Introduction

All goals and strategies for CHLA/ABSC are firmly grounded in the principles set forth in our values and vision statements.

REVISED GOALS AND STRATEGIES FOR 2006/2007 - DRAFT

ADVOCACY:

To advocate for health libraries and health information services.

Recommended Strategies:

Under the coordination of the PR director, CHLA/ABSC will:

1. Continue advocacy and promotion.
2. Develop promotion and advocacy plan that examines other initiatives (eg ALA, MLA).
3. Develop and distribute promotional materials addressing the health care community: library groups, health professionals, health care consumers.
4. Develop the advocacy, marketing, and promotional products.

CHAPTERS

To increase the relevance of the national association to chapter members, and to achieve greater participation of chapter members at the national level. (Many of the strategies addressing this important goal are folded into other sections)

Recommended strategies:

1. Chapter Liaison:
   1. Develop a means to support and encourage Chapter input on updates and changes.
2. Review current National / Chapter membership model, compare with models from other organizations (ideally relevant by size / structure / mix etc) and recommend best model(s).
3. Explore means for encouraging involvement of Chapter members in CHLA/ABSC.

COMMUNICATION:

To develop a comprehensive, integrated strategy for using all the vehicles at the Association’s disposal (the journal, the website, the various electronic discussion lists) to maximize information-sharing, to foster and support chapter development, and to ensure that the national membership as well as all of the extended chapter memberships receive communication on national issues.

Recommended Strategies:

• Review the existing communication plans (JCHLA/JABSC, Executive manual, Conference Planning manual, website maintenance guidelines) and create an integrated strategy.
• Support Chapters' development of new and existing email lists.
• Implement the communication plan.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

To ensure the development and provision of quality continuing education and professional development opportunities, programming and resources in support of identified needs of CHLA/ABSC members.

Recommended strategies:

• CE Database:
  • Build up an inventory / database of CE - professional instructors and workshops, including relevant programs from beyond the health sciences community.
  • Make database available through association members-only website.
• Investigate alternate methods of delivering CE.
• Conduct web based CE survey instrument to assess needs and program effectiveness. The association can deploy the survey periodically, and/or share with association chapters.

NATIONAL NETWORK OF LIBRARIES FOR HEALTH (NNLH):

To take a leadership role in the development of the Canadian health information and knowledge network.

Recommended Strategies:

• Support the development of the business plan.
• Develop and implement a promotional campaign for the NNLH that can be utilized not just by the task force but by health libraries throughout Canada.

FUNDING AND SPONSORSHIP:

To ensure that the Association has funding to support the development of programmes and services.

Recommended Strategies:

• Establish a method to coordinate and solicit sponsors and funding bodies.
• Review membership fee structure to ensure that it is adequate to cover Association expenses and to support ongoing activities.