Welcome to SLA Connections, your source for news and information from the information profession and industry.
Executive Journal
I recently had the privilege of representing SLA at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Durban, South Africa. SLA was extremely well represented at the meeting with 29 members of the association serving either as officers or members of IFLA standing committees. And, in addition to this strong SLA contingent, we were joined by President Rebecca B. Vargha and President-elect Stephen Abram.
What is always striking about these international gatherings are the issues and aspirations participants have in common rather than the differences that draw them apart. This again proved to be true at IFLA.
At this year's Congress, I had the privilege of speaking about the importance of international advocacy, of the profession, and of the issues that affect librarians and information professionals no matter where they live in the world. It was an opportunity to encourage attendees to become effective advocates for the jobs they do and the services they provide by learning to make strong, evidence-based arguments about their value and the value they bring to their institutions and to the customers they serve. It also was a chance to talk about the importance of engaging in public advocacy on behalf of the information profession and to explain that the basic principles of advocacy, which work successfully inside a library or information center, work just as effectively on the broader public stage.
And there is no shortage of international issues requiring the attention and active participation of librarians and info pros throughout the world. While public advocacy is often associated with the passage of laws or treaties, advocacy frequently plays a critical role in blocking unnecessary and sometimes onerous international agreements. This was the case a couple of years ago when several nations, including members of the European Union, proposed as part of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) to place control of the Internet under the management of the United Nations. Such a move certainly would have profoundly affected the growth and development of this remarkable communications vehicle. With strong advocacy by the U.S. delegation, of which I was a member, the proposal, fortunately, was defeated.
A more recent example involves the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) decision in June to table a proposed broadcast treaty. The treaty, which would have given broadcasters and cable operators greater rights over the content transmitted and the use of broadcast signals, was opposed by a number of international organizations including the Library Copyright Alliance, of which SLA is a member. SLA and the Library Copyright Alliance advocated against the treaty because we deemed it unnecessary and potentially harmful to researchers, scholars, and archivists whose work benefits from accessible broadcast content in the public domain.
While both of these issues were resolved satisfactorily from SLA's point of view, new issues on the horizon also will pose challenges to the association and to the information profession, and will require careful study and thoughtful action. Having been named to the IFLA President's Working Group on the Information Society representing SLA, I will continue to remain personally involved in issues of concern to info pros, especially those issues related to an open, robust, and independent Internet.
The real key to SLA's success, however, is having strong volunteers leaders who can educate people about the importance of the profession, articulate the value information professionals provide and ensure that SLA's voice is heard in matters of significance. That is why I hope you will become more involved in your chapter or division and urge you to become leaders of the association.
Your talent and drive will make sure SLA remains the pre-eminent association for information professionals and continues to influence the future of the profession. More importantly, leadership in a professional association offers tremendous personal satisfaction and growth and is viewed as valuable experience by many employers or future employers.
In the next few weeks, President-elect Abram will begin a new drive for volunteers. I hope you will give serious thought to what you can do to help and how you can enhance your career and ensure the future of the association by becoming a leader in SLA. See below for more information.
Book Recommendation
As the U.S. presidential primary season begins in earnest, you can already find extensive political coverage of the race on all manner of news organization Web sites. Whether you consider yourself a political junky or simply an informed voter, you will find James Broderick and Darren Miller's book Consider the Source: A Critical Guide to 100 Prominent News and Information Sites on the Web (CyberAge Books) an interesting guide to news and information online. Written by a working reporter and a professor of journalism, the book is described as "...an A-Z guide to the best and worst news and information sites, featuring 100 in-depth-critical reviews and a 5-star rating system." The authors describe what you will find at a wide range of sites ranging from CNN to the National Rifle Association, and make an effort to identify the biases behind the organizations' news coverage or information presentation. Even if you do not completely agree with the authors' assessments, you will likely find this an interesting book to thumb through from time-to-time and you may even discover a new site or two of interest.
Quote
"Action is the catalyst that creates accomplishments. It is the path that takes us from uncrafted hopes to realized dreams." Thomas Huxley
| OUTSIDE THE BOX |
Back to Basics: Social Networking
Toys for teenagers or the perfect tool for information professionals? How to make social networking services work for you. Read the full article in What PC?
Outsell Report Says ROI for Libraries Remains High
Libraries looking to justify their existence with quantitative return-on-investment (ROI) numbers need look no further than their own end-users' feedback. Read the Information World Review article.
Study Finds that Web Users Now Spend 50% of Time Online Visiting Content
Internet users are spending nearly half their online time visiting content, a 37% increase in share of time from four years ago, according to the Online Publishers Association (OPA). The OPA announced a four-year analysis of its Internet Activity Index (IAI), a monthly gauge of the time being spent with e-commerce, communications, content, and search. Read the press release from OPA.
IMLS Bookshelf Project
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has chosen the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) as the cooperator for the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, a component of the Institute's initiative, Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action. The bottom line of this project is that IMLS will give away 2,000 sets of reference publications on conservation and preservation to institutions that have collections. Read More.
I Love My Library!
Gale, a company focused on e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools, and businesses recently announced the winner of its "I Love My Library" contest. This contest had 175 entries from school, public, and academic libraries. The winner of the $10,000 prize is a 2-minute video titled The Library Code is from Dozier Middle School and Main Street Library in Virginia.
| INSIDE THE BOX |
Call for 2008 Volunteers
SLA President-elect experiments with a new participation and appointment process
To create a more open process, encourage diversity, and attract a wider range of volunteers, SLA President-elect Stephen Abram will try a new way to identify and appoint volunteers at the association-level for 2008.
You will receive an email from Stephen detailing the process and how you can participate. The great strength of SLA is its volunteers, who give their time, energy, and brains to the association to develop programs, inform policy, and influence the future of the profession. Committee, council, and task force members, as well as liaisons and representatives, have a long-term effect on the success SLA and you or a colleague might be perfect to serve in any number of roles.
Throughout September and October 2007, SLA members will be encouraged to volunteer for making tangible and substantial contributions to their association and profession. The listing of SLA committees and councils is available online.
Wanted--Bloggers
We're looking for members to contribute their thoughts, expertise, and opinions to the SLA Blog. Started at the conference in Denver, our plan is to make this blog a year-round source of information about the organization and the profession. If you want to participate, write to John Adams at jadams@sla.org. Write "Blogger Invite" in the subject line.
New and Improved
SLA has recently revamped its member benefits page on the SLA Web site. Take a moment to review the always growing list of exclusive products and services that are available to you through your membership in SLA. Please take a moment and share this impressive list with all those colleagues that you are actively recruiting to join SLA!
2008 SLA Board of Directors Election
Vote Online: Polls opened 12 September 2007
All members eligible to vote and in good standing as of 1 September may participate in the SLA Board of Directors election. Polls will opened on 12 September and close on 11 October at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Take some time to get to know the candidates and vote for the future of your SLA. Read more about the candidates and the election www.sla.org/BODelection.
SLA Recognized for Its Contribution to Sustainable Development
In recognition of our efforts to reduce SLA's carbon footprint and to save some trees by moving our elections to an online eBallot system, our election system and eBallot provider has donated a grove of 33 seedlings to impoverished farming families in Central America.
Through the program run by Sustainable Harvest International, its local staff will provide the families with training and support to make these trees an integral part of their farms. As the trees grow, they will prevent erosion, provide food and income for the families, and help to restore the rain forest. More information: www.sustainableharvest.org
SLA AWARDS CORNER
SLA Honors Military Librarians with 2007 Professional Award
Over 300 Info Pros Honored for Going Above and Beyond "Call of Duty"
This year's SLA Professional Award goes to a group of professionals who work tirelessly to be sure that the men and women serving to protect their countries in the Armed Forces have the information services and resources they need both abroad and at home. Read the press release.
SLA 2007-2008 Scholarship Program
Applications are being accepted for SLA's 2007-2008 Scholarship Program.
All submissions must be postmarked by 30 September 2007. Complete descriptions, eligibility requirements and applications are available online.
SLA PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
"Closed Doors; Open Democracies" DVD available on SLA Web site
This DVD features two panel discussions at the National Press Club on 12 March 2007. The panels focus on national, state, and local issues in the U.S., such as how the right information needs to be available for emergency services. The DVD includes an appearance by Rick Piltz, who resigned from the U.S. Climate Change Science Program in protest of political manipulation. Use the coupon code V5CLDR to get a special price for libraries. Link to DVD.
| 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: Denver Delivered!
Were you unable to attend Conference 2007? Did you miss a session you wanted to see because of a scheduling conflict? Here is your chance to take advantage of some of the best sessions. 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 course:
October 2007
CIC06. Knowledge Management for CI 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 offers members the opportunity to take part in a self-paced learning experience at no charge.
From 15 September - 14 October 2007, Financial Basics for Non-Financial Managers is available to SLA members. Learn More & Participate.
Upcoming courses:
| Building Strong Customer Relationships | 15 October - 14 November 2007 |
| Writing for Publication | 15 November - 14 December 2007 |
A LA CARTE Professional Improvement Libraries
The Professional Improvement Libraries (under Self-Paced Training at Click U) 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 $8.00, 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 suits your needs better.
Learn more.
Student Member Discount Now Available
SLA Student Members 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.
CLICK U LIVE!
Call for Instructors
Click U Live! is currently seeking individuals interested in submitting a proposal to conduct a Click U Live! event on a topic relevant to the information profession.
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity or need more information, please contact Shelva Suggs, Learning Coordinator, at +1.703.647.4925 or ssuggs@sla.org.
Lesley Ellen Harris' 2007 Schedule of Copyright 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...
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
Click U Live! Courses
26 September 2007
Topic: Survey as a Planning Tool, Part 2
Presenter: Dianna (Dee) Magnoni, Library Director, Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
Missed a LIVE! Seminar? You can still purchase a REPLAY! Click here for more information.
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 program is 75 minutes of demonstration and 15 minutes of Q&A, all for the low price of $15.00. The course will only be offered through Click U Live! and will not be recorded. The next update will be held 20 September at 2:00 p.m. EDT, and is available to SLA members only! Please Note: 11 September & 20 September sessions cover the same content. Register Now!
Employment Opportunities
Find the right job in the information industry. Search for jobs in SLA's Career Center!
Seeking Qualified Candidates?
Post employment opportunities to SLA's Career Center!
| SLA GRAPEVINE: Your Source for SLA Member News, Achievements, and Opinions |
SLA Staff Participate in Association Executive Conference
SLA Chief Communications Strategist Tom Calcagni and SLA Director of Events Kristin Foldvik were both asked to participate in sessions during the recent American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Conference in Chicago.
Tom was asked to share his experience along with Rob Lee, vice president, marketing, communications and branding at ASAE, during a "Learning Lab" on the basics of branding and how best to approach a branding project. The session looked at the challenges faced and the "ins and outs" that non-profits and associations face when undertaking a branding and alignment effort.
Kristin participated in a panel discussion on telecommuting while working at an association. Kristin has been working from her home near Charleston, S.C., since moving there two years ago. One of three SLA employees who are telecommuting from different states, Foldvik shared what she has learned from the experience as a co-presenter of "The Home Field Advantage" session at M&E Days during ASAE & The Center's Annual Conference in Chicago.
From the ASAE Website
The American Society of Association Executives is an individual membership organization of more than 22,000 association executives and industry partners representing nearly 11,000 organizations. Its members manage leading trade associations, individual membership societies, and voluntary organizations across the United States and in 50 countries around the globe, as well as provide products and services to the association community. We are also a leading voice for the nonprofit sector, advocating for voluntary organizations so that they may continue to improve the quality of life in the United States.
Do you have an item to include in SLA Grapevine? Email the editor, Cara Battaglini at cara@sla.org.
RSS
Feedback form
