Boundless Horizons Inspire “Big Sky”
Possibilities for Kansas LibrariesA visioning session conducted by KLA President Patti Butcher at the January 21 KLA Council meeting elicited the following issues for further discussion and comment. Many of the issues are similar to the goals presented in the January 2004 KLA Educational Foundation casebook. Now we want feedback from people working in libraries and people interested in library success for Kansas. Are we seeing all the issues? Are we looking beyond the horizon? Are we thinking as big as the Kansas sky?
KLA Initiatives & Roles
- Well-funded, effective and ongoing, glitzy and broad media campaign
- Inclusive communication and membership initiative
- Strengthen KLA’s internal and external position in relation to in-state and out-of-state groups
- Highlight economic development impact of libraries
- Greater cooperation among Kansas library organizations, possible merging into one organization
- Advocacy: Legislative, Legal, and Lobbying
- Leader in continuing education for professionals
- Stronger networking opportunities
- Recognize “Best in our Field” – many categories
- Attract new people to the profession
- Build future leaders; continue strong association leadership
- Endowment leading to self-sufficiency
- KLA is the “axle on the wagon wheel” of many constituent groups
- Libraries as a “ Destination Place”
The visioning session is a “next step” in an exciting process for KLA. Six years ago the Kansas Library Association embarked upon an exciting journey to evolve into a multidimensional organization that exceeded the expectations of members. Milestones in the journey:
- Kansas Library Association Centennial Committee drafted goals for a revitalized association
April 2000 Centennial Celebration/ Tri-conference, Wichita, KLA Educational Foundation launched at Boathouse Gala May 2001 Strategic Planning Committee retreat affirms and expands initiatives for revitalization Dec. 2001 Successful statewide call for expanded institutional membership and a three-year Support Fund commitment March 2002 KLA Council approves job description for first full-time Executive Director and plans move to office in space provided by Topeka Shawnee County Public Library July 2002 KLA Council approves contract for space with TSCPL Aug. 2002 Hans Fischer, FoKL chair, challenges the KLA Survival Committee to “think bigger and endow the association to ensure service to Kansas libraries – to move out of just a ‘survival’ mode.” Oct. 2002 KLA Council approves Executive Director contract Dec. 2002 KLA Headquarters office opens in Topeka March 2003 KLA Council approves Request for Proposal for professional endowment feasibility study June 2003 RFP issued to 5 consultants Oct. 2003 KLA Council approves contract with Braden, Mulder & German; Jim Dodson, consultant Dec. 2003 KLA Educational Foundation Board of Directors accepts role as implementers for endowment campaign Jan. 2004 “Treasuring the Past—Providing for the Future” casebook published Jan. –June 2004 Feasibility study conducted | 
