Reference is made to the letter by Dr Kevin Aquilina (TMID, 19 September) in reply to the letter by Mr Steve Borg (Friends of the Archives). MaLIA would like to point out that in the letter sent to Dr Aquilina dated 5 September 2008, our association had pointed out that although we may understand that finding qualified staff in the specialised area may prove difficult, the exclusion, a priori, of the related qualifications is a point of concern.

Furthermore, MaLIA is also concerned that such calls for applications may give the impression that the post being requested can easily be filled by persons with other non-related degrees. MaLIA is of the opinion that asking for other qualifications just because the first attempt was not successful does not reflect well on any organisation.

Imagine an organisation requiring the services of an accountant and just because no

qualified accountant is recruited the first time round, the second call excludes all those with a degree in accountancy and asks only for those with a degree in, for example, commerce or mathematics.

MaLIA would like to recommend that in the eventuality of no persons with the relevant qualifications being available for recruitment (despite the inclusion of the discussed qualifications), the person recruited is encouraged by the Broadcasting Authority to enrol in the next Diploma in Archives and Records Management. Other organisations have already used this method successfully.

Claudio Laferla

Secretary

Malta Library and Information Association