Special Libraries Association – Toronto Chapter - Strategic Plan 2002

FOR THE BENEFIT OF SLA TORONTO CHAPTER MEMBERS, THE CHAPTER WILL:

Goal 1: Offer members services in anticipation of and in response to their needs.

Objectives:

• Undertake an ongoing needs analysis to focus on whether the Chapter is meeting the needs of its members and/or how the Chapter might meet these needs more effectively.
  
  
• Run an efficient and practical series of meetings and continuing education programs, delivering content of interest and utility to attendees.
  
  
• Provide vehicles for regular communication and information exchange.

Goal 2: Promote and demonstrate to decision-makers and the general public the strategic importance of information professionals in the information society.

Objectives:

• Recognize and publicize the contributions, achievements and the value of the services provided by information professionals.
  
  
• Promote and publicize SLA as an association and the Toronto Chapter as a local chapter of SLA.

FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CHAPTER AND THE ASSOCIATION, THE CHAPTER WILL:

Goal 3: Pursue membership growth vigorously through retention of existing members, and recruitment of new members, targeting those in the information profession who will benefit from membership and who will contribute positively to the Chapter and SLA.

Objectives:

• Promote student membership in the Chapter.
  
  
• Foster member identification with the Chapter.
  
  
• Exploit opportunities to create awareness of the Chapter.
  
  
• Promote active participation in the Chapter.
  
  
• Ensure the Chapter remains relevant to most members to ensure retention.

Goal 4: Ensure the development of future leaders for the Chapter and SLA.

Objectives:

• Provide an opportunity for members to, develop leadership skills through the committees, meetings and other forums of the Chapter and Association.
  
  
• Encourage the continued participation and development of SLA student groups associated with the Chapter.

Goal 5: Liaise and actively participate with other associations (particularly other library and information industry associations) to share knowledge, experiences and opportunities.

Objectives:

• Investigate and develop joint meetings and continuing education programs including coordination of meeting schedules and program topics.
  
  
• Facilitate the sharing of information or resources among members of different associations where appropriate and beneficial to the Chapter.

Goal 6: Ensure continued Chapter fiscal responsibility.

TO EFFECT CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH IT OPERATES, THE CHAPTER WILL:

Goal 7: Influence the formulation, change, and dissemination of national and international information policies and combine efforts with other organizations having similar interests in information-related issues and topics.

Objectives:

• Actively liaise, on an ongoing basis, with relevant federal and provincial government bodies.
  
  
• Communicate the effects of proposed government policy to members and (with SLA Headquarters' approval) to the press.
  
  
• Promote understanding by policy setters, such as government and vendors, of the effects of their information policies on information users.

Goal 8: Influence curricula in all educational programs for information professionals in the Chapter area.

Objectives:

• Actively participate in the direction of relevant academic and continuing education programs.
  
  
• Identify, for discussion, issues with potential impact on information professionals (e.g. certification).