Genealogy and Local History Section
Strategic Plan
2004-2005
(Revised August 2004)
Mission
Our mission is to provide a voice for genealogy and local history librarians in the international information community, to facilitate networking among subject specialists and libraries, archives, museums, and related societies and institutions, and to encourage the development of genealogy and local history collections and user services
Goals
GOAL 1: Provide a voice for genealogy and local history librarians in the international information community.
(Professional Priority: supporting the role of libraries in society)
Actions
1.1 Collaborate with relevant IFLA sections to organize joint open session programmes on genealogy and local history topics.
1.2 Support libraries serving genealogists and local historians that are facing major challenges such as closure and data privacy issues.
GOAL 2: Facilitate and promote global networking among genealogy and local history professionals and between libraries, archives, and museums serving genealogists and local historians.
(Professional Priorities: developing library professionals, supporting the infrastructure of library associations)
Actions
2.1 Promote and increase active participation in the GENLOC listserv.
2.2 Publish and disseminate semi-annual issues of the Section newsletter.
2.3 Recruit new Section members.
2.4 Survey national library associations for genealogy and local history sections.
2.5 Promote cooperation between libraries, archives, and musuems.
GOAL 3: Support and promote improved traditional and electronic genealogy and local history reference services.
(Professional Priorities: promoting resource sharing, developing library professionals, promoting standards, guidelines, and best practices)
Actions
3.1 Survey national libraries for genealogy and local history services.
3.2 Collect guidelines for genealogy and local history collections and services.
3.3 Share information about genealogy and local history resources and best practices through IFLA conferences, the Section newsletter, and the GENLOC listserv.
GOAL 4: Proactively address data privacy concerns that affect genealogy and local history collections and services.
(Professional Priorities: supporting the role of libraries in society, defending principles of freedom of information)
Actions
4.1 Use the GENLOC listserv to identify and share information about data privacy issues and legislation.
4.2 Work with FAIFE to develop a code of ethics or guidelines for responsibly providing access to genealogy and local history indices and source documents on the Web.
4.3 Establish communications with national library associations to encourage working with the proponents of data privacy to develop legislation that addresses their concerns while preserving access to information for legitimate genealogical and local historical purposes.
