Viewpoint From the Chair - September, 2014

For my initial column as Chair of the Amigos Board of Directors, I first want to thank my fellow Directors for the confidence they’ve shown in me by choosing me to lead Amigos this coming year. I will do my best to justify their faith by guiding this organization to the best of my abilities like so many before me have. I know my efforts will be greatly enhanced and strengthened by the super members elected to the executive committee, our strong board membership, and the excellent staff that Amigos has assembled.

This promises to be a pivotal year in the life of Amigos. As you may know, we are nearing the launch of the Amigos eShelf service, our much anticipated e-book distribution platform that has been in development this past year. We continue to be excited about the potential this service holds for Amigos members. I want to thank all pilot project members and Amigos staff who have had a hand in its development.

I am pleased to report that members of the Board will engage in intensive strategic planning activities during the coming year. We will develop a new strategic plan to guide Amigos over the next 3-5 years, and have carved out planning time during our scheduled meetings in November and in March and May of 2015. We regularly undertake these planning efforts to ensure that Amigos remains a vibrant organization that not only meets the current needs of our members as they strive to support a dynamic and changing public, but also anticipates the needs of our members well in advance.

Amigos staff members are conducting a variety of research activities to aid our planning discussions. Information about member needs and ways that the broader environment is impacting libraries is critical to our deliberations. Amigos staff may seek information directly from members as part of their research activities. More specifically, as the Board begins to articulate specific goals and strategic directions for Amigos, we will share information with members through brief surveys. Your reactions to our ideas will be exceedingly helpful as we work together to define future ways that Amigos can both anticipate and meet the diverse needs of all members.

I look forward to the strategic planning process and will keep you apprised of our progress. Amigos is a dynamic organization whose continued strength is a resource for each and every member.