As announced at SLA's 1998 Winter Meeting in January, this issue of Information Outlook focuses on Strategic Planning. SLA's Strategic Planning Committee decided to take a breather from our day-to-day crises and think strategically for our association, our profession, and our enterprises.

These articles cover many strategic issues facing our association, our profession, and our organizations. We start with an overview of SLA's strategic planning process, then take a step back and look at the history of strategic planning at SLA, and finally share some ideas for improvements to our association's process in "The Strategy Game at SLA" beginning on page 17. SLA's newly adopted Strategic Plan: A Visionary Framework for the Future follows on page 22.

We then cover various strategic issues including: technology in "Integrating Technology into Strategic Planning" (page 24); marketing in "Marketing with a Capital S: Strategic Planning for Knowledge Based Services" (page 28); and research to underpin our strategic decisions in "Filling the Planning Vacuum" (page 34). "Strategic Reading" includes five short book reviews on guides to strategic planning for non-profits and associations to assist SLA units (page 38), and On the Net focuses on planning Web sites (page 12).

As we step back, we should think about how things have changed and ponder the vista of opportunities that opens up to us as a result of these changes. Now is the time for SLA units to review their plans in light of these changes, and to take advantage of these new opportunities.

SLA has grown and changed in the past few years--it's time to ensure that you're taking full advantage of your membership. Looking for new programming methodologies? Experiment with our SLA Chat facility. Here, you can chat online with SLA's Executive Director, David R. Bender, in one of his scheduled sessions. Share your units listserv experiences--there are several different ways to profit from this networking tool. If your unit doesn't have one yet, SLA headquarters can help to get your listserv underway. Talk to our award-winning SLA Web site staff for advice on getting your Web page "up" for your unit or your library (SLA HQ can host!).

Who says all things have to be Internet-based? Try SLA's new toll-free fax-on-demand system (1-888-411-2856) and think about how you can use this service for your benefit. Also, our wildly successful and exciting distance education programs and video products are available for your continuing education and reference--if you haven't already, give them a try! New plans are afoot to drive more members-only virtual services as we get our new Association Management System installed--it can and will drive new SLA products and services.

The future belongs to information professionals who can turn information into knowledge and put knowledge to work. Experiment, adapt, and succeed!

Enjoy the issue!

Stephen Abram
Guest Editor

• Table of Contents
• Summaries of Feature Articles
• Summaries of Feature Articles (French)
• Summaries of Feature Articles (Spanish)
• Index to Advertisers