Statement from the president

The theme that came through most strongly for ALIA in 2003 was celebrating success. The structure is new no more, and the association is settling in and members are comfortable with a more fluid and nimble organisation. The National Policy Congress was held in September and looked back on the past year and celebrated the many varied and interesting programs and activities undertaken by groups in 2003. Participants also looked forward and endorsed the strategic document ALIA towards 2010, which sets the broad directions for the Association for the coming years. Our vision for ALIA is that in 2010:

• It will be the Association of choice for informational professionals and the library and information sector.
• Our members will have skills that are highly valued and sought after.
• Our members and the sector will be valued for innovation and creativity.
• Our members will be engaged with the Association and with the wider community.
• Australia's library and information services will be recognised and valued as a key component in the nation's information resources, contributing to equitable access to information and to the free flow of information and ideas and providing services of significant economic, social and cultural benefit to the Australian community.

The Board has commenced its planning to achieve this vision and ALIA's plan for 2003/2004, reported on in full in this annual report, starts us on the journey. A number of projects have come to fruition in 2003 including REAP (Research Exchange and Partnership); LISEKA, now known as the ALIA Education Framework; appointment of local liaison officers in most states; establishing the New Graduates Group; and ALIA CIPS (Co-operative Information Purchasing Services). There is a new sense of optimism and energy about ALIA that is most encouraging.

Thanks to my predecessor, Joyce Kirk, who was president until May 2003, and to my fellow Board members for their commitment and dedication in their service to ALIA, and special thanks to the hard-working and always helpful and obliging ALIA National Office staff ably led by our executive director, Jennefer Nicholson.

Christine Mackenzie, ALIA president