Management of Library Associations Section
Strategic Plan
2008-2009
Mission
“Libraries on the agenda”, the current IFLA Presidential
theme, is in harmony with the overall scope of MLAS as the section
which:
- supports the role of IFLA as an international
advocacy agency and policy maker
- promotes the importance of library associations
in individual countries
- addresses the interests, aspirations and
concerns of the library associations represented among IFLA
members
- provides leadership which encourages
associations to be more active and conscious of societal
responsabilities
- supports the needs and interests of all types
and sizes of library associations, taking into account that there
is a continuum of resources available to library associations: some
have paid staff and others are run by volunteers, both possessing a
wide range of experience and expertise
- welcomes the participation of all library
associations, both IFLA and non-IFLA members, in its
activities.
1. "The Society
Pillar"
Goals
Promoting the role of the national library associations in IFLA
policy development and in influencing decision making on library
matters in society in general and with a focus to the ongoing WSIS
follow-up process as carried out by UNESCO and other international
organisations.
Thus relating to IFLA professional priorities (2001):
(a) Supporting the role of libraries in society;
(b) Defending the principle of freedom of information;
(c) Promoting literacy and reading;
(d) Providing unrestricted access to information;
Actions
1.1 Advise IFLA governance structures on international policy-making
on general library issues including FAIFE and CLM aspects and on the
role of national library associations through the GB co-opted seat
(MLAS chair, currently Sinikka Sipilä)
1.2 Support the implementation of the IFLA Three Pillars Strategy
through section activities
1.3 Act as a partner and consultative body for IFLA governance
structures on policy matters relating to national library associations
on a running basis
1.4 Recommend appropriate strategies to IFLA on matters relating to
national library associations
1.5 Partner with IFLA in global lobbying activities and
programmes
1.6 Share experiences and best practises in national
associations’ work for promoting national library development,
information strategies and library legislation on national level
1.7 Support national library associations in implementing IFLA
policies and decisions through twinning projects such as the
GLAD-programme.
2. "The
Professional Pillar"
Goals
Strengthen library associations as representative bodies for the
library and information sector and encourage their full and active
participation in IFLA and the MLAS.
Thus relating to IFLA professional priorities (2001):
(a) Supporting the role of libraries in society;
(h) Developing library professionals;
(i) Promoting standards, guidelines and best practices;
(j) Supporting the infrastructure of library associations;
Actions
2.1 Further MLAS priorities (see scope) through sessions at IFLA
Conferences inviting representatives of library associations to
participate.
2.2 Working within the IFLA infrastructure to identify and cooperate
with other associations or bodies that are involved with library
association development; with a specific focus on the developing world
together with ALP in order to establish and strengthen national library
associations in member states.
2.3 Glad-Programme: To strengthen leadership skills and competencies
of library association officers and representatives and monitor and
give support in order to effectively operate library associations
through various projects.
2.4 Hold a mid-year meeting of the MLAS Standing Committee hosted by
one of the members and meet with colleagues from the association within
that country, or have a study tour of the appropriate institutions.
These meetings are open to all library associations as observers.
3. "The Members
Pillar"
Goals
Promote IFLA's Advocacy and Professional Priorities in MLAS projects
and programmes.
Thus relating to IFLA professional priorities (2001):
(h) Developing library professionals;
(j) Supporting the infrastructure of library associations;
Actions
3.1 Submit information and news items regularly about the MLAS
priorities and activities for the IFLA Journal, IFLANET and the Section
Newsletter [Responsibility of the Information Coordinator].
3.2 Communicate regularly with the IFLA regional offices, offer MLAS
input/information to regional programs including distributions of MLAS
publications.
3.3 Foster the work of the IFLA ALP Core Activity programmes in
cooperation with the ALP Advisory Board and the ALP Office.
3.4 Work to increase association membership in IFLA through the
GLAD-Programme.
