KLA Strategic Plan 2007 - 2009

KLA Mission Statement

The Kansas Library Association is the common bond, public voice, and collective power for the Kansas library community.

KLA Vision Statement

Dynamic libraries and librarians serving all Kansans.

KLA Guiding Principles & Values
SERVICE TO MEMBERS:   We are committed to fostering relationships among members and to providing opportunities to develop professional skills.
DIVERSITY:   We value the diversity of both our membership and the communities we serve. Diversity of ideas, approaches, and perspectives adds to effectiveness, relevance, and growth.
RESPECT:    Mutual respect contributes to a positive foundation for collaboration and achievement.
ACCESS:   Information resources provided by libraries should be equally and equitably accessible to all library users via various and diverse means.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM:   Freedom of access to information for all individuals is essential in a free society.
COLLABORATION:   We can best serve our constituencies by working together and pooling resources to achieve mutual goals and address common  challenges. 
INNOVATION:    We embrace innovative solutions and flexible approaches for the enhancement of library services.

Key Focus Areas

ADVOCACY
KLA will be the voice for Kansas libraries at the local, state, and federal levels on issues that impact the library community and information access for all Kansans.
  •  Develop guidelines for Government Affairs Committee operations, including job description for the chair.
  •  Expand participation in Library Legislative Day in Topeka and in Washington, DC.
  •  Participate in the annual meetings of the Kansas League of Municipalities and the Kansas Association of Counties.
  •  Develop advocacy materials for use by KLA members with their constituencies.
Longer Term Goals
Fund full-time legislative lobbying position in Topeka in addition to Executive Director.
Develop constructive dialogue with other advocacy groups supportive of library interests.

EDUCATION

KLA will facilitate the acquisition of needed skills and expand opportunities for professional development within the library community.

  • Identify and prioritize statewide continuing education programs for KLA involvement.
  • Promote KLA student membership at three regional library schools.
  • Develop materials for use in educating the public regarding library issues.
  • Plan and implement a high quality annual conference consistent with KLA educational interests.
  • Participate in existing “Current Issues in Librarianship” course at Emporia State University SLIM program.
Longer Term Goals
Review/expand continuing education grant programs.
Participate in additional current issues in librarianship courses at regional library schools.
Encourage establishment of networking groups of Kansas librarians.

LEADERSHIP
KLA will foster the development of current and future Kansas library leaders and take a leadership role in areas of library interest.
  • Recognize and celebrate library leadership across the state with annual awards and public recognition.
  • Cultivate future leadership from within the membership of KLA through recruitment and training.
  • Communicate opportunities for leadership development, both regionally and nationally, to KLA members.
  • Assess the feasibility of adding an administration and management interest group to the KLA structure.
Longer Term Goals
Investigate KLA’s potential role in the development of a leadership program for the statewide library community.

PARTNERSHIPS
KLA will develop partnerships to leverage resources, increase visibility, and maximize influence.
  • Identify KLA goals for creating partnerships
  • Define objectives to be achieved through partnering.
  • Identify and prioritize organizations whose mission and goals offer opportunities for partnering.
  • Select three organizations and implement partnerships.
  • Establish mutually agreeable goals.
  • Define respective roles.
  • Establish working relationships.
Longer Term Goals
Implement additional partnerships.

Nurture and grow partner relationships.

Assess and report results of partnerships.


COMMUNICATION
KLA will use various communication channels to promote and support library issues and interests.
  •  Develop dynamic web presence.
  •  Enhance and expand communication to members and potential members.
  •  Publication of quarterly newsletter.
  •  Establish membership e-mail list.
  •  Create one minute speech on the benefits of membership.
  •  Develop external communications to partners & media outlets
  •  Create one minute speech on the positive role of libraries in Kansas communities.
  •  Create media templates for use by members.
Longer Term Goals
Investigate membership management software.
Increase frequency of newsletter.

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT
KLA will develop and maintain the funding necessary to accomplish its goals and implement its mission.
  • Establish comprehensive financial policy and procedures to ensure fiscal accountability and transparency.
  •  Develop comprehensive financial reporting.
  •  Move KLA accounting to QuickBooks.
  •  Create clear reports as needed for the association and its subgroups.
  •  Clarify and communicate the role of the annual conference as a financial support mechanism for KLA.
  •  Define and create an officer position of treasurer in the KLA governance structure.
  •  Develop a Financial Plan in alignment with the Strategic Plan.
Longer Term Goals
Increase KLA office staffing.
Revise membership dues structure.
Increase the financial contribution of the annual conference to KLA.