   
Health and Biosciences
Libraries Section
Strategic Plan
2004-2005
Mission
The section acts as a forum for information professionals working in libraries and information centers concerned with health and the biosciences. Its general aims are: to promote cooperation between such libraries, library associations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other relevant bodies; to facilitate awareness and application of new technologies relevant to those libraries and information centers; and to assist in the provision of health information to health professionals and consumers.
Goals
1. Complete the planning for the International Congress on Medical Librarianship (ICML) in 2005 to be held in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 20-23 September 2005
(Professional priorities: (h) developing library professionals)
Action
1.1 Utilize the section's listserv to gather programming ideas for the program, with the theme: Commitment to Equity
1.2 Utilize the section's listserv to solicit speakers for contributed papers.
2. Provide open sessions and workshops on emerging technologies in health and biosciences of general interest to the IFLA membership.
(Professional priorities: (f) promoting resource sharing; (h) developing library professionals; (i) promoting standards, guidelines, and best practice.)
Action
2.1 Plan program for Buenos Aires on health literacy.
2.2 Identify speakers and encourage papers from Spanish speaking librarians and information professionals.
2.3 Explore extending health literacy activities as a new program area.
2.4 Begin planning for the Oslo meeting in 2005, with a focus on technology.
3. Encourage endorsement by WHO and PAHO of the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) statement of principles for accessible health information within a cost structure that is affordable and that employs fair licensing principles.
Action
3.1 Review current ICOLC statement with the goal of endorsement by the section.
3.2 Contact WHO and PAHO about endorsing the ICULC statement.
3.3 Explore promoting the concept of open access publishing with other IFLA sections.
4. Increase communication between librarians interested in the health and biosciences.
(Professional priorities: (d) providing unrestricted access to information; (f) promoting resource sharing; (h) developing library professionals; (i) promoting standards, guidelines and best practice.)
Action
4.1 Contact all IFLA institutions with a health or bioscience library to promote section membership and encourage new section members.
4.2 Expand the focus of the section's listserv to include general communications of interest to health and biosciences librarians and information professionals.
4.2.1 Publicize the broader focus of the listserv with other organizations.
4.2.2 Contact all IFLA institutions with a health or bioscience library to promote the broader focus of the listserv and encourage its use.
4.3 Chair will contact chair of MLA International Cooperation Section about further cooperation with the Standing Committee.
4.4 Work with Bireme to identify success factors in bringing information access to developing countries.
4.5 Develop a web site to show examples of communicating health information.
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