark Sutherland
Executive Director
06 July 2020