LITA, 'Strategic Plan: 1993-1996', LITA Newsletter v15n01 URL = http://hegel.lib.ncsu.edu/stacks/serials/lita/lita-v15n01-lita-strategic V15N1.STRPLAN LITANEWS ------------- Library and Information Technology Association Strategic Plan: 1993-1996 Vision Statement LITA ENVISIONS A WORLD in which the complete spectrum of information technology is available to everyone. People in all their diversity will have access to a wealth of information technology in libraries, at work and at home. In this world everybody can realize their full potential with the help of information technology. The very boundaries of human relations will expand beyond the limitations of time and space we experience today. The outer limits are still unknown; what is known is that the exploration will be challenging. Mission Statement LITA provides its members, other ALA divisions and members, and the library and information science field as a whole with a forum for discussion, an environment for learning, and a program for action on the design, development, and implementation of automated and technological systems in the library and information science field. Function Statement LITA is concerned with the planning, development, design, application, and integration of technologies within the library and information environment, with the impact of emerging technologies on library service, and with the effect of automated technologies on people. Its major focus is on the interdisciplinary issues and emerging technologies. LITA disseminates information, provides educational opportunities for learning about information technologies and forums for the discussion of common concerns, monitors new technologies with potential applications in information science, encourages and fosters research, promotes the development of technical standards, and examines the effects of library systems and networks. Purpose of the Plan This strategic plan is a combined strategic and operating plan incorporating strategies for new activities, and those that are ongoing or operational for LITA over the next four years. Both operating and development strategies are listed under each objective. Goals > Goal 1: To Provide Opportunities For Professional Growth And Performance In Areas Of Information Technology. > Goal 2: To Influence National And International Level Initiatives Relating To Information And Access. > Goal 3: To Strengthen The Association And Assure Its Continued Success. Goals, Objectives and Strategies Goal 1: To Provide Opportunities for Professional Growth and Performance in Areas of Information Technology. Objective 1.A: Continually assess the informational and educational needs of its members and the members of other ALA divisions in areas of technology. Development Strategies: > 1.A1 Develop a masterplan for educational activities under the Education Committee's new charge. > 1.A2 Support inclusion of a research component in the curricula of graduate schools of library and information science in order to encourage the diffusion of information technology research skills in the LITA membership and the profession. Operating Strategies: none Objective 1.B: Assure high quality and accessible programs and preconferences at ALA Annual Conferences. Development Strategies: none Operating Strategies: > 1.B1 Maintain ongoing measurement and reporting of attendance at and response to LITA programs at the annual ALA conference. > 1.B2 Coordinate the Annual Conference-related program development efforts of LITA units. > 1.B3 Offer at least one preconference each year (except for the LITA national conference year). > 1.B4 Coordinate cosponsorship of programs at ALA Annual Conferences with other ALA divisions or units, or other organizations outside ALA, when appropriate. > 1.B5 Formulate program titles and descriptions for clarity and accessibility. Objective 1.C: Build on successful annual and national conference programs and preconferences. Development Strategies: > 1.C1 Formulate procedure for identifying and considering successful programs. > 1.C2 Determine potential for distance education. > 1.C3 Evaluate potential for LITA regional presence (through chapters, affiliations with regional organizations, or other means) as means of improving programmatic outreach. Operating Strategies: > 1.C4 Offer worthwhile programs as institutes, perhaps in conjunction with other organizations > 1.C5 Prepare publications based on programs and institutes as appropriate. Objective 1.D: Hold LITA National Conferences according to the schedule approved by the LITA Board of Directors. Development Strategies: > 1.D1 Select date and site for next national conference. > 1.D2 Obtain ALA Executive Board approval for next national conference. > 1.D3 Select Chair of next national conference through application process. Operating Strategies: none Objective 1.E: Advance professional knowledge in information technology through an effective continuing publishing plan. Development Strategies: > 1.E1 Encourage interest group participation in the publishing program. > 1.E2 Identify cost-effective opportunities for electronic publishing. Operating Strategies: > 1.E3 Continue an effective periodical publishing program. > 1.E4 Publish a minimum of two titles in the LITA Monographs series and in the LITA Guides series annually. > 1.E5 Publish at least two pamphlets, bibliographies, or occasional papers annually. > 1.E6 Publish proceedings and papers from national conferences Objective 1.F: Provide advisory services regarding information technology in libraries. Development Strategies: > 1.F1 Evaluate feasibility and usefulness of a LITA Speakers' Bureau > 1.F2 Create and maintain materials appropriate to this objective. Operating Strategies: > 1.F3 Provide LITA staff for informal consultation and referral for inquiries received at ALA. > 1.F4 Maintain a list of consultants in library automation. Objective 1.G: Provide occasions and opportunities for personal and professional interaction. Development Strategies: > 1.G1 Develop methods to make new LITA members and first-time conference attendees more active and effective. Operating Strategies: > 1.G2 Hold members' reception at ALA annual conferences. > 1.G3 Schedule informal opportunities for interaction. Objective 1.H Promote the development of research skills, the conduct of relevant research, and the application of research results to information technology problems, and influence the quality and direction of information technology research. Development Strategies: > 1.H1 Appoint a LITA Research Committee Operating Strategies: > 1.H2 Maintain LITA liaison with the ALA Research and Statistics Assembly. Goal 2: To Influence National and International Level Initiatives Relating to Information Access And Delivery. Objective 2.A: Inform and mobilize the members about national and international level initiatives in areas of concern to LITA. Development Strategies: > 2.A1 Build and maintain effective liaisons and joint programs with other professional associations with similar interests. Operating Strategies: > 2.A2 Apply for World Book Goal Award or other funding to enhance our program. > 2.A3 Monitor national level initiatives to identify issues and legislation of significance to LITA. > 2.A4 Schedule update sessions at ALA conferences. > 2.A5 Inform members through LITA Newsletter columns or articles. Objective 2.B: Develop information policy guidelines relating to information access. Development Strategies: > 2.B1 Evaluate the need for ethical guidelines for library and information technology. Operating Strategies: > 2.B2 Prepare policy memos and testimony on information access and delivery Objective 2.C: Promote, participate in, and influence the development of technical standards related to the storage, dissemination and delivery of information. Development Strategies: > 2.C1 Develop improved review mechanisms for technical standards, such as a listserv to facilitate standards review and a permanent TESLA subcommittee to assure timely review of standards. Operating Strategies: > 2.C2 Identify the need for standards in specific areas. > 2.C3 Support individual and group participation through vehicles such as travel and membership in other organizations. > 2.C4 Maintain effective review mechanisms for drafts of standards. > 2.C5 Review proposed standards to assess their impact upon free and open access to information. > 2.C6 Identify emerging efforts to develop significant information technology standards by other organizations and industry groups, and promote LITA participation in those efforts. Objective 2.D Promote, participate in, and influence the development of statistical measures related to the availability, cost, use and effectiveness of electronic information resources and systems in libraries. Development Strategies: > 2.D1 Develop an action plan to identify and develop new statistical measures and review or revise existing measures. Operating Strategies: none Goal 3: To Strengthen LITA and Assure its Continued Success. Objective 3.A: Generate a level of revenue sufficient to support the Division and its central activities. Development Strategies: > 3.A1 Build an appropriate operational reserve. > 3.A2 Develop financial development campaign based on ongoing funding opportunities for vendors. Operating Strategies: > 3.A3 Generate overall net revenue on publications and fee-based programs consistent with current financial plan. > 3.A4 Identify outside funding sources as needed. Objective 3.B: Increase and diversify LITA's membership. Development Strategies: > 3.B1 Identify ways to diversify the profession and LITA's membership. > 3.B2 Develop ways to involve new members and first-time conference attendees, possibly including mentoring or special programs for first-time attendees. Operating Strategies: > 3.B3 Recruit and retain members with effective marketing. > 3.B4 Attract members from all types of libraries. > 3.B5 Attract library school student members. Objective 3.C: Provide an organizational structure that assures the most effective use of member volunteers and insures the responsiveness of the organization. Development Strategies: > 3.C1 Identify, evaluate, and respond to the overlap of activities and interests within LITA. > 3.C2 Formulate and propose leadership development strategies that do not require attendance at ALA meetings. Operating Strategies: > 3.C3 Improve group process and leadership skills of LITA members. > 3.C4 Involve a broad array of members in LITA's activities. > 3.C5 Use fixed-term divisional and committee task forces to increase LITA responsiveness and expand member involvement. > 3.C6 Encourage outgoing Interest Group chairs to volunteer for committee work. Objective 3.D: Sustain a dedicated and competent staff. Development Strategies: none Operating Strategies: > 3.D1 Provide for the professional development of the LITA staff. Objective 3.E: Develop and maintain partnerships as appropriate with other ALA units. Development Strategies: > 3.E1 Identify, evaluate and respond to the overlaps in activities and interests with other ALA divisions. > 3.E2 Explore the feasibility of a joint National Conference involving LITA and at least one other type-of-activity division within ALA > 3.E3 Assist ALA in developing a cross-divisional database and/or listserv for program planning, to reduce overlap and promote cosponsorship Operating Strategies: > 3.E4 Maintain effective alliances with other ALA divisions and units. > 3.E5 Continue to work closely with the ALA Coordinating Committee on Access to Information. Objective 3.F: Maintain a continuous planning cycle. Development Strategies: > 3.F1 Develop performance measurement and evaluation of the association's overall program. > 3.F2 Periodically assess expectations of members. > 3.F3 Carry out a self-study of the division Operating Strategies: > 3.F4 Insure broad input from LITA members. > 3.F5 Assure appropriate relationship of LITA's Financial Plan to the Strategic Plan. and current economic conditions, and assure appropriate use of LITA funds Objective 3.G: Recognize and reward exemplary contributions to the profession and to the association. Development Strategies: > 3.G1 Identify areas and support for new awards. Operating Strategies: > 3.G2 Monitor the current award program for effectiveness and relation to LITA's mission The Strategic Planning Process This calendar is not part of the LITA Strategic Plan itself. > November: The Executive Committee reviews accomplishments of the previous years and sets activities and tasks for the new fiscal year. > Midwinter: The Board, committees and interest groups discuss the strategic plan and submit goals, objectives and strategies to the LITA office immediately following Midwinter. > Spring: The Executive Committee reviews the revised draft and forwards it to the Board for comments and suggestions. The President, Past President and Executive Director make final revisions. > June: The Board amends or adopts the revised strategic plan.