Part 1: Introduction

ALIA 2003-2004 plan: making the difference sets out a strategic program for the Australian Library and Information Association for the two years from January 2003 to December 2004, building on initiatives undertaken in 2001 and 2002.

In developing the plan for ALIA for 2003 and 2004 the ALIA Board of Directors has considered the outcomes of ALIA National Policy Congresses in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and the ALIA 2002 conference. The strategic focus for ALIA has also been informed by reports in a number of key areas. These include:

• Information technology strategy for effective communication with ALIA members and growth of the organisations: User Insight (Gillard) report, 2002
• Library and information science education for the knowledge age (LISEKA) project, 2002
• Promoting research and information sharing: ALIA research initiative project, 2002
• Institutional membership - needs and service options survey, 2001
• ALIA conferences review, 2001

The Board of Directors has consulted widely with ALIA members, groups and staff to develop the 2003-2004 plan.

The plan identifies five areas of strategic focus for ALIA in 2003-2004 and sets out 18 initiatives. The Board of Directors has selected five key initiatives, one under each strategic focus area, as having the highest priority.