Strategic Plan

The Upstate New York Chapter of the Special Libraries Association (the Chapter) is a regional chapter of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). Members include information professionals and special librarians in business, media, finance, research, government, academic institutions, museums, trade associations, nonprofit organizations, and institutions that use or produce specialized information. The Chapter covers 51 counties in Upstate New York.

Mission:

• To foster interrelationships and professional growth of members;
• To advance the role of Chapter members in putting knowledge to work in their organizations; and
• To serve as leaders in the destiny of our information society.

Strategies and Tactics:

The Chapter's Strategic Plan is intended to support SLA's mission, vision, and values, and to provide a visionary framework to enable Chapter officers and members make effective decisions for the future. Annual operational plans will be developed by the Chapter's Executive Board and Advisory Council to provide specific directions toward achieving the Chapter's strategic priorities, as listed below.

Priorities:

The priorities outlined herein are based on membership input via formal telephone and mail surveys conducted 1998-1999, Board/Advisory Council discussions during 1999-2000, and strategic priorities for SLA as outlined in the association's June 2000 Strategic Plan.  These priorities will be reviewed and adjusted at least every four years based on formal and informal input from the Chapter's membership.

1. Strategic Learning and Development - To provide opportunities for learning the right skills at the right time, we will:

1. 1. Produce high quality leading edge educational programs, including a minimum of two formal Chapter educational programs per year (spring and fall), to be held in locations rotating around the Upstate New York region).
   2. Foster local and regional in-person networking opportunities, including development and promotion local area meetings.
   3. Strive to develop virtual programs and/or traveling programs that enable participation of members in remote locations.

1. 1. 1. Explore the feasibility of financially underwriting Local Area sponsorship of SLA Continuing Education courses and/or satellite downlinked programs.
      2. Post Chapter program content, or excerpts thereof, on the Chapter Web Site.
      3. Explore the feasibility of chat rooms or virtual discussions following posting of program content, member articles, or SLA downlinked programs.
   2. Anticipate and communicate trends in technology and information management to Chapter members through the Chapter newsletter, web site, and electronic discussion list.
   3. Offer Chapter leadership opportunities that provide skills and training members can bring back to the workplace.
   4. Collaborate with other appropriate regional and local associations (3R's Councils, ALLUNY, UNYOC, ACRL, NYLA, other state SLA chapters and SLA Divisions) to develop and/or jointly promote appropriate educational programs, conferences, courses, and networking opportunities.
2. Guarantee the future - To build our future, we will:

1. 1. Continue to develop student relations programs and active student chapters in the three library schools located in the Upstate region.

1. 1. 1. Promote of programs that promote interaction between students and members
      2. Publicize SLA scholarships and programs within library schools.
      3. Identify and promote of internship and field work opportunities.
      4. Offer tours of regional libraries.
      5. Maintain regular contacts with library school faculty.
      6. Encourage students to participate in the Chapter electronic discussion list.
      7. Encourage students to attend Chapter programs by offering scholarships and/or reduced registration fees.
   2. Seek to actively recruit new members, incorporate new members and non-active members into Chapter leadership roles, and develop strategies for retention of members over time.

1. 1. 1. Explore the feasibility of a membership drive to encourage non-members to join and new members to renew using prizes or free membership drawing for those who renew or join.
      2. Post committee vacancies regularly in the Chapter bulletin, electronic discussion list, and web site
      3. Actively seek to involve those survey respondents who indicated potential willingness to serve on the Board/Advisory Council or volunteer for short-term projects.
      4. Explore the feasibility of developing a brochure and/or web page specifically directed to library school members and new members outlining Chapter and SLA leadership opportunities.
      5. Develop a mentoring program through which new members and student members are teamed with longer term Chapter members.
      6. Continue to publish a printed Chapter directory at least biannually.
   2. Foster virtual networking through utilization of the Chapter's electronic discussion list, web site, and development of other appropriate means as technology permits (for example, Chapter online chats, teleconferencing, etc.)
   3. Actively seek opportunities to secure vendor funding/sponsorship of educational programs or other Chapter efforts, including active effort to seek and retain sponsors for the Chapter Bulletin and printed directory.
2. Promoting our Value through Communication, Marketing & Public Relations - To promote our activities and increase awareness among ourselves and others of what we do, we will:

1. 1. Confirm the importance of regular communication by continuing to publish a quarterly printed Chapter bulletin and biannual printed directory while simultaneously making effort to increase virtual/electronic communication among Chapter members.
   2. Use the Chapter Bulletin and web site to introduce members and their libraries, emphasizing innovations and areas of expertise.
   3. Continue to develop the Chapter web site as a means of electronic communication among both members and non-members.
   4. Offer consultation services to help companies and other organizations set up or improve their information services.
   5. Actively seek opportunities to increase visibility with local, regional, and national vendors through networking and formal contacts