PNLA Quarterly, Vol. 62 No.2 Winter 1998

An open letter to PNLA librarians: The Process of Renewal

Many external forces have, however, combined to make a review and renewal of PNLA crucial at this time. The growing strength and influence of state and provincial associations, the expansion and ease of electronic networking and an ongoing restrictive fiscal climate resulting in fewer dollars and more competition for them has led people to question the worth of PNLA. It is for this reason that I stated in my position platform for President that I believed it was necessary to renew the mission of PNLA to face the current challenges and ensure that it was a viable organisation for the future, successfully fulfilling a regional role. An urgency was added to this process with the decision of the executive board of the Oregon Library Association to begin a withdrawal process from PNLA.

The renewal process was launched at the 1997 PNLA conference with a short survey form "Refocussing for the Future" being distributed. This was followed up with the same form being posted to the Listserve. A further survey asking three short questions - What does PNLA do right -What does PNLA do wrong and fix - What should priorities be for the next 3 or 4 years - was distributed to specific groups of library directors, association presidents, library schools and interest group chairs. The response to all of these surveys has been underwhelming to say the least but the message from all areas was remarkably consistent and gave a good basis for board deliberation and planning.

The prime messages were:

• A lack of focus
• A very vague image
• Poor Communication
• Weak regional focus
• Duplicates State and Provincial Associations

• Develop a vision and regional focus
• Concentrate on communication and marketing
• Develop regional Continuing Education opportunities
• Joint memberships with State and Provincial Associations
• Develop the Quarterly into a shared regional journal
• Develop new models for membership participation

All board members have been asked to prepare a discussion paper on a particular section of the future plan addressing a vision for that section, what resources will be necessary to implement it and proposals for marketing it.. The assignments are:

• PNLA Mission, Goals, Structure, Relationship to State and Provincial Associations, Focus, Target Markets etc., - Gordon Ray and Karen Labuik.
• Publications Plan/Communications - Sue Samson and Barry Brown.
• Conferences and Continuing Education - Gloria Langstaff, Andrew Johnson and Margie Anderson.

Our Vision is of an association with a regional mandate and a regional and international focus that is responsive to the needs and interests of its members and supports the library community and library development in the Pacific Northwest. Please join us in this "Process of Renewal".

Gordon L. Ray

Young Reader's Choice Award Nominations

Please recommend outstanding literature for 4th-8th grade readers or for 9th -12th grade readers by e-mail, fax, or phone. Or snail mail your nominations to your state or provincial YRCA representative or to me by FEBRUARY 1, 1998. Check with the kids, teachers, parents and other librarians in your area to add more titles to your list. Everyone's vote counts; add all votes for each title you submit.

The books on the YRCA ballot have a very large readership. Last year almost 50,000 children and teenagers read books from the YRCA ballot and voted for their favorites. Your input on the ballot is very important. Remember, all nominations must be received no later than February 1, 1998.