For Director

Betty Edwards

Currently pursuing a program of legal research studies in preparation for a position in a law firm.

SLA Member Since: 1978

Past Employment: Director of Client Solutions, Outsell, Inc., (2001); Account Representative, Disclosure/Primark Corporation, (1998-2000); Engineering Technologies Account Consultant, Knight-Ridder/Dialog Corporation, (1994-1998); Researcher/Project Manager, Putnam Investments, (1993-1994); Library Manager, Motorola, (1989-1993); Information Services Librarian, Motorola, (1985-1989); Software Librarian, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, (1983-1985); Technical Librarian, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, (1978-1983).

Education: MLS, Simmons College, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, (1980); BA, Sociology, North Adams (Massachusetts) State College, (1978).

SLA Chapter Activities: Boston Chapter: Member, (1978-present); Bulletin Column Contributor, (1985-present); Nominating Committee, (2000-2001); Day on the Job Host, (1999-2000); Chair, Awards Committee, (1997-1998); Chair, Local Arrangements, Boston Annual Conference, (1994-1996); Professional Development Chair, (1991-1992); President, (1990-1991); President-Elect/Program Chair, (1989-1990); Treasurer, (1987-1989); Secretary, (1986-1987); Membership Chair, (1982-1985, 1992-1993); Logistics Committee, (1982-1989).

SLA Division Activities: Business & Finance; Legal; Information Technology; and Library Management: Member. Library Management: Membership Chair, (1985-1986).

Awards and Honors: Boston Chapter Achievement, (2000); Boston Chapter Special Achievement, (1996); Knight-Ridder/Dialog "Top Sales Executive, Engineering Technology," (1996); Knight-Ridder/Dialog "Achievement in Customer Excellence for Service Above and Beyond Expectations," (1996); Putnam Investments Sales Support Award, (1994); Boston Chapter Distinguished Service, (1993); SLA Headquarters Award for Excellence in Public Relations, (1992).

Publications and Presentations: Contributing Editor of the "2002 Dialog/DataStar Database Catalog;" "Using Information to Add Power to Your Sales and Marketing Efforts," presented at the meeting of the Sales and Marketing Executives of Greater Boston, (1995); "Real Life Experiences Using the Internet in a Work Environment," presented at the New England Online Users Group (NENON) meeting, (1995); "T3: Tomorrow's Technology Today," presented at NENON meeting, (1992).

What are the key qualities of leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

The key qualities of leadership are initiative, enthusiasm, vision, and teamwork. I exemplified these traits during the Boston Chapter's planning for the 1996 Annual SLA Conference. Three years prior to the conference, before talk of local planning had even begun, I took the initiative and requested full responsibility for overseeing this important role for us as the "host" chapter. I enthusiastically marketed the idea to chapter members and nearly 100 individuals answered the call to work with me as a team on various sub-committees such as fundraising, library tours, a guidebook of Boston attractions and restaurants, and the "Taste of Boston" reception. SLA 1996 was the first in which a Website was used to disseminate information about the conference host city and various related events. From 1994 through mid-1996, my vision led this cohesive group and we accomplished many "firsts" for the association, which are now part of regular conference planning.

What was your greatest disappointment in life? How has this disappointment made you a better leader?

The greatest disappointment in my professional life was experiencing a layoff due to a downturn in the economy. While it was difficult, the upside is that it strengthened my ability to survive and allowed me to develop a whole new arsenal of leadership skills. The experience afforded me time for self-appraisal and self-assessment. This exploration resulted in my being more accepting of new thoughts and ideas. In addition, it allowed me to hone "alternative thinking" methods to challenge the status quo. Both of these skills will serve the Association well if I have the honor of becoming a Director.

When you talk to other information professionals, what do you say about SLA? Do you say the same things to people who are not in the information profession?

I've been a very active and committed SLA member for 24 years. Those who know me will say that I'm passionate about the association. To members and non-members, as well as to those in other professions, I mention SLA as being THE vehicle which has helped me gain unique perspectives on cutting edge technologies, educational resources, publications, and career-related issues. The "people element" -- networking opportunities -- has had a significant impact on my own career and I always discuss this benefit as well.

"Management of Information" is a wonderful topic to use as a bridge in opening a discussion about our profession. I've used it often with those who are not part of our community because it has implications for everyone who uses information in our digital economy.

It's always been easy for me to discuss SLA with professional colleagues. Throughout the years I've mentored many individuals and have gotten them actively involved with SLA. And the key word here is "active." I always reiterate to folks that it's a two-way street. That paying dues and attending meetings is not enough. That what's required is a conscious decision to give of their time and commitment.