Introduction

Ken Rudolf, FCIL SIS Chair, formed the Strategic Planning Committee to draft a strategic plan providing for revitalization of the SIS and a renewed course of action for the future. The Committee of Jean Davis, Jolande Goldberg, Mary Rumsey, Dan Wade and Jean Wenger, Committee Chair collaborated extensively by email and met twice during the American Society of International Law Annual Meeting in Washington, DC in April. The Committee greatly benefited from the work of earlier FCIL SIS Strategic Planning Committees dating back to 1998. The FCIL SIS Strategic Planning for Continuing Education and Professional Development (Draft document, July 2, 1999), the meeting notes of the October 27, 2000 FCIL SIS strategic planning meeting (New York City) and the responses to the March 1, 2001 survey formed the core resources relied upon by the Committee.

The Committee viewed a three-year plan as a manageable time frame to accomplish the goals presented and to permit the SIS to plan in a quickly changing environment. Three goals were targeted that were believed to be fundamental to the mission of the SIS and that would serve as a foundation for revitalizing the SIS. Strategic planning is a vital tool necessary to advance the needs, interests and skills of the members. In order to continue the critical process of planning, implementation, and evaluation, the 2002-2003 FCIL SIS Strategic Planning Committee proposes that the Executive Committee create a standing Strategic Planning Committee.

The Committee gratefully acknowledges the contributions and hard work of earlier Strategic Planning Committees and the involvement of FCIL SIS members in this important planning process.

Mission Statement

The FCIL SIS is to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and information on foreign, comparative and international law. The SIS also represents members' interests and concerns with AALL.

-- By-laws, Art. II, Section 1

FCIL-SIS Strategic Plan 2003-2006

Goal 1: Promote Education In Foreign, Comparative And International Law

Rationale: "The object of the Foreign, Comparative and International Law Section shall be to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information of foreign, comparative and international law...." (By-laws, Art. II, Section 1) This goal is our very raison d?être. It is the purpose of the SIS to provide information and skills in foreign, comparative and international law to those who provide assistance to the library patrons who access this law. This goal intends to encompass the educational needs of the entire range of professional experience, from the new librarian to the most senior specialist.

Strategies

1. Improve program and workshop development process by establishing an ongoing and permanent Education Committee.
2. Create training opportunities for librarians entering the profession.
3. Encourage the Executive Committee and Chairs of Interest Groups and Committees to sponsor speakers and to host other activities.
4. Identify educational needs of FCIL SIS members through surveys, questionnaires and/or listserv.
5. Use FCIL Newsletter and website for educational purposes.
6. Maintain Int-Law.

Goal 2: Increase Active and Broader Participation of FCIL-SIS Members

Rationale: An increase in active and broader participation will enable FCIL SIS to complete more projects and will increase dues revenue to support more Section activities. An increase in participation also
will aid the comparatively small SIS Executive Committee in accomplishing its goals. A more active and involved membership enriches the educational and professional experience of all FCIL SIS members.

Strategies

1. Establish Membership Committee.
2. Introduce newer librarians to SIS through FCIL Newsletter.
3. Develop Public Relations materials for law library director to promote creation of Foreign & International Law Librarian positions.
4. Direct Executive Committee and Committee Chairs to identify potential committee members.

Goal 3: Enhance Position of FCIL SIS within AALL

Rationale: Enhancing the position of FCIL SIS will improve the SIS's ability to represent members' interests and concerns within AALL. While SIS members share many interests with other AALL members, our work generates unique issues. To ensure that AALL recognizes our concerns and works with the SIS to meet our needs, we must work to make the FCIL SIS a highly visible force within the larger organization.

Strategies

1. Executive Committee encourage members to submit articles to Spectrum, Law Library Journal and other publications.
2. Maintain FCIL Table in the Exhibit Hall.
3. Develop brochures and/or handouts explaining role and function of the FCIL SIS.
4. Continue to review and update contents of FCIL website.