Strategic Plan 2000

VISION:

To be a leading knowledge sharing, professional development and continuous learning resource for information professionals with an interest in science and technology.

MISSION:

To provide access to information about the continuing development of new technologies as they apply to libraries and information centers, not only in science and technology but in all areas served by the Association, and to provide its members the technical information and skills they will need to function in the 21st century. To accomplish this mission, the Division must assume an active leadership role and provide members with forums for communication, networking, education, research and professional growth.

HISTORY:

The Science-Technology Division originated as the Technology group in 1924. The present name was adopted in 1950. The divisions of Chemistry, Engineering, Aerospace, Metals/Materials, Nuclear Science, Petroleum and Energy Resources, Pharmaceutical, and Public Utilities all began as sections of the Science-Technology division.

NEED:

Members will join the Division to keep up with developments in the field of information management and to exchange professional expertise. The majority of members will come from a multi-disciplinary environment and will perform a combination of duties for their organizations. Involvement and participation in Division activities continue to be positive factors for membership retention. Ways should be found and programs developed to engage members at the local and regional levels.

New information handling technologies continue to have an impact on the operations of libraries. Library and information center staff will need to learn how to use these for the benefit of their users. Improved and expanded telecommunications systems will continue to change the way information is accessed and disseminated. An era of rapid change will result in constant redefinition of the role of the information professional.

ENVIRONMENT:

1. The information industry will continue to grow.
   1. New information sources will continue to be published.
   2. There will be an increasing demand for science and technology information.
   3. There will be an increase in the population of information professionals.

2. As a result of growth of information, related expenditures will continue their upward trend.

3. Rapid fundamental changes in information technology will take place, with broader utilization of computers resulting in changes in information delivery.
   1. Greater emphasis will be placed on quality and economically provided services.
   2. Time constraints for information delivery will continue to increase.
   3. Continued pressure will exist to purchase selectively and effectively.
   4. Awareness and concern over intellectual property issues will increase.

MARKETING PLAN:

The Division will:

• send a form letter, developed by the Membership Committee, to anyone who discontinues Division affiliation. The letter will encourage the members to renew their membership and solicit reasons for non-renewal. The membership committee will make this information available to the Division Chairperson through its annual report and a summary report published in SciTech News.
• encourage current members to volunteer for committees or special projects by promoting these at meetings or through special mailings of promotional materials to targeted individuals.
• include a volunteer form in Sci-Tech News each year.
• provide a mentor or contact person for new members for their first year.
• recruit members in library schools by focusing on the benefits of division membership including networking and employment recruitment opportunities.
• will develop and maintain a brochure to be sent to prospective members.
• explore additional liaison arrangements with other professional library and information organizations.
• promote Division activities to non-members.
• engage in joint projects with other divisions.
• encourage regional division meetings and invite non-division SLA members.
• develop programs that focus on and address critical work issues facing members in the current climate of change.
• provide mechanisms to keep members aware of new technologies as they impact library and information science.
• improve the existing web site to incorporate membership information, articles, suggestions and member news so it provides state of the art information about the field, information sharing, networking opportunities, and increases membership.
• plan publications useful to information professionals.
• investigate sponsorship of an issue of Information Outlook, update the Awards Bibliography, and pursue other projects.