SLA Resources on Creating and Demonstrating Value

The professional, personal, and core competencies described in the Competencies for Information Professionals of the 21st Century can serve as a guide for professional development and achievement.

The Value of the Information Center Information Portal provides a framework of resources for members who are asked to show the Information Center's return on investment (ROI) for their organizations.

For members who are called upon to establish information services within their organizations, the Starting and Managing a Special Library Information Portal is a good starting point. SLA's CONSULT Online is directory of members who are consultants in various areas of information services.

Selected Additional Resources

Providing Value in the Workplace

"Establishing Return on Investment for Information and Knowledge Services." Boyd Hendricks and Ian Wooler. Business Information Review, 23(1), 2006: 13-25.

"Measuring the Economic Value of Special Libraries." Hye-Kyung Chung. The Bottom Line, 20(1), 2007: 30-44. Abstract.

"33 Reasons Why Libraries and Librarians Are Still Extremely Important." Will Sherman. Information Outlook, 11(6), June 2007: 66-78.

The Future of Information Professionals

"Beyond the 'L' Word." David Grossman. Searcher, 14(2), February 2006: 29-31.

"Digital Libraries and the Future of the Library Profession." Nicholas Joint. Library Review, 56(1), 2007: 12-23. Abstract.

"The Future Role of the Academic Librarians in Higher Education." Veronica Reyes. Portal: Libraries and the Academy, 6(3), July 2006: 301-310. Abstract.

Technology in the Information Profession

"Are Reference Desks Dying Out?" Scott Carlson. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 53(33), April 20, 2007: A37.

"Building a Library Web Site on the Pillars of Web 2.0." Karen A. Coombs. Computers in Libraries, 27(1), January 2007: 16-19.

"Know Your Rights: Keeping Up with Copyright in the Digital Age." Nancy Davis Kho. EContent, 30(7), September 2007: 26-31.

"Online Social Networks, Virtual Communities, Enterprises, and Information Professionals. Part 1: Past and Present." Mike Reid and Christian Gray. Searcher, 15(7), July/August 2007: 33-43.

Updated 11/07