Core ideology describes an association’s consistent identity that transcends all changes related to its relevant environment. It consists of two elements--core purpose--the association’s reason for being--and core values --essential and enduring principles that guide an association.  Envisioned future conveys a concrete yet unrealized vision for the association.  It consists of a big audacious goal--a clear and compelling catalyst that serves as a focal point for effort--and a vivid description--vibrant and engaging descriptions of what it will be like to achieve the big audacious goal.

Core Ideology

Core Purpose:

Creating a better future for children through libraries.

Core Organizational Values (not in priority order):

 Member Services

 Collaboration

 Integrity and Respect

 Leadership

 Community

 Equity of Access

 Excellence and Innovation

Envisioned Future

Primary Goal:

To lead the way in forging excellent library service for all children.

Vivid Description of the Desired Future:

The Members

• Members are actively involved in the association and feel a part of the ALSC community.
• Members are actively recruiting other members.
• Through the association, members have grown in their knowledge and leadership skills in order to reach their full potential.
• Members are actively engaged in providing excellent services to children.
• Association members are politically active.

The Association

• ALSC is recognized as the best association to join in library service to children.
• ALSC is the association that all youth service staff seek for guidance and programs.
• ALSC is recognized as the first source for information about reading.
• Association collaborative ventures are synergetic and results exceed expectations.
• ALSC is recognized as successfully advocating for children and children’s service within ALA.
• ALSC is considered an innovator for future library service.
• ALSC is able to fund research validating the impact of excellent library service to children.
• There is an ALSC presence in every community.
• ALSC is structured to promptly and effectively respond to changes in the professional environment.
• ALSC is aggressively pursuing collaborations to benefit children’s literacy.
• ALSC is known for its innovative education opportunities.
• ALSC is viewed as a significant player within ALA.
• ALSC has endorsed basic competencies for children’s librarians.
• ALSC has implemented a LIS curriculum for library school programs.

The Children

• All children have equal access to library.
• All children have a strong foundation for learning to read.
• All children recognize libraries as an integral part of their lives.
• Every child will feel welcomed at the library and will have the necessary skills to use library services.
• Parents and caregivers are partners with library staff in developing children’s literacy and school success.

The Library

• In every library, children come first.
• All libraries acknowledge the importance of children’s service with adequate materials and resources.
• All libraries recognize ALSC as a leader in promoting high quality service to children.
• Libraries recognize and support the value of all staff serving children.
• Resources, collections, services, and staff reflect the communities they serve.
• The library’s physical space reflects the developmental needs of children.
• Children and their families are being served by a variety of non-traditional programs and activities in off-site locations.

3-5 Year Planning Horizon

~ Outcome-Oriented Goals and Objectives~

The following thinking represents goal areas for the next three to five years.  They are areas in which ALSC will explicitly state the conditions or attributes it wants to achieve. These outcome statements define “what will constitute future success.”  The achievement of each goal will move the association toward realization of its vision.  The goal areas are not in priority order.

Objectives and Strategies provide direction and actions on how the association will accomplish its articulated goals.  Strategic Objectives are considered in the 3-5 year planning horizon. 

Goals

Goal Area:   Advocacy

ALSC will promote and advance excellent library service for all children.

Objective 1:   Increase awareness of the value of excellent library service for all children.

Objective 2:   Increase ALSC involvement in ALA legislative initiatives.

Objective 3:   Increase funding for research and evaluation.

Objective 4:   Increase access to library services.

Goal Area:   Education

ALSC will strengthen, support, and advance research and education in the area of library services to children.

Objective 1:   Enhance continuing education opportunities for children’s librarians, youth service staff, and other internal and external stakeholders.

Objective 2:   Increase research and evaluation projects in the area of children’s library service.

Objective 3:   Continue to advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive coursework in children’s literacy and children’s library service courses in graduate and undergraduate programs.

Objective 4:   Increase the number and diversity of people who choose library service for children as a profession.

Goal Area:   Collaboration

ALSC will work collaboratively within ALA, the profession, and the wider community to ensure excellent library service for all children.

Objective 1:   Increase the effectiveness of ALSC’s current collaborative efforts.

Objective 2:   Increase opportunities to work in coalition with other related groups.

Objective 3:   Increase public awareness of the value of library service to children.

Approved by the ALSC Board of Directors, January 2006

Click here for the ALSC Strategic Plan, 2000-2005