Regarding ALIA and advocacy – I understand the organisation’s drive to attract and sustain a “younger” membership. However, what about the older library professional workforce? I would love to see ALIA take a stand against age discrimination in recruitment practice within the library services sector.

After a bout of illness (not serious) and then time from the workforce to finish a LIMS degree, I am finding it so difficult to get my foot back into the paid workforce – in the library sector. The only job offer has been as a lollipop lady (this is not a joke).

I really do think that my age (50) is a big factor in the constant rejections I am getting from prospective employers. So from being a very qualified, skilled, experienced, and unemployed librarian (in Victoria) I’ve created a blog: 50 Shades of Unemployment.

In the blog, there are some posts about the “boardroom elephants” and employers who – as part of standard recruitment practice – routinely reject applications from “older” jobseekers (due to entrenched negative attitudes towards older employees). Research exists that proves the issue exists and is not a figment of the imagination.

I tend to think that the issue of age discrimination, is also overlooked by ALIA, and perhaps associated stakeholders? I’d be interested to know what you think. It would be great to see someone at ALIA take a stand against the age discrimination issue, by speaking up for the older workforce.

Cheers,
Carmen