For Chapter Cabinet Chair-elect

LOIS WEINSTEIN

Consultant with L. Weinstein Consulting LLC, (July 2001-present).

SLA Member Since: 1970

Past Employment: Executive Director, Medical Library Center of New York, New York, NY, (1990 ­ July 2001); Technical Information Consultant, (1986-1988); Manager, Technical Information Services, (1983-1986); and Supervisor of Technical Information Services, (1977-1983); General Foods; Adjunct Professor, Long Island University, CW Post School of Library and Information Science, (1985-1987); Information Specialist, Lederle Laboratories; (1970-1977).

Education: MLS, SUNY Albany, School of Library and Information Science, (1969-70); BA, Biology, Binghamton University, (1960-1965).

SLA Chapter Activities: New York Chapter: Past President, (1998-1999); President, (1997-1998); 10^th Annual Career Day Committee Chair, (2001); Nominating Committee Chair, (1999-2000); Library Association Chair, (1993-1994); Public Relations Committee Chair, (1990-1993); Assistant Newsletter Editor, (1989-1990); and Career Day Committee member, (1990 ­ 1^st annual); Hudson Valley Chapter: President, (1987-1988 and 1979-1980); Employment Counselor (1981-1984); Newsletter Editor, (1975-1978).

SLA Division Activities: Library Management Division: Co-Chair Program Committee, (2001-2002); Chair, Awards Committee, (1999-2001); Professional Development Chair, (1997-1998), Career Guidance Chair, (1993-1997); Information Technology Division: Chair, Virtual Section, (2001-2002).

SLA Association Level Activities: Chair, Nominating Committee, (1999-2000); Chair-elect, Nominating Committee, (1998-1999).

Other Professional Activities: New York-New Jersey Chapter/Medical Library Association: Program Committee Member, (2000-2001); Membership Committee Member, (1994-2001); Co-Chair, Program Committee, (1993-1994); Program Committee Member, (1991-1993); American Library Association Member, (1999); Association of College and Research Libraries, New York Chapter Member, (1993-2000); METRO (Metropolitan Regional Library Council), Board Member, (1999-2001).

Publications (incomplete): Books: Teratology and Congenital Malformations, A Guide to the Literature. Plenum, NY, Volumes 1-3, 1976. Articles: "UCMP and the Internet Help Hospital Libraries Share Resources." Bulletin of the Medical Library Association, 87(3):270-274, 1999, "Strategic Alliance to Create Power in Numbers or How to Defeat the Anti-Library Godzillas."

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

To me, leadership is not just one quality, but a balanced mixture that includes having a vision, the willingness to take calculated risks, the desire to communicate and motivate others, the ability to make hard decisions that might change people's lives, and, finally, the enthusiasm to persevere in spite of numerous barriersall to achieve that vision.

An example of how I exemplify these qualities took place when I was president of the New York Chapter. My vision was a chapter bursting with potential leaders for its future. To make this vision a reality, I asked not one person to be the chair of a committee, but enlisted two to serve as co-chairs. One of the co-chairs was usually a more experienced member, while the other, a newer member or someone who had not volunteered before. They liked the sharing of responsibilities because it meant less work for each person and the committee would have continuity if one of the co-chairs had to resign. The end result was an increase in the number of members who became experienced volunteers and potential leaders.

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

The greatest disappointment in my life was that my father passed away soon after I received my MLS and began my career as an information professional. When he was alive, he was my number one supporter and "cheerleader." Even though he is no longer here, I remember his encouraging words and steadfast support. This memory of him gives me the confidence to try to turn my visions into realities. I am a better leader because of my father and his desire that I succeed and not give up.

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 tell information professionals that to be successful in their careers, they should join SLA and become an active member. By attending local and national meetings and by volunteering to serve as an officer or on a committee, they will increase their knowledge and value to their employers. I know, because this is how I gained many of my competencies, for example; speaking before a group, arranging an event, editing a newsletter, managing people, and all without jeopardizing my salaried position. What I have learned as an active member of SLA has been a key element in my success as an information professional.

To people who are not information professionals, I first clarify their frequent misconception that a "special library" is related to "special education" and people who are disabled. Once we clear that hurdle, I explain what we do as information professionals and where we work. Some have actually become so interested in our profession that they decided to get their Masters in Library or Information Science!