Preface to the Revised Edition, 1997

Program planning has become an integral part of the leadership responsibilities for SLA members. Not only have our annual conference programs gained in attendance over the last few years, but the local programming at the chapter level continues to be highly valued as a service in surveys of our membership. The increasing popularity of regional conferences has added to this mix. With this in mind, it was felt that an updating of the Program Planning Manual was in order to reflect changes at both the local level and Association level since the original manual was produced.

Thanks to all the SLA members and staff who helped revise this work, especially the past chairs of regional conference planning committees whose input was instrumental in developing that section of the new manual. As before, this document should be viewed as a "work in progress" rather than the definitive word on program planning. We hope you find the manual useful.

Bill Fisher, representing the Joint Cabinet
January, 1997

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Preface

This manual has been developed to provide assistance to chapter officers in program planning. It is intended to complement and expand upon the existing Chapter Guidelines furnished to SLA chapter presidents and presidents-elect.

The need for programming assistance was recognized during the development of SLA's Long Range Plan, when it became apparent that many divisions and chapters do not have procedures manuals which include this kind of guidance, and that training for new officers within divisions and chapters is inconsistent. To meet this need, the Joint Cabinet Program Planning Manual Committee was appointed by the Chapter and Division Cabinet Chairs to develop a program planning manual which would be used within the program planning component of the division and chapter officers' leadership training program. This document is the first product of the Joint Cabinet Program Planning Manual Committee and will serve as the manual for chapter leaders, the Division Program Planners Manual is still being developed.

Under the guidance and leadership of William Fisher, San Jose State University, the Chapter Program Planners Manual has been revised, updated and expanded to cover Regional Meetings as well as a section on Professional Development Planning, prepared by the SLA Professional Development Program.

The committee would like to thank the many members of SLA who have contributed their time in putting this manual together. There is a great deal of experience among the membership and the committee has tried to put this on paper for future officers to use. The manual is an imperfect document at best, but it is a start. Future revisions will make it even better.

The Joint Cabinet Program Planning Manual Committee

Harold Miller, Chairman
M. Kay Mowery
Toni Garvey
Ron Coplen

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This page was updated on February 3, 1997.