Library and Information Profession Registration Scheme

Welcome to LIANZA’s professional registration website.

There are approximately 6000 people employed in library and information services in New Zealand. On the 1 July 2007 the library and information profession in New Zealand took a major step forwards with the introduction of this comprehensive scheme for registration and continuing professional development.

We are now ready to receive your professional registration application. Some aspects of the scheme will be phased in over the next few months – particularly the mentoring system for new graduates, revalidation and the continuing professional development options.

The registration scheme provides:

• a goal for the ongoing professional development of individual practitioners
• a framework for employers to coach and develop their library and information professional staff
• an assurance for future employers, both in New Zealand and overseas, that a registered member meets professional standards of competency in the body of knowledge and ethics required for professional library and information work
• International benchmarking and recognition of professional library qualifications for New Zealanders wishing to work overseas.

The scheme will officially recognise library and information professionals who:

• have studied the body of library professional knowledge to a graduate level
• can show that they understand and can apply that body of knowledge, and professional ethics, to a satisfactory standards
• adhere to the profession’s code of professional conduct
• continue to update their professional knowledge throughout their careers.

To qualify for registration, library and information professionals must:

• show a theoretical understanding of the body of knowledge at graduate level
• practically apply the body of knowledge in a library or information management environment.

Registered individuals will be able to use the letters RLIANZA (Registered Member of the library and information profession) to market themselves to prospective employers.

Why Register?

It is important to register because it provides you with:

• ongoing professional development. This will be greatly assisted by a new mentoring system
• a framework for employers to help coach you
• an assurance for future employers that you meet the standards of competency set out in the body of knowledge and ethics required for professional library and information work
• international benchmarking and recognition of your qualifications if you wish to work overseas. Reciprocal recognition agreements are being negotiated with the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United States.

To apply to register, click on the Application Forms page in the left hand column. If you have any further questions read the FAQ page or contact the LIANZA office.