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Report of the Board of Directors meeting 12 October 2001The key and operational activities of the Association for 2002 were agreed. The 2002 budget will be finalised at the December meeting. The Board considers that it is timely to review the Association's vision statement - Excellence in library and information services - and will formulate some options prior to the December meeting. Areas of key activityTo achieve greater impact of and support for the Association and its Objects the following key areas of activity, and the benefits to members from this activity, have been determined. Promoting the rights of all users to equitable access to information particularly within online content, coyright, intellectual property and licensing regimes (Objects: 1,2,3,4): reinforces the role of library and information professionals as responsible agents in providing access to information; develops resources to support members in their practice. Advocating for public access to information through a structured and informed lobbying and advocacy program. (Objects: 1,2,3,4,5): achieves greater credibility for the sector with governments, funding bodies and community; availability of associated member resources including industry data, a relevant up-to-date suite of policy statements, and lobbying and advocacy kits; encourages greater member involvement in lobbying and advocacy. Securing strategic partnerships and alliances. (Objects: 1,2,3,4,5): expands range of services and benefits; strengthens representational alliances; widens opportunities for enhancing professional practice; provides discounts for non-ALIA activities. Setting the agenda for future workforce and practice priorities, career-long professional development, and practice linked research. (Objects: 2,3,5); secures sector-wide agreement on a new framework for career-long education; expands ALIA initiated professional development opportunities; increases focussed research opportunities. Promoting and celebrating the role and value of library and information services to the community at large. (Objects: 1,2,3,4,5): raises the profile of the profession; increases visibility in the wider community and to governments; celebrates professional achievements through a new awards program; offers a range of targeted promotional events and Library and Information Week. Targeting services and benefits to most effectively meet the needs of all members, in particular institutions, students and new professionals. (Objects: 2,3,4,5): focuses services and programs; stronger membership base; specific programs and services for special and public sector institutional members, student/new professional and senior management members. Implementing a communications and information management strategy to improve communication, service delivery, planning and evaluation. (Objects: 3,4,5): increases opportunities for engagement in activities; more effective communication; new products, services and facilities designed to match the needs of members; accurate information available on a timely basis. Continuously improving governance and management practices to maximise financial viability, member participation and benefit, and growth. (Objects: 3,5): sound organisational operating base; participation in policy development and planning through the National Policy Congress, sectoral, geographic and issues groups. Key initiatives
ALIA conferencesA review of ALIA conferences has been on the agenda for around ten years and a number of different approaches taken to conferences. The future of conferences was discussed at the 2000 National Policy Congress and recommendations made to the Board. In taking on the Congress recommendations the Board has reviewed models of associations conferences and the application of technology to conferences. The ALIA president has attended all ALIA conferences and where possible those of allied organisations and taken the opportunity to have wide ranging discussions with organisers and delegates on ideas for future conferences. Input was provided through the reports of recent conference committees, and discussions with trade exhibitors. The Board also gave very serious consideration to conferences financial risk management, including our auditor's comments in the audit management report for the 2000 audit. The Board acknowledged the demands on the volunteer organising committees and trade exhibitors; the competition for sponsorship; and the demands of securing suitable venues and professional conference organisers under the current expansive program. The Association has up to ten conferences in planning at any one time. The NPC agreed that the main aims and purposes for holding ALIA conferences are to:
The Board decided to proceed with two models, a policy focussed Biennial conference, and practice focussed groups conference. It has identified three main criteria for conferences: an innovative and challenging program; utilise technologies to maximise member participation in part or all of the program; make a profit. The Board has asked the executive director to work with groups to implement the new models. The biennial conference will focus on policy and practice issues of relevance right across the sector and to the wider community and be a forum for delegates to debate and discuss issues of significance. Satellite (pre or post) may be linked to the main conference. Appropriate technologies should be utilised to broaden delegate participation to beyond those able to attend the conference venue. The program should reflect the key role the trade exhibition plays in the conference. ALIA 2002 is breaking new ground in working within this model by offering a new approach to the program, e-delegates facility and seeking an agreed issues policy document for the sector as an outcome of the conference discussions. The former division, now group, conferences would focus on a major sectoral conference representing the interests of those ALIA groups keen to pursue a conference program and a large trade exhibition. For example a conference could run over a four day period, with a three to four day trade exhibition, and groups hosting their one, two, or three day sector (or group) specific programs within the four day period - in effect run sector conferences within a wider conference and trade exhibition framework. Keynote speakers of interest to all delegates could feature across the four days. Again, appropriate technologies should be utilised to broaden delegate participation in parts of the program to beyond those able to attend the main conference venue. The program should reflect the key role the trade exhibition plays in the conference. The benefits of this new model include: a streamlined planning process; improved financial management and reduced risk; the opportunity for groups to contribute to a conference program or run a shorter symposium or workshop; the opportunity to better package marketing, promotions and sponsorship; and anticipated good support from the trade exhibitors and sponsors with the resultant reduction in competing demands on their participation. The Board acknowledges that there would need to be careful planning and scheduling of the sector programs to enable employers to release staff from different areas to attend their chosen specialised program, and that sector programs be clearly identified to assist staff in justifying their attendance to employers. The Board believes it is important that groups and the Association as a whole have the flexibility and resources to stage issues-based symposia as the opportunity or need arises. It anticipates that a more streamlined sectoral conferences schedule will allow for more flexibility and innovative approaches to addressing significant and emerging issues. Administrative support would be available to groups for conference or symposia planning and organisational support and advice provided through ALIA National Office. The Online conferences will continue as will those other conferences currently endorsed for 2003. The Board asks any other groups considering or interested in holding a conference or symposia in 2003 or beyond to contact Jennefer Nicholson at National Office.
New Group endorsed Policy statementsThe Board endorsed the statements on professional conduct, free access to information, copyright and intellectual property, and the amended statement on information literacy. |
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