*Note: The following is from our archived collection of older documents, and may not reflect the most current information.
November 30, 1999
Cleveland Chapter
Cleveland, Ohio
Eight members of the Chapter participated in the hour and half informal exchange of ideas. This type of activity provides me with the opportunity to share time with members and to speak with them about issues and concerns which are affecting the profession. We discussed the rapid changes which are taking place in the information industry and how we see the future of the profession being shaped.
Our discussions centered around six areas.
1) Marketing the profession to outside communities. It was stated that the association too often preaches to the converted and we need to find ways to get the value message out to more distant communities. Attention in the areas of exploration is needed which will require additional partners. Knowledge management and information management are but two areas in which we need to look at our market position. We need to be viewed as equals and let others know that our skills are necessary to the completion of their assignments.
2) Asserting the value of the information profession. The professional has to be more assertive and get out the library into areas where your "customers" are. We need to do some partnering ourselves within our organizational/corporate settings. We need to exercise our expertise and become more visible. Our future demands (if we are to have a future) that as a profession we have to be more proactive and outward looking.
3) Certification/accreditation. The accreditation process was briefly discussed as well as ASAE's Certification Program. Perhaps instead of the this type of program, the notion that continuous education in acquiring additional and updated skills needs to be adopted. This would help to maintain each persons professional standards. Library schools education cannot prepare you for the job you will be doing as the profession changes around you. The diversity of jobs and assignments would make a universal certification program for SLA meaningless.
4) Consultant Services. The role of Chapter Consultation Services and Consult database were discussed. Some felt that this was a disservice to the profession while others took the position that it was a plus. Perhaps an information kit needs to be prepared which can have various items added or removed depending upon the requirements of the request. Need to share information about the true costs of establishing a library.
5) Hands-on research. The profession needs to be able to quantify services, activities etc. How can a matrix we drafted? The Return on Investment project was discussed as well as benchmarking. Several of the participants shared views as to how they measure the value of their services. As a profession we need to look at re-engineering ourselves.
6) Future. The future of the profession is all about people. We must concentrate on our human capital and not technology and what it does or doesn't do. It must be an enabler and not a doer. Library schools need to be more selective in accepting students. Every librarian and information worker is making an impact upon the profession's recruitment and perceived value by the service provided. Also the manner in which the service is provided is critical. Are we really a service oriented profession or are we pointers, teller to look-it-up, or to busy to be of assistance?
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