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Science and Technology Libraries Section

Strategic Plan
2008-2009

The Science and Technology 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.

(Relationship to IFLA Strategic Plan: 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 Bridge information gaps on a global scale through appropriate programming at the Annual IFLA Conference.  Build on the conference theme and emphasize some aspect that is relevant to science and technology librarians.  Engage both regional and non-regional speakers and focus on different approaches to the general topic.

1.2 Visit local libraries with a significant science and technology focus, strength and/or collection during the Annual IFLA Conference.  Such visits provide unique opportunities to promote the committee’s and IFLA’s work as well as expand the committee’s understanding of local issues.  Such visits enhance the overall conference experience.

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.  Content may include:

  • Standing Committee member profiles
  • Highlights of member libraries
  • Introducing blogs and RSS feeds of articles & news of interest to section
  • Updates from Liaison organizations

2. Promote activities and explore “best practices” that advance the professional competence of science and technology librarians.  This may include ways to participate in resource sharing; promote models for digitization projects, identify new applications for engaging technology and emerging technologies in relevant science library practices.

(Relationship to IFLA Strategic Plan:  Professional priorities: (f) Promoting resource sharing; (h) Developing Library professionals; (i) Promoting standards, guidelines and best practice; (k) Representing libraries in the technological 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. This may include updating the Section Brochure and translating into all IFLA languages utilizing some of the new Language Centers.

2.3 Collaborate and explore opportunities with other IFLA units and sections that share professional common interests. Possible units may include the Information Technology, Health & Biosciences, Academic & Research Libraries, National Libraries, Government Publications, Knowledge Management, and Acquisitions & Collection Development.  Opportunities include soliciting program involvement and participation in the Section’s conference study tour.

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.  Examples for such partnerships include sponsorship opportunities; collaboration in the development of and test bed for new information products.

2.5 Mentor librarians new to science who are isolated from appropriate colleagues.

2.6 Exploit opportunities to promote quality science literature for children.

2.7 Work with other IFLA units and sections to address the issue of public access to science information with attention paid to the role of science and technical libraries as gateways.

3. Engage in projects and information sharing in cooperation with colleagues in other library associations and scholarly organizations, to sharpen skills and understanding about how science and technology librarians in other settings work and how IFLA can potentially partner with them.

(Relationship to IFLA Strategic Plan: Professional priorities: (a) Supporting the role of libraries in society; (b) Defend the principle of freedom of information; (d) Providing unrestricted access to information; (f) Promoting resource sharing; (h) Developing Library professionals

Actions

3.1 Continue to build strong and meaningful relationships with colleagues in related international library associations and scholarly societies.  Possible activities include distribution of a newsletter, promotion of the discussion list, regular participation in their meetings and discussions. Currently, the Section has established a formal liaison relationship with the following associations:

  • International Association of Technological University Libraries (IATUL)
  • Science & Technology Section of the Association of College & Research Libraries of the American Library Association (STS/ACRL/ALA)
  • Special Libraries Association, USA (SLA)
  • Medical Library Association, USA (MLA)
  • Engineering Libraries Division of the American Society of Engineering Education, USA (ELD/ASEE)
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
  • Ligue des Bibliothèques Européennes de Recherche / Association of European Research Libraries (LIBRE)
  • International Council for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI)

3.2 Expand above list with other relevant and appropriate relationships

3.3 Explore  opportunities to promote quality science literature for children.

3.4 Work with colleagues in the above organizations  to address the issue of public access to science information with attention paid to the role of science and technical libraries as gateways.

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.

(Relationship to IFLA Strategic Plan: Professional priorities: (h) Developing Library professionals; (i) Promoting standards, guidelines and best practice; (k) Representing libraries in the technological marketplace.)

Actions

4.1 Engage in Information Sharing and regional conferences that promote such alliances.

4.2 Consider support means to encourage members to participate in the discussions over the Section IFLANET mailing list STL-SC

4.3 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.

4.4 Analyze and better understand Section membership needs and trends.

4.5 Pursue timely issues as identified at the Section’s annual meeting.  In 2007, these include scientific literacy and science publishing trends in the world, particularly China.