ALIA 2003-2004 plan

Making the difference

ALIA's plan for 2003 and 2004 was endorsed by the Board of Directors at its meeting on 14 March 2003. Noting that many of the initiatives are underway, the Board has identified five initiatives as having the highest priority.

Executive summary

High-priority initiatives

Members first

2. Membership growth program (Objects 3, 5). It aims to achieve a net growth in both personal and institutional membership and an increased membership retention rate

Excellence

3. A framework for career-long education for the knowledge age, encompassing a comprehensive continuing professional development program and formal education (Objects 2, 3).

Expertise and credibility

8. Develop and promote lobbying and advocacy resources for members (Objects 2, 3, 4). Resources will be developed building on the work and outcomes of other initiatives and on an issues-by-issues basis in response to policy developments and members' needs.

Adding value

11. New services and a marketing campaign aimed at new professional members to strengthen participation in ALIA by those early in their LIS career (Objects 2, 3, 5). This initiative recognises that actively involving students and those in the first few years of their LIS career is extremely important for the continuing vitality and prosperity of the Association. The New Generation Policy and Advisory Group (NGPAG) is working with the Board to develop proposals for recruitment and professional development activities.

Investment in the future

18. A review of ALIA assets (Object 5) to ensure that decisions that may affect the future financial strength of the Association are based on the best possible information and advice.

Strategic focus

ALIA 2003-2004 plan: making the difference has been developed through extensive consultation during 2002. The plan builds on initiatives undertaken in 2001 and 2002 and on the outcomes of the ALIA 2002 conference and ALIA's annual National Policy Congresses. It also draws on recent investigations by ALIA into library and information science education (LISEKA project), information technology and communication strategies for the Association, institutional members needs and the promotion of research.