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Age profile of ALIA membership
The Profile of Australian library workers report prepared for ALIA by ACIRRT in February 1998 highlighted that: "Older workforce - the profile of Australian library workers shows that a higher proportion of library workers are aged 40 years or older, compared to the labour force more generally". This issue of 'regeneration' and membership recruitment has been on the agenda for a number of years. Branches have regular recruitment drives, hold professional activities, speak to library students, and some Branches have active mentoring schemes in place. On a national level we have an active Association which holds major conferences and provides a high level of service to its members. The same report identified a high level of satisfaction with ALIA. So what is the problem?
There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that the figure presented is not as bad as it appears. The survey was sent to 1637 members from the ALIA database. Page 4 of the report stated that it excluded respondents not working in the library profession. How many 'new young' graduates were excluded that could have evened out the age balance? The current job market is not ideal and it may reflect on the current work reality of the 'older more experienced' remaining in the workforce. From 1992 to 1994 at the Victorian Branch student recruitment nights, we would attract 45 per cent of participants to become student members. The following year, of the 45 per cent who joined the previous year, only 10 per cent remained as members. Why the drop-off rate? Again, anecdotal evidence suggests that the cost of ALIA membership for student/new graduate members is a barrier. With other things (marriage? mortgages?) competing for the dollar, new graduates put 'non-compulsory' ALIA membership on the 'back burner' for something to consider 'later' in their career.
To assist in the recruitment and retention of new and younger members, ALIA must continue to:
- have ALIA membership forms and information available at all library and library technician schools;
- hold student recruitment information activities;
- encourage participation by younger members of the profession (through mentoring, and being 'open' and welcoming to new members at meetings and conferences), and (perhaps) limiting the term of office that can be held to allow others the opportunity to stand for office;
- ensure membership fees are not prohibitive or excessive; and
- ensure that ALIA is presenting itself as a relevant and active professional association that is worth joining.
Recommendation
The report's indication of high 40-years-plus membership is worth noting, but we did not see it as a major problem at this stage. This is not to say that ALIA can rest easy, it must continue to be active in recruiting and continue to encourage new and young members if it is to remain a viable association. |
