What is Australian Library and Information Association?
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional membership organisation representing library and information professionals across Australia. Established in 1949, ALIA serves as the peak body for the library and information science sector, setting professional standards and advocating for the value of libraries and information services in Australian society.
Under the Australian Government's skilled migration framework, ALIA is a designated assessing authority responsible for evaluating overseas library science and information management qualifications. This assessment role is critical to the skilled migration system, ensuring that foreign-trained librarians and information professionals meet Australian professional competency standards before being granted migration visas.
ALIA assesses occupations across library and information management, including librarians, library technicians, records managers, and information professionals. The organisation evaluates academic qualifications, professional experience, and technical knowledge against Australian professional standards and competency requirements, ensuring consistency with the Australian education system and professional practice.
Which visas require an ALIA skills assessment?
An ALIA skills assessment is required for librarians and information professionals seeking skilled migration visas. The assessment supports applications under multiple skilled visa subclasses, each designed for different circumstances and visa pathways.
Your ALIA assessment demonstrates that your overseas library science qualifications and experience are equivalent to Australian professional standards, making you eligible to claim points toward skilled visas like 189 (permanent residence without sponsorship), 190 (state-nominated), or 491 (regional). For employer-sponsored pathways (482, 186), the assessment confirms you meet the occupational requirements for that sponsorship category.
How ALIA assessment works
The ALIA assessment process involves a comprehensive evaluation of your academic qualifications, professional experience, and competency against Australian library and information science standards. The process typically takes 8–12 weeks from submission to outcome.
- Submit a complete application via ALIA's online portal, including personal details, qualification documents, and employment history
- ALIA reviews your application for completeness and determines the assessment type based on your qualifications and occupational category
- Your overseas degree and transcripts are evaluated against Australian Bachelor or Master level standards in library and information science
- ALIA may contact you for clarification on specific qualifications, employment roles, or to request additional documentation
- ALIA conducts the formal assessment, comparing your qualifications and experience against Australian professional competency standards
- You receive a written outcome letter indicating whether your assessment is positive, negative, or conditional
- If positive, your assessment is valid for the skilled migration process and can be used in your visa application
Assessment pathways
ALIA offers assessment pathways tailored to different qualification backgrounds and professional experience. The specific pathway depends on your overseas qualifications, work history, and the occupation you are seeking to migrate under.
For applicants with a completed overseas Bachelor or Master degree in library science, information management, or a related field. ALIA evaluates whether the degree is equivalent to an Australian qualification at the same level. This is the most common assessment pathway for skilled migration.
For applicants with a relevant degree plus significant professional library or information science experience. ALIA may recognise that substantial Australian-equivalent work experience demonstrates competency in the occupation, even if qualifications alone do not meet the standard.
For applicants whose overseas degree does not fully align with Australian standards. ALIA may recommend completing supplementary study (such as a post-graduate certificate) to bridge the gap, after which a positive assessment can be granted.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Certified copy of your Bachelor degree or higher qualification in library science, information management, or a closely related field
- Official certified transcript(s) showing all subjects completed, grades, and the qualification awarded
- English language evidence if your qualifications were not completed in English (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Detailed resume or curriculum vitae covering all employment history relevant to library, information, or records management roles
- Letters of employment reference from previous employers, on official company letterhead, detailing your duties and experience
- Statutory declaration(s) describing your professional experience and the skills you developed in library and information roles
- If applicable, evidence of professional membership in library associations in your home country
- If applicable, evidence of any additional relevant certifications or professional qualifications obtained
- Proof of identity (passport copy or birth certificate)
- Contact details and preferred communication method
- Signed declaration confirming the accuracy of all information provided
All non-English documents must be translated by an NATTI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) certified translator. Certified copies must be signed by a qualified certifier (lawyer, notary public, or designated official) and must verify that the copy is a true and complete copy of the original document.
ALIA assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Qualification Assessment | AUD 450 |
| Assessment with Substantial Work Experience | AUD 550 |
| Re-assessment or Review Application | AUD 400 |
| Assessment with Supplementary Study Requirement | AUD 500 |
| Duplicate or Copy of Assessment Letter | AUD 50 |
Assessment outcomes
ALIA issues one of three outcomes:
A positive ALIA assessment confirms that your overseas library science qualifications and experience meet Australian professional standards. The assessment is typically valid indefinitely for skilled migration purposes and supports your visa application under multiple subclasses (189, 190, 491, 482, 186). You can then use this assessment to claim points in SkillSelect and lodge your visa application.
A negative assessment means ALIA has determined your qualifications do not meet Australian professional standards for your occupation. You may request a review of the decision within a specified timeframe, or you may choose to pursue supplementary study to bridge identified gaps, after which you can reapply. Some applicants pursue alternative skilled visa pathways or consider applying through employer sponsorship instead.
If you disagree with a negative assessment, you may request a formal review within 30 days. The review process involves ALIA reconsidering your application and may include a reassessment by a different assessor. A review fee typically applies and takes a further 4–6 weeks.
Occupations assessed by ALIA
ALIA is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 224611 | Librarian | STSOL |