Winter 2006 Volume 71, Number 4
Back to Table of Contents

President's Letter
By Tom Clark, 4tomandjoan@gmail.com

If we are indeed living in the Age of Participation, then the SLA Boston Community definitely lives well in this new age. Our membership turns out in droves to help, participate and just plain have fun. From all the volunteers who are filling the new positions, to program attendees from all over New England (at events that are being hosted all over New England), to all the people who network at our dine arounds and socials – SLA Boston is traveling into a bright future.

Now I want to expand our personal and professional horizons and move outside our physical and social boundaries and move into an uber-sharing world. So here's an open invitation to explore and use a variety of new and established social networking tools and apps to spread the good news from SLA Boston.

In 2007, there will be so much wide-spread programming, events and get-togethers, that there's no way everybody can attend everything. That means it's up to all of us to share our experiences with others. A good place to start is on our chapter list. If you attend something, let others know about it and what you found to be good (or bad). Don't stop with events – use the list to share any learnings you think might be of value.

Also, don't stop at the list. Use the SLA Boston Wiki! Didn't know we had a Wiki? It's a great place to share ideas and see what others think. It's a great place to plant something and watch it grow with the help of others.

Also, let's get some activity going in other social collaboration sites or tools. LinkedIn is a great place to set up a network and really tap into the strengths of others. It is a business-oriented professional networking site that lets you build a contact list in the business world to help with finding jobs, people and business opportunities. OCLC Librarian Alane Wilson posted a great blog about Linkedin here and Guy Kawasak blogged about "Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn." So, set up a profile at LinkedIn, or if you already have one, start connecting and take advantage! [Tom and Anna have profiles - connect with them!]

In addition to lists, wikis and Linkedin, there are other sites. MySpace has a reputation for being a place for fun and music, but I think there's a good networking that can be done around fun and music. I'm a bit of a rookie in MySpace, but here I am. And for something completely wild, let's find out all the SLA Bostoners who have avatars in Second Life, the internet virtual world that is exploding with opportunities. If you're a Second Lifer, include me in your friends list. My avatar is Race Brannan. We should set up an SLA Boston presence in Second Life!

OK…what should we be sharing, you ask? Here's one example – Firefox extensions! These neat Firefox addons really let do some cool and valuable things. Wanna good place to start looking at Firefox extensions? In addition to browsing the extensions here, check out Firefox Facts. Lots of us use 'em, so let's start sharing how they help. [The wiki and/or the chapter list are great places to share!]

Another thing to share is your experiences outside the SLA world. I know lots of you attend events or programs that are hosted by other library or non-library organizations. Let us know how they were and what you learned. Our professional development should be open-minded.

OK…I've opened my big mouth now…so I'd better put up or shut up. I'll be submitting sites, ideas, experiences, questions, comments and anything else I can think of to stimulate reaction, to the list and the Wiki and looking for connections from my fellow SLA Bostonians...

Your turn.

Tom

Tom Clark
President, SLA Boston
E-mail: 4tomandjoan@gmail.com