IRC Notes May 2001

Around Virtual SLA

Although it only seems like yesterday, SLA's revised website, Virtual SLA, was launched over six months ago. As we always knew that it would have to be constantly revised and improved, we have set up a small Phase II web development team to keep the inspirational juices flowing. Although we are regularly adding resources to the home page it is still too static. Our new Information Resources Associate will be reviewing revisions and additions to the whole website daily to ensure home page currency. Virtual SLA should be the site to which all informed information professionals go first thing in the morning to check "what's new in the info world." There will not be a separate What's New page as in my opinion the home page itself should be set up so that you can see the new resources added to the website.

SLA Events Calendar
I am really excited about our new Events Calendar, which will automatically integrate SLA unit calendars. This great new feature enables each unit to add their seminars, meetings, or conferences to the events calendar on their own website and automatically to the SLA Events Calendar as well. Users can design their searches to include SLA events and/or all or specifically chosen chapters/divisions by month or months. Take a look at this new resource at http://www.sla.org/content/Events/index.cfm and let us have your comments.

To make this resource truly successful all units must include their calendar of events. If your unit's information does not appear to have been included, or you have any questions, please contact John Latham at john@sla.org or 202-939-3639.

Information Outlook Online
Access to Information Outlook Online appears to have created problems, mainly because there is different member and non-member access. Members can log into the current issue from the Members Only page, whereas non-members gain access to a limited version from the home page. The full text of the articles and columns in each issue is available to members, as are full text versions of back issues for 2000 and 2001. Earlier back issues are a mixture of full text and abstracts.

Search Engines
I have found that one of the most useful additions to Virtual SLA has been the revised Search engine. There are now three options; Quick Search, Full Text Search or Unit Search. Ideally the user will find what he or she wants from a logical progression from the home page and navigation bars. In practice we all know that it just does not happen like that, and therefore to save time and frustration I often use the search engine to find specific resources. Not only can you search full text within Virtual SLA, but you can now search all the unit websites; chapters, divisions, caucuses, committees and student groups.

Top Menu Bar
When one has been so intimately involved in the preparation of a website it is often difficult to appreciate the problems encountered by other users. I cannot look at the home page without focusing on the top menu bar, but this does not appear to be th situation with others. It is found immediately under the Virtual SLA graphic, and can be a useful access feature. It has five buttons, Search, Home, Join SLA, Contact Us and Site Map. The new search feature is referred to above, Home takes you back to the home page, and Join SLA takes you to the page showing "Six Very Practical Reasons to Belong to SLA", and the Membership Application form. Contact Us takes you to the page summarizing the various staff lists available. There is a staff directory of functions performed and departments in alphabetical order (Where to Turn Guide ), a staff directory in alphabetical order with title, phone and e-mail numbers, and a list of SLA staff by department. It also includes the link to SLA's Mailing List. The breakdown of SLA staff by department includes a summary of the resources available from each department and is often a quick way to access the information you want. The Site Map is a new feature in Virtual SLA, and always a useful resource. We are working on making it more easily readable.

We are proud of the improvements in Virtual SLA, but are always pleased to hear your comments and recommendations. Please let us know at irc@sla.org

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