A RESEARCH AGENDA FOR SPECIAL-LIBRARIES

The Special Libraries Association (SLA), an international professional association that represents 14,000 information resource experts, is a key influence in defining and meeting the research priorities of the special library community. In June 1986, SLA's Board of Directors form ed the Special Committee on Research with the charge of determining if a research program was a necessity for SLA, and, if so, to establish a comprehensive research strategy, in particular focusing on issues es pecially relevant to special librarianship and information management. In June 1988, The Board of Directors voted to establish an in-house r esearch department and a standing Research Committee, which formulated a research agenda subsequently approved by the Board in June 1989. SL A's research agenda sets forth priorities and serves as the keystone t o all research conducted by and for the Association. In June 1990, the SLA Board of Directors reaffirmed the Association's commitment to res earch by approving the Strategic Planning Committee's recommendation t hat research be one of the top priorities for the next five years. Thi s article reviews SLA's research agenda, current research activities a nd future priorities, and comments on the importance of research to th e special library community.