ABOUT
PLSA
PLSA
is the key strategic body in the library and information industry
concerned with the future and role of South Australia's public
libraries.
PLSA represents
the 139 libraries that constitute South Australia's highly effective
public library network, and provides a united voice on major issues
including:
- Policy and
planning
- Funding
- Strategic
alliances and partnerships
- Advocacy; and
- Ongoing
network development
As its peak
body, PLSA is active in management of network issues, information
gathering and dissemination, and in facilitating professional training
and development.
PLSA also provides an important industry
forum for discussion and communication through the AskPLSA mailing list.
PLSA works
actively with a range of external agencies and service providers
including
Public Library Services
and the State Library of South Australia to achieve its strategic
objectives, and promotes the informed participation of network members
through regular Quarterly meetings, and opportunities to become more
directly involved either as member of the elected Executive
team., or
PLSA works
closely with the Local Government Association to further the productive
well-being and ongoing development of the public library network in
South Australia.
Mission
The Public
Libraries of South Australia (PLSA) exists to ensure the long term
viability of public libraries in South Australia
Vision
PLSA aims to:
-
Secure a
strong market position for the South Australian public library
network; and
-
Ensure the
role of the library network is understood, valued and supported by
state and local government, business and the community.
Strategic
Objectives
PLSA's
objectives are to:
-
Develop
policy and facilitate the effective management and administration of
libraries within Local Government and those Education bodies with
Joint Use libraries in South Australia;
-
Provide
an effective conduit and forum for cooperation between Local
Government bodies and to advise Local Government on matters concerning
library and information services;
-
Advise
the Libraries Board, State and Federal Governments and other relevant
bodies on matters relating to library and information services;
-
Provide
mutual support, advice and professional development opportunities for
members; and
-
Maintain
and conduct the Council as a non-political and non-industrial body.
To
assist in achieving its mission and vision, PLSA will work to:
-
Define
an agreed market position for the library network;
-
Promote
the Council as the peak body for the South Australian library and
information industry;
-
Examine
the opportunities for public libraries in being associated with the
Arts portfolio;
-
Strengthen
strategic alliances;
-
Develop
a preferred funding proposal that reflects the needs of the network
and is supportive of the newly-defined market position;
-
Develop
and/or lobby for additional funding sources; and
-
Improve
the ability of the Council's Executive to implement its strategic plan
and to represent the interests of the network.
