For Division Cabinet Chair-elect

WEI WEI

Computer Science Librarian, Science and Engineering Library, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, (2000-present).

SLA Member Since: 1987

Past Employment: Library Instruction Coordinator, Reference Services Coordinator, and International Outreach Librarian, Science Library, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, (1988­2001); University Library Associate, Natural Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, (1986­1988).

Education: MALS, University Library Associates Program, Information and Library Studies University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, (1988); MA, American Literature, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, (1986); BA, English, Beijing #2 Foreign Language Institute, P. R. China, (1974).

SLA Chapter Activities: San Andreas Chapter and Bay Area Chapter: Member.

SLA Division Activities: Science and Technology Division: Chair, Nominating Committee, (2001); Chair, Bylaws Committee, (2000-2001); Division Chair-Elect, Chair, and Past Chair, (1998­2001); Chair, Public Relations Committee, (1993-1995); Member, Nominating Committee, (1994-1995); Biological and Environmental Sciences Division: Member, Conference Paper Committee, (1994); Member, Professional Development and Program Committee, (1993­1994); Member, Committee on Cultural Diversity (1991-1992); International Relations Caucus: Member, (1994).

SLA Association Level Activities: Task Force on Conference Structures: Member, (2000); Committee on Forming SLA Cultural Diversity Caucus: Member, (1991-1992).

Other Professional Activities: Science and Technology Libraries: Editorial Board Member, (2000-); Member, Board of Directors, Five Branches Institute: Traditional Chinese Medicine, (2000-2001); California Academic Reference Librarians Discussion Group (CARLDIG) North Program Planning Committee: Vice-Chair, Chair and Past Chair, (1991-1994).

Awards and Honors: Science and Technology Division: Impossible Award, (1995).

Publications: Numerous presentations and articles in journals such as Science and Technology Libraries; Science and Technology News; Special Libraries Association Journal of Library and Information Science; Journal of Educational Media and Library Science; and reports indexed in ERIC database by ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center).

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

A good leader has a clear vision and goals and is able to engage the membership with that vision. Leaders should be able to think creatively, collectively, and be able to communicate effectively with the membership. A good leader is normally amenable to change, responsive, and is willing to embrace diverse viewpoints. Leaders in the information profession should understand who we are, where our market is going globally, and strive to meet their promises.

During my tenure as the Chair of Science and Technology Division, I set up directions and goals for the division. I encouraged different viewpoints and promoted creative thoughts. By touching base with the division's officers constantly, I made sure their needs were met. Success of the division was based on my belief in collective efforts and my support of and trust in the officers. We finalized the division's strategic plan and our conference programs were well attended.

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

My greatest disappointment in life is the notion of being less because of one's being different. Those who come from a different cultural background find themselves trying extra hard to convince others they are competent and intelligent. I wish people were judged more by what they are capable of and less of who they are. Instead of being cynical or feeling a sense of loss, I have turned this frustration and disappointment into a motivational vehicle. We must maintain a respect for all of our cultural values, identities, and be more compassionate to others. One of the major roles for our Division Cabinet Chair is to embrace different viewpoints and to keep communication dialogs open between our leadership and membership. I believe my record of knowing my own values and being sensitive to others demonstrates skills in communication and management.

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 say that SLA is the international association that produces excellent educational programs and offers leadership opportunities that build skills we can bring back to our workplaces. SLA anticipates and communicates trends in technology and information management to members and our employers while enabling networking opportunities at local and international levels. SLA supports activities relevant to meeting the changing needs of the profession.

To those who are not in the information profession, I would market SLA members as information professionals who can add value to information services and products in workplaces and make contributions to the global economy and the information industry. Special librarians will be information brokers providing essential information needed to help their organizations achieve their goals.