PAM Division Strategic Plan 1999-2002

Goal 1: Increase communication and networking among members.

1.1 Build on the strength and success of PAMNet.

1.2 Retain both print and electronic versions of the PAM Bulletin. Explore enhancements to the electronic version. Investigate the feasibility of sending print versions only on request.

1.3 Encourage participation by all members, focusing on new members and student, international and non-academic librarians, through personal contacts by the leaders of the Division and, where there is sufficient interest, by the formation of special interest groups within the Division.

1.4 Develop ways to enable members who don't attend the Annual Conference to play more active roles in the Division. Explore alternatives such as electronic round tables in which members could participate via local computer connections.

1.5 Make the Division open houses more effective as networking opportunities. Specifically, welcome new Division members as well as non-PAM members and communicate information on opportunities for involvement and leadership in the Division.

Goal 2: Plan focused, dynamic programming at the Annual Conference.

2.1 Keep providing strong discipline-focused and practical conference programs.   Explore ways to make subject-based roundtables even more effective.

2.2 Plan conference programming that deals with changing technologies and other topics specifically identified in the 1998 PAM Division Survey, e.g., management, supervision, funding, and licensing.

2.3 Explore and offer as appropriate a wider variety of regular conference program formats, including teaching/learning vehicles, e.g., panel discussions, workshops, tutorials, and seminars.

2.4 Publish or otherwise make conference proceedings available promptly on the Division web site, e.g., round table notes, program transcripts, overheads.

2.5 Explore sponsoring formal SLA continuing education (CE) courses.

2.6 Explore the possibility of providing financial assistance to members to attend the Annual Conference.

Goal 3: Provide mentoring and professional development opportunities for all PAM members.

3.1 Establish a committee to facilitate mentoring activities and encourage member involvement within the Division.

3.2 Ensure positive, productive experiences by first time conference goers by providing structured guidance and personal contact during and after the Annual Conference.

3.3 Create an "expertise database" of members willing to share skills and serve as  resource people in specific areas, e.g., cataloging, management, fund raising, grant writing, and technology.

3.4 Investigate low-cost distance learning opportunities, implementing those programs that are feasible and desirable. Exploit new technologies for outreach, e.g., courses offered via email or the web, video classes, electronic roundtables and chat rooms.

3.5 Investigate leadership training opportunities for all interested members. Follow up with members who have indicated an interest in being involved in leadership activities within the Division and facilitate their inclusion in, for example, new or standing committees as a first step toward future officer roles.

Goal 4: Strengthen liaison relationships with vendors and publishers.

4.1 Continue to represent the interests of the library/user community to publishers and vendors. Keep members apprised of relevant developments.

4.2 Provide more opportunities for librarians and publishers to communicate with and learn from each other, e.g., conference roundtables, liaison programs, joint library/publisher advisory boards.

4.3 Strengthen members' understanding of scholarly scientific communication and the issues that a changing, electronic environment presents to libraries, publishers, and other stakeholders.

Created by: Michael Fosmire

Page last updated: July 16, 1999