ERMD Strategic Plan

New Strategic Plan Proposed

Strategic Planning Committee:

Linda Vida, Chair-Elect, lvida@library.berkeley.edu

Dav Robertson, Director, robert11@niehs.nih.gov

Lois Widmer, Director, widmer1@niehs.nih.gov

As a follow-up to last year’s member survey, we have drafted a new strategic plan for ERMD. Now we invite discussion of the plan. Please contact the Strategic Planning Committee, the ERMD Board or initiate a dialog on the ERMD electronic discussion list.

You will notice that each objective needs someone to take the lead. Please volunteer either to lead the effort for an objective or to serve on a committee for an objective. Also, feel free to recommend anyone who you think could contribute to the success of these goals and objectives.

Special Libraries Association (SLA)

Environment and Resource Management Division (ERMD) Strategic Plan

June 2001 - May 2004

The overarching purpose of preparing a strategic plan for the Environment and Resource Management Division is to assure the continued strength and viability of the Division for all members. During February and March of 2000 the Division conducted a survey to determine the member's needs and expectations. The major themes evident in the responses to the survey form the basis of this plan. In addition, the strategic plan takes into account the Competencies of Special Librarians of the 21^st Century, which emphasize professional and personal development.

SLA currently has five tasks forces charged with improving and developing the Association (see http://www.sla.org/content/memberonly/taskforces/index.cfm for details). When the Task Force on Conference Planning Structure and the Task Force on Membership complete their recommendations, the Division should consider modifying this strategic plan to incorporate their ideas as appropriate.

I. Goal: Increase member participation in Division activities.

A. Objective: Provide opportunities at the annual meeting for members to learn about the Division activities and to meet fellow members.

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B. Objective: Ensure timely and effective communication among Division officers, committee chairs and members to stimulate interest, involvement and a sense of ownership.

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C. Objective: Offer networking opportunities both at the annual meeting and throughout the year.

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D. Objective: Encourage and proactively solicit volunteers for Division activities.

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II. Goal: Strengthen the Division through continuing membership retention and membership drive efforts.

A. Objective: Review and revise Membership Chair duties and action plan as needed.

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B. Objective: Identify and promote special interest groups that fit within the Division’s scope.

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C. Objective: Schedule regular surveys to determine members’ needs and interests.

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III. Goal: Provide professional development opportunities within the Division’s scope.

A. Objective: Provide annual meeting programming that satisfies the professional development needs of Division members.

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B. Objective: Develop continuing education courses in the subject specialties described in the Division's scope notes and also courses in technology and management as applied to those subjects.

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C. Objective: Use the ERMD Web site as a delivery mechanism for materials that aid professional development.

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D. Objective: Sponsor a mentoring program for members.

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E. Objective: Invite internationally known speakers to the annual meeting.

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IV. Goal: Explore new and emerging technologies as delivery mechanisms for resource sharing, distance learning, mentoring and networking within the Division’s scope.

A. Objective: Investigate means of delivering training and other interactive sessions to the members’ desktop.

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B. Objective: Expand coverage of substantive topics and information in the Division’s print and electronic publications.

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