Only by linking to other groups who share at least some aspect of our mission will we be able to survive in the 21 st century. My fourth characteristic of the successful library association of the future is the ability to facilitate communication among its members. In other words, members of the group will hear from the association in a variety of formats. At these meetings there will be quality time and each person will have an opportunity to hear and to speak. There will be communication in print and members will again have an opportunity to lead and to contribute and be a part of the written communication of the association.
Communication is essential if the association is to remain vital.
I have identified three which I think are essential. The first is continuing education opportunities for everyone who works in the library or is connected to it. The association has a wider view than the participating library or the participating librarian. The association can listen to its membership and offer continuing education opportunities that satisfy a wide range of members. Distance learning technology offers exciting new possibilities for offering training within a country and also for sharing training regionally.