Change!!! Professional Growth the ZimLA Experience

Abstract: Massive change in the Library Information Service (LIS) industry is currently taking place, whether by choice or design. In a changing world we must create enabling environments that promote strong development to ensure a viable future and a professional association that provides benefits to all its membership. Professional organisation is an essential component of this enabling environment. It must be in line with with the association's strategy and values. Drastic in member expectations, behaviour and technological development makes it even more important to form the association's identity and prioritize our activities. Professional organisation, strategy and values go hand in hand with the development process, that is National development. Member participation in the development process produces a climate that is creative and conducive to ensuring future successes. The thrust of this article it attempts to evaluate or equate the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA) according to Tuckman's typical group life-cycle, with certain behaviours that can be expected in associations at the four different stages; forming, storming, norming and performing. It will also proffer the predominant appropriate management styles. This article will also present a three-dimensional view of ZimLA in relation to its purpose, individual membership and role of interdependency. The paper also explores the ideal processes or sorts of association activity which contributes to its success especially relationship-building activities. The paper also discusses the ten areas of team working which will be used as a basis for qualitative control measures, and some simple, but effective, performance indicators. The author also provides tangible solutions or recommendations for a functioning and effective Zimbabwe Library Association, through its strategic plan or directions, vision, mission, objectives, core values coupled with robust networking, synergies and collaborative efforts. Keywords: Zimbabwe Library Association; Professional Associations, Professional Growth, ZimLA

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