Welcome to SLA Connections, your source for news and information from the information profession and industry.
EXECUTIVE JOURNAL
As we head into the dog days of summer here in the US, SLA chapters and divisions are working hard, nonetheless, to organize activities and planning for the months ahead. I had the good fortune earlier this month of participating in several events scheduled by the SLA chapter in Boston, Massachusetts. At the invitation of Chapter President Tom Clark and President-elect Anna Burke, I addressed the Boston Chapter at a meeting sponsored by our good friends at Dow Jones. I talked about the ongoing changes taking place in the profession and offered strategies for increasing the value of info pros inside their organizations.
The MITRE Corporation is one organization in which the abilities of librarians and info pros to gather and organize information and data are highly recognized and valued. I was invited to speak with staff from Corporate Communications and Knowledge Services at this world-class research and development organization by former SLA President Ethel Salonen and Tom Clark who work at MITRE's offices in Bedford, Massachusetts. I had the privilege of talking with more than 30 information professionals from two MITRE facilities, one in Massachusetts and the other in Virginia, about several issues of concern to the profession. We also discussed some of the reasons info pros are so highly regarded in this well-respected and successful organization. Even though a number of attendees were not SLA members, there was general agreement that the professional competencies SLA recognizes as important to info pros are clearly valuable to MITRE. Some of these info pros are imbedded in business units while others serve in more traditional capacities in libraries and information centers throughout the corporation.
I strongly encouraged those who are not members of SLA to become members. I explained what you already know, that SLA offers a variety of significant programs and benefits to help members become better professionals and to enhance their careers. Besides the personal value of membership, I stressed the importance of becoming a member because it helps to elevate the stature of the profession. It benefits all of you as, "A rising tide lifts all boats."
In contrast to speaking with the experienced professionals at MITRE, I had the opportunity to meet with more than 20 students and faculty of Simmons College in Boston. It was an informal gathering arranged by Simmons SLA Student Chapter President Maureen Ryan, Tom Clark and Jim Matarazzo, Dean and Professor of Library and Information Science, Emeritus. I was extremely impressed with the interest and curiosity many of the students showed about the profession. Thanks to inspiring professors like Dean Matarazzo, many of these students were absolutely committed to a career as corporate librarians. They wanted to know, among other things, my opinions about employment prospects in the field, the reputation of info pros, and the future of the information profession. I was particularly struck by their understanding of the importance of professional affiliations. Most of the students seemed to recognize the benefits of networking and of seeking the advice of mentors and other working professionals. One young man, who had begun the program only a week earlier, was already expressing a strong appreciation for the importance of affiliating with a professional association.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the Boston Chapter's willingness to welcome and encourage new and aspiring members of the profession. I know this is especially important to Tom and Anna, as well as to other members of the chapter such as Ann Cullen and Cynthia Cheng Correia who give so generously of their time to students.
My time with the students was a strong reminder of the role SLA plays in the lives of librarians and information professionals, and the importance of continually seeking ways to enhance the professional education and networking opportunities the Association provides. That is why the expansion of Click University is so important to SLA's plans today and well into the future. Helping you prepare for positions of greater responsibility is, however, only part of what the association does.
Through ongoing advocacy and other public activities, SLA also is increasing visibility and respect for your profession and calling attention to the vital roles you play in business, government, education and research. And, through our continued efforts together, it is reasonable to foresee a time when all organizations will appreciate and acknowledge the value of info pros as MITRE does. As a result, we will not only increase opportunities in the profession for you, we also will create them for talented and excited young people like those I had the privilege of meeting at Simmons.
Suggested Reading: What the CEO Wants You to Know: How Your Company Really Works by Ram Charan.
The title of this book says it all. What the CEO Wants You to Know is an excellent read for anyone who wants a better understanding of business without pursuing an MBA. I often tell info pros one of the best strategies for making themselves indispensable to their organization is thinking like a CEO. So what does a CEO need to know? Author Ram Charan grew up in India where his family ran a small business. Charan went on to receive his DBA and MBA at Harvard Business School but has remained close to his roots. What the CEO Wants You to Know explains important business principals in easy to understand language describing basic business concepts and shows that the principals of running a successful multi-national conglomerate are not all that different from running a small family business.
Quote: "When you cannot make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of action you should take -- choose the bolder."
-- W.J. Slim
| OUTSIDE THE BOX |
MySpace, Second Life, and Twitter Are Doomed
According to a recent PC Magazine article, "these over-hyped social networks will soon crumble under the weight of over-hyped expectations." Read the Article
The Modern Librarian: A Role Worth Checking Out
"Librarians aren't often in the spotlight and publicly appreciated -- which is exactly why Ann Seidl decided they deserved a movie." Read this article about the film "Hollywood Librarian" in The Washington Post (23 June, 2007)
Democracy in Jeopardy Cartoon
An animated video by OpenTheGovernment.org is an entertaining look at US government openness and secrecy. The video also links to suggestions of how people can become more involved in defending the Freedom of Information Act. View Video
Eye on the Future
What's next for technology innovation? Three big names in the industries of gaming for mobile phones, web social networking and broadcast journalism gaze into the crystal ball By Ross O. Storey CIO Asia
| INSIDE THE BOX |
Date for Comments on Future of Bibliographic Control Extended
Following the third successful public hearing of the US Library of Congress' Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control on 9 July, the Working Group has extended the final date for comments or testimonies to be submitted to the group to 31 July. For information about how to submit written commentary see http://www.loc.gov/bibliographic-future/meetings/submit-testimony.html. Although the working group's report will be sent out for comments in October before submitting the report to the Library of Congress in November, members are encouraged to send comments, however short, in order to make an impact on this important report. For more information please see the Working Group Web site at http://www.loc.gov/bibliographic-future/meetings/index.html.
Apply for SLA Scholarships Today!
SLA is accepting applications for the 2007-2008 Scholarship Program. SLA's Scholarship Program consists of awards for graduate study leading to a Master's Degree, graduate study leading to a Ph.D., and for post-M.L.S. study. Eligible students are awarded up to $6,000 in scholarship funds. Details of the SLA Scholarship Program and applications can be found on the SLA Web site. Note: there is a new scholarship application deadline: 30 September 2007
SLA Research Grant Now Available
SLA has pooled its research funds and now is offering a new SLA Research Grant incorporating the Steven I. Goldspiel Memorial Research Grant Fund.
SLA supports two types of proposals. Firstly research projects focused on the needs and concerns of information professionals in special libraries and related venues, with its current focus being on evidence-based practice, as in the SLA Research Statement, "Putting Our Knowledge to Work". Awards may be granted up to $25,000. Secondly projects which directly benefit the operations of SLA and its units, by furthering the scientific, literary and educational purpose for which the association is organized and operated. Awards may be granted up to $10,000. More information available online
Can't get enough?
The photographs from SLA 2007 are still up and available for viewing and purchase here www.thephotogroup.com. To view the pictures taken in Denver go to Online Proofing, and enter sla07mbr when asked for the password. If that isn't enough for you, the picture sharing Website Flickr now has over 500 pictures from the conference as well.
SLA AWARDS CORNER
Outstanding Info Pros Honored at SLA Annual Conference
SLA recognized nine outstanding information professionals and one SLA division with awards for achievement and excellence at the 2007 Annual Conference and INFO-EXPO last month in Denver. Also presented during the SLA Opening General Session were awards and scholarships chosen by the SLA Diversity Leadership Development Program (DLDP) Committee and by the Academic Advisory Council. For a complete list of all 2007 SLA Honors Recipients read the press release.
Osif Honored with 2007 Science-Technology Achievement Award for 2007
The Science-Technology (Sci-Tech) Division of SLA announced on 25 June the recipient of its prestigious Science-Technology Achievement Award for 2007. Bonnie Osif, engineering reference and instruction librarian at Pennsylvania State University, University Park, was honored as one of the division's outstanding members.
This award is granted in recognition of contributions to the Division and to the literature of science and technology librarianship in the past one to five years. The $750 award is presented with a corresponding scroll describing the qualifications of the award winner. Osif has been a member of the Sci-Tech Division for many years, and most recently served the Division with distinction in one of the most demanding positions, as editor of the SciTech News. In addition to her six years as editor, she has contributed to our profession with numerous publications, including her most recent:
Using the engineering literature / Author: Osif, Bonnie A. Publication: London; New York : Routledge, 2006
TMI 25 years later: the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant accident and its impact / Author: Osif, Bonnie A.; Baratta, Anthony John; Conkling, Thomas W., Publication: University Park, Pa.: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2006, ©2004
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
EPA Bill Heading to Senate Floor- ACTION ALERT!
The House Appropriations Committee recently approved a bill to increase the EPA's budget. That bill is now headed to the full Senate. This is good news for EPA's libraries and laboratories, which were subject to downsizing attempts in anticipation of significant 2007 budget cuts. Visit SLA's Legislative Action Center to find out how you can help support the EPA libraries in this bill.
Language from the Senate version of the bill states that "$2,000,000 shall be used to restore the network of EPA libraries recently closed or consolidated by the administration. While the committee approves of efforts to make environmental data collections available electronically, the committee does not agree to further library closures or consolidations without evidence of how the public would be served by these changes" Read full Appropriations Act S.1696
The House version of the FY 2008 Interior Appropriations bill does NOT include any language about the EPA libraries. Visit SLA's Legislative Action Center to find out how you can help support the EPA libraries in this bill.Related Article in Library Journal
Related Article by OMB Watch
| CLICK UNIVERSITY |
Check out what's happening at Click University. This online learning system is an exclusive SLA member benefit and is the foundation for all of SLA's educational and professional development programs. Please log in when prompted.
CLICK U:
A LA CARTE Professional Improvement Libraries
The Professional Improvement Libraries (under Self-Paced Training at Click U) now offer individually priced courses. Each course from the Leadership & Management, Personal Development, or Organizational & Professional Improvement Libraries is $12.00 for 30-days access. For only eight dollars, you can access Office Applications courses for 30 days. Click U hopes this will allow you to tailor your individual professional development needs more effectively. You are still able to enjoy 6-month and 1-year subscriptions and have access to complete course libraries if that suites your needs better.
Learn more
SLA Conference Podcasts
Missed a session at conference due to scheduling conflicts or travel plans? Several speakers and facilitators at SLA's 2007 Annual Conference volunteered to have their remarks recorded. All of these sessions are available at no charge at Click U. Learn more
Competitive Intelligence Certificates Program Upcoming Courses
Take advantage of an exclusive SLA member benefit and participate in the CI Certificates Program. To see what participants are saying about the program, please look through the CI Testimonials. Upcoming courses:
August 2007
CIC04. CI Published Source Collection: Research Techniques, Part I
Learn More & Register
Registration is limited to 50 participants. To ensure participation, interested SLA members are encouraged to register today.
For a detailed outline of the course schedule please contact Barbara Vick, Click U's E-Learning Manager, at bvick@sla.org or +1.703.647.4940.
An Important Note: While the primary goal in developing these programs is to allow SLA members to earn one or more certificates, each of these courses has inherent value. Members who are not pursuing a Competitive Intelligence Certificate may take any course à la carte.
Course of the Month
Click U is pleased to now offer members the opportunity to take part in a self-paced learning experience at no charge.
From 15 July -- 14 August 2007, Active Listening is available to SLA members. Learn More & Participate
Upcoming courses:
| Develop a Strategic Plan 15 August | 14 September 2007 |
| Financial Basics for Non-Financial Managers | 15 September -- 14 October 2007 |
| Building Strong Customer Relationships | 15 October -- 14 November 2007 |
| Writing for Publication | 15 November -- 14 December 2007 |
Leadership and Management Library
Click U welcomes members to the Leadership and Management Library -- at no charge. This ebrary database covers a wide range of topics to enable business professionals to make important business decisions.
From information on how to become a more effective leader to examining best practices from the world's most successful CEOs, this database is applicable throughout a member's career path. Key subject areas include: leadership, entrepreneurship, strategic planning, management, organizational behavior, personnel management, project management, and risk management. Learn More & Participate
Student Member Discount Now Available
SLA Student Members now qualify for a 25% discount on the following Click University
professional development programs:
- Click U Live! Live Online Seminars
- Click U Live! Recorded Online Seminars (Replays)
- Professional Improvement Libraries
To receive the 25% discount, Students Members should register for and purchase the appropriate program and then contact Click U at clicku@sla.org for the refund. Learn more
University of Toronto: Professional Learning Center
SLA members can enjoy an 11% discount on all web-based distance learning offered through the
University of Toronto's Professional Learning Center (PLC.)
The PLC is dedicated to meeting the needs of information professionals and others interested in information issues or in learning new information technologies. Learn More & Register
CLICK U LIVE!
QUARTERLY CLICK U LIVE! PROGRAM:
Gary Price's Research Tool Box
Ask around?. Movers and shakers in the information world agree: When it comes to the latest tools, trends, resources and tricks available on the internet, the general consensus is "The Price is Right." Gary Price of Ask.com and Resource Shelf invites all SLA members to join him on a fast-paced tour of the latest additions to his tool box and an overview of what is next on the hot list.
This popular program will contain 75 minutes of demonstration and 15 minutes of Q&A, all for the low price of $15. The course will only be offered through Click U Live! and will not be recorded. The next update will be held 6 September at 2:00 p.m. EDT, and is available to SLA members only! Register Now!
2007 Click U Live! Course Schedule
Start planning your next semester today! Take a moment to check out what is happening on campus this year: 2007 Click U Live! schedule.
SLA wants to thank you for your past support of Click U Live! programs with a special offer. When you purchase a package of six (6) or more 2007 programs, you will receive a 15% discount for each program. The regular price for each webinar is $99; with the 15% savings, each program will cost $84.15. On six programs, you'll save $89!
If you want to learn about financial management from SLA HQ's own John Latham, the future of our profession from Mary Ellen Bates, or Web searching from Greg Notess, sign up now! Remember, you can purchase programs for yourself or for your chapter or other group...all for the same price.
For more information about how to obtain the discount, please contact Shelva Suggs, Learning Coordinator, at +1.703.647.4925 or ssuggs@sla.org.
Click U Live! Courses
14 August 2007
Topic: Moving to Knowledge Services: Managing the Change and Identifying Advocates and Champions
Presenter: Guy St. Clair, President and consulting specialist for knowledge services at SMR International
22 August 2007
Topic: Financial Management of Information Projects
Presenter: John Latham, MSLIS, Director of Information Center, SLA
Missed a LIVE! Seminar? You can still purchase a REPLAY! Click here for more information.
Lesley Ellen Harris' 2007 Schedule of Courses
Canadian and international copyright lawyer Lesley Ellen Harris is teaching courses online to SLA members through Click University. Lesley is the author of several books, including Canadian Copyright Law (McGraw-Hill Ryerson). The courses begin on 24 September -- register now!
Her topics include:
Canadian Copyright Law Online
24 September -- 16 November 2007US Copyright Law Online
24 September -- 16 November 2007Managing Copyright Online
24 September -- 16 November 2007Digital Content Management
24 September -- 16 November 2007
Call for Courses
The 2008 Call for Courses is your invitation to contribute to the information profession. By presenting a Continuing Education Session at SLA 2008 in Seattle, Wash., USA, you have the opportunity to share your knowledge and experiences with those new and experienced in the profession! The deadline for proposals is 24 August 2007. Additional Information can be found at http://www.sla.org/content/learn/callcourses.cfm.
| SLA GRAPEVINE: Your Source for SLA Member News, Achievements, and Opinions |
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Appoints SLA Member as Dean
SLA Education Division Chair Sharon Weiner Selected to Oversee Library Services
Weiner is currently Director of the Peabody Library at Vanderbilt University. She arrives as the campus is at the mid-point of an 18-month campaign to raise $6 million (to be matched by $4 million in university funds) to complete a $10 million renovation of the Claire T. Carney Library.
Weiner received her M.L.S. from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1982. She is a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education Leadership program at Vanderbilt University. Prior to her appointment to Dean at UMASS, Weiner assumed the position of Director of Peabody Library at Vanderbilt in 2002. She is Co-Chair of the Peabody Academic Library Leadership Institute and Co-Chair of the National Forum on Information Literacy. In addition to holding the position of Chair of the Education Division she is also Past President of the SLA Southern Appalachian Chapter. She has been the principal investigator for a number of grant-funded projects as well as a Distinguished Member of the Academy of Health Information Professionals. She received the State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship in 1999.
Do you have an item to include in SLA Grapevine? Email the editor, Cara Schatz at cara@sla.org.
RSS
Feedback form
