Mission:

To advance the leadership role of our members in putting knowledge to work for the benefit of decision-makers in corporations, government, the professions, and society; as well as to shape the destiny of our information and knowledge-based society.

Vision and Values:

Our vision is to be known as the leading professional association in the information industry - a catalyst in the development of the information economy, and a strategic partner in the emerging information society.

Committed to professional excellence, we value:

• Our clients and our ability to respond to their needs adding value to information services and products
• Continuous learning and professional development
• New paradigms of information service and delivery and the opportunities they provide for our continued role in the information economy
• The use of technology to enhance our jobs, our organizations, and society
• Opportunities for networking - for us to meet, communicate, and collaborate
• The leadership role of the Special Libraries Association The Association's efforts to help us strengthen our roles as information leaders in our organizations and in our communities
• The role of the Association in the development of information policies

Environment:

Information and knowledge management is at the center of business and society in the 21st century. Special librarians will be change agents and leaders providing the information needed to help their organizations achieve their goals. Specific conditions that will impact our success and effectiveness include:

• Global nature of information Faster pace/instant knowledge
• Information as a commodity
• Simplification of organizational structures
• Partnering and collaboration in new and existing markets
• Lifelong learning

Strategies and Tactics:

In support of SLA's vision, mission, and priorities, the Strategic Plan is a visionary framework to enable SLA officers, members, partners and staff to make decisions that affect the future. Annual operational plans, developed by the Executive Director, will provide specific directions toward achieving SLA's strategic goals. These goals are based on the current priorities below. These priorities will be reviewed and adjusted annually.

Priorities:

The three priorities are based on membership input, research, and Board and staff discussions. These priorities are interrelated - each one influencing and enabling the success of the others. Implicit in each priority are the following fundamental concepts: virtualization and globalization of the association, SLA represents professionals not buildings, members assuming leadership roles in our workplaces, embracing change drives what we do, and making information professionals indispensable.

These priorities are: