A new strategic plan for ALIA

The process of strategic planning is often complex and protracted but it is an important mechanism in clarifying the short- and long-term goals of any organisation. It is the basis on which detailed administrative plans can be developed and is an essential component of effective service delivery. Our new plan includes areas of strategic focus and recognises the impact of our changing social, economic and political environment on the activities of the library and information sector:

On the eve of a new millennium, ALIA confronts a national and international landscape of rapid social, political and technological change. Advances in information systems and technology, a burgeoning emphasis on competition both within and between nations and a radical redefinition of labour market norms and practices combine to challenge the traditional role of libraries and librarians. In this demanding environment, ALIA will focus its efforts on:

1. strategies to achieve excellence in Australian library and information services;
2. strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the profession; and
3. strategies to sustain the viability of ALIA and to ensure its continued vitality and progress.

The review and the subsequent establishment of the Leadership Committee (established to direct the changes that were required to give effect to the consultant's recommendations) consumed a significant amount of ALIA's resources during 1997 - as inevitably occurs when such processes are underway. In spite of these demands there were a number of landmark achievements.

ALIAnet flourished as more and more webpages were developed for ALIA's divisions and to promote special projects and events. In July, ALIA General Council papers were posted online for the first time. Our aim was to provide the broadest possible access for members to the Association's business documents. By the end of the year there was an average of 2500 hits on ALIAnet each day - a remarkable feat for an Australian information site.

We initiated several research projects including a survey on the value of corporate libraries, a survey of the library and information sector labour market and, with the ACT and NSW branches, a study of the image of the profession.

The highlight of a very busy year for the ALIA Board of Education was the two-day Education Forum held during October. With the theme Leading the profession into the 21st century: library and information services education, this event brought practitioners and educators from all states and territories together to focus on future goals and directions in library education. Work on competencies and continuing professional development was advanced with some special projects.

The process of review of all ALIA's policy statements was largely completed during 1997. This ensured that all of our statements, which are used extensively in our advocacy work, were relevant and accurate given the vast recent changes in technologies and work practices.

Our public relations and advocacy activities continued apace with a very successful library week in May (Libraries: a web of information) and contributions made to many government inquiries. Lobby for libraries, our advocacy-skills training program, was delivered to members throughout the country. In particular my own travel commitments provided an opportunity to deliver the program in a number of centres in central and north Queensland. I also presented a paper on our Lobby for libraries program at the IFLA conference in Copenhagen and we have subsequently provided kits to a number of international library associations wishing to run similar programs.

The government's Online Public Access Initiative (OPAI) was finally launched and I participated in the review of submissions with officials from the Department of Communications and the Arts. A number of libraries were successful in attracting funding for projects to increase public access to the Internet.

ALIA was able to secure funds to enhance its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment and career development strategy. Indigenous Communities Online is a pilot project providing online services and training in remote communities. It commenced in the second half of 1997 and is due for completion in June 1998.

Overall, 1997 was a busy, yet productive year. The Association's finances are in good shape thanks in large part to the surpluses generated by ALIA conferences. My thanks to president Kerry Smith who, in spite of a busy professional schedule, was always available to discuss Association affairs and lend support to me and ALIA national office staff. My thanks also to my colleagues in the ALIA national office for their loyal support and for their commitment to their work on behalf of the library and information sector of Australia.

Virginia Walsh
ALIA executive director