ALIA Special Libraries Advisory Committee

Terms of reference

Purpose

The ALIA Special Libraries Advisory Committee is to advise the ALIA Board of Directors on the development of a strategic program for members working in special libraries or with interests in special librarianship.

The objectives of the strategic program are:

1. To determine the statistics of special libraries in Australia;
2. To deliver services of particular interest and benefit to special library members of ALIA, both personal and institutional;
3. To raise matters of interest and concern to members employed in special libraries or with interests in special librarianship;
4. To reduce fragmentation of information professionals in the special library sector through programs designed to consolidate and unite;
5. To strengthen the participation in the Association of information professionals employed in special libraries or with interests in special librarianship; and
6. Other matters as determined by the ALIA Board of Directors.

The committee is constituted under ALIA By-law 8 http://www.alia.org.au/governance/by-laws/8.html

Deliverables

The ALIA Special Libraries Advisory Committee will aim to:

1. Undertake a statistical study of special libraries in Australia;
2. Identify a range of strategic activities that will meet the objectives of the strategic action program; and
3. Provide advice to the ALIA Board on strategic, advocacy and policy issues for the special library sector.

Issues

Issues to be considered by the ALIA Special Libraries Advisory Committee include but are not limited to:

1. Promotion and advocacy for special libraries addressed to organisations and the government;
2. Staffing, training and professional development issues for special libraries;
3. Unique needs of special libraries, including the needs of special librarians in rural and geographically remote areas;
4. Involvement and engagement of special library members;
5. Relationships and consultation between ALIA and other relevant organisations (e.g. SLA-ANZ, IFLA, ALLG, AHL, AGLIN, etc.)

Membership

The committee will comprise members of the Association with expertise in the special library sector. The committee may co-opt expertise as needed in particular areas and which is not available through its members. The committee may elect a chair from within its membership.

Terms of office

Members will be appointed for up to three years. Members may not serve more than three consecutive terms.

Communication

The committee will meet electronically or face-to-face as needed, but at least once a year. It shall report as required on matters referred by the Board of Directors, and may refer matters of interest or concern to the Board of Directors for consideration.

Review

The committee shall be subject to review no later than 31 December 2011