Science and Technology Libraries Section
Strategic Plan
2006-2007
The section supports librarianship and professional competencies of librarians in the fields of science and technology. The section takes interest in and responds to current challenges about collecting materials in, and offering access to information relevant to physical sciences, engineering and technology. Activities include monitoring the dynamic environment in the field, promoting discussions, as well as exploring and sharing
best practices among members who serve in research, public, corporate and government libraries. Working with colleagues in developing nations is a high priority. The section has established relations with other IFLA sections and international professional organizations relevant to the field.
Mission
To support and promote science and technology librarianship in a global framework.
Goals
1. Promote international discussion of current issues and services in libraries in the sciences and technology.
(Professional priorities: (a) Supporting the role of libraries in society; (d) Providing unrestricted access to information; (f) Promoting resource sharing; (h) Developing Library professionals; (i) Promoting standards, guidelines and best practice; (k) Representing libraries in the technological marketplace)
Actions
1.1 Programming at the Annual IFLA Conference is a way to bridge information gaps on a global scale and the Section intends to have a theme session that builds on the conference theme and emphasizes some aspect that is relevant to science and technology librarians. Efforts are usually made to engage both regional and non-regional speakers and focus on different approaches to the general topic
1.2 In addition to program sessions, the Section also likes to visit local libraries with a considerable science and technology focus, strength and collection. Even though we now have to choose between scheduling a library site visit / study tour or a program, it is the intention of the Section to explore options in our conference cities.
1.3 Improve communication methods via the IFLA listserv of our subscribed members and to continue to issue two Section newsletters each year. Content in the newsletter promotes ongoing work and introduces relevant work of the Section's members and their libraries.
2. Promote activities and explore best practices that advance the professional competence of science and technology librarians.
(Professional priorities: (f) Promoting resource sharing; (h) Developing library professionals; (I) Promoting standards, guidelines and best practice; (k) Representing libraries in the technology marketplace)
Actions
2.1 Explore and plan programming that demonstrates these principles.
2.2 Communicate appropriately with members and prospective members about the work in which we are engaged.
2.3 Collaborate with other IFLA units and sections that share professional common interests.
2.4 Work with colleagues in the information industry that supply products and resources that serve as good examples of science and technology research and information.
3. Engage in projects, and information sharing in cooperation with colleagues in other library associations and scholarly organizations, to sharpen skills and understandings about how science & technology librarians in other settings work and how IFLA can potentially partner with them.
(Professional priorities: (a) Supporting the role of libraries in society; (b) Defending the principle of freedom of information; (d) Providing unrestricted access to information; (h) Developing library professionals)
Actions
3.1 Continue to build strong and meaningful relationships with colleagues in related international library associations and scholarly societies.
Currently, the Section has established a formal liaison relationship with the following associations:
- International Association of Technological University Libraries (IATUL)
- the Science and Technology Section of the Association of College & Research Libraries in the American Library Association (STS/ACRL/ALA)
- several sections of the Special Libraries Association (SLA)
- the Medical Library Association (MLA)
- the Engineering Libraries Division of the American Society of Engineering Education (ELD/ASEE)
- the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- to expand this list with other relevant and appropriate relationships
4. Develop and advance the effectiveness of the Section as an international focus for science and technology librarianship and enhance the status of science and technology librarians, especially in less-developed countries and regions.
(Professional priorities) (h) Developing library professionals; (i) Promoting standards, guidelines and best practice; (k) Representing libraries in the technological marketplace)
Actions
4.1 Continue with the database enhancements of the project "Survey of Scientific and Technological Information Needs in Less-Developed and Developing Countries", and explore ways of partnering with other organizations to enhance the usefulness of the service.
4.2 Evaluate the impact of the project "Survey of Scientific and Technological Information Needs in Less-Developed and Developing Countries" and according to results, devise and implement a plan for further enhancement.
4.3 Consider support means to encourage members to participate in the discussions over the Section IFLANET mailing list STL-SC
4.4 Consider alternative and additional methods to serve colleagues who are in libraries with restrictive collections or in libraries that have been victims of catastrophe or politically unstable situations, and to respond and participate when appropriate.
4.5 Analyze and better understand Section membership needs and trends.
