Responses to election questions:

What are your skills and experience in strategic planning and leadership?

I have been a leader in ALIA roles since I first joined the association in 2001.  I have convened several ALIA groups and led the organising committee for the 2nd ALIA New Librarians’ Symposium in Adelaide 2004.  I was awarded the Metcalfe Award for high achievement by a personal financial member in their first five years of practice in libraries and information services.  I attended the Aurora Leadership Institute in 2007.

In my role on the ALIA New Generation Policy and Advisory Group I contributed to strategic work on initiatives for new graduates, including the formation and development of the National New Graduates Group and the establishment of the ALIA Aurora Scholarship. I participate in ongoing strategic planning as a member of the senior management team on Flinders University Library’s Policy Advisory Committee.  Since 2006 I have been involved in number of strategic initiatives at Flinders University Library including the design and implementation of our Collaborative Learning Hub.

What are you skills and experience in financial management?

As Convenor of the 2nd ALIA New Librarians’ Symposium, together with the committee Treasurer I managed the Symposium budget over two years without the services of a PCO.  The symposium was a success and returned a profit for ALIA.  Over several years I have also acted as the treasurer for ALIA SA.  In my current role at Flinders University Library I have responsibility for managing and implementing the staffing budget for Central Learning and Research Services.

What other skills do you bring as a potential Board Member?

As evidenced by my resume, I have been particularly concerned with the position of New Graduates within the profession and the association.  I bring a new generation perspective that is tempered by considerable leadership experience in both ALIA and the profession.  My skills lie in working collaboratively with others to achieve goals.  
In addition I am truly passionate about our profession and will bring creativity and a “can do” attitude!

What specific issues interest you, or that you are hoping to address during your time as a Board Member?

There are two aspects of the Association that I am interested in:

1. Strategic issues –  building partnerships with educators and employers and working to define the value of ALIA membership to non-members. 
2. Operational issues –  providing further support for groups and volunteers as they are the local face of the association and often members’ first contact with ALIA ; better collection and analysis of ALIA membership data and member surveys to inform relevant and useful services ; exploring the most effective ways to use Web 2.0 tools for internal group communication and external promotion ; improving ways to deliver relevant services and membership value to regional members

Additional links

My ALIA election blog is http://kate-08.blogspot.com/

I will be posting regularly throughout the election period.  I really look forward to hearing your comments, suggestions and ideas about the direction of your professional association!