In this issue:

Important Leadership Dates
A Message from the Chief Executive Officer
New Election Tools for Units
Unit Officer Training
Web and Discussion List Hosting
Research Grants Announced
2008 Leadership Summit
Will Your Unit Meet at Leadership Summit?

Important Leadership Dates

A Message from the Chief Executive Officer - Focus on the Value to Members
Since  many of you are working with your boards to plan your programming for the coming months, I want to ask that you look beyond the number one reason why members join and stay a member of SLA -- networking. You've mastered that. Members also look to SLA for benefits that help them stay current in their profession and succeed in an increasingly tough economic and challenging social environment.

In today's world of multiple association options, many who invest their dues dollar and time want a new professional opportunity -- one that adds value to their business or practices. In your planning, focus on a process known as outcomes-based planning and communication. It is not about the membership directory; it is about encouraging active participation in the chapter or division that will lead to business contacts that can result in new professional opportunities or practices. 

As you plan, shift your thinking to: value added vs. how to; accomplishments vs. activities; solutions to problems vs. products or services; benefits (that new professional opportunity) vs. features (the membership directory). As you come up with ideas, why not share them on the leadership discussion list so that others may benefit from your experience. You can share not only what works but also what missed the mark, too. And, if you have ideas about what you want to see from your association, just send me a quick e-mail.

--- Janice R. Lachance

New Election Tool for Units
Most units have changed to electronic balloting to elect their Board of Directors for the following year.  Many have used our free survey tool Survey Monkey, and it will continue to be available for your use. Some units have inquired about using the same balloting firm we use to conduct the SLA Board of Directors election in September. This year, we've arranged for you to have their balloting system designed for organizations of your size at a 30% discount. Visit www.votingondemand.com to get the details on the features and a quote without the discount. To receive the discount, e-mail Shel or call her directly at +1.202.207.0516. If you decide to use this tool, please let us know about your experience so we can decide if we should offer again next year. Send an e-mail to leadership@sla.org.

Unit Officer Training
Once your officers are elected and committees appointed, we will offer webinars and replays through Click University. There will be no fee; SLA considers your leadership training an investment in the organization and its leaders. Look for an announcement for training to be offered in November or early December. Your Cabinet Chairs (Anne Caputo and Libby Trudell for Chapter Cabinet and Agnes Mattis and Robyn Frank for Division Cabinet) originated these training sessions to lay the foundation for your training and encourage you to participate before you attend the Leadership Summit 23-26 January 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Web and Discussion List Hosting
As companies and universities are re-examining their Web and discussion list hosting, we're seeing more chapters, divisions, caucuses, and committees request to transfer these to headquarters servers. We encourage you to use this free service provided to our units. It's quick and simple to transfer. There is no cost to you, your Web pages will be searchable through the SLA Web site search engine, and there is no limit on the size of your site. Along with acquiring a new association management system (our database and business operations computer system), we are moving to a single sign-on experience for members. To make this change, contact SLA's Director of Technology, Quan Logan.

Research Grants Announced
You will read about the new SLA Research Grant in the next SLA Connections and through a posting on the leadership list. Two types of research are being encouraged: evidence-based research focused on the needs and concerns of information professionals in special libraries and projects that will directly benefit the operations of SLA and its units. This grant replaces the opportunities that were available in the former Endowment Fund Research Grant. For details, visit the SLA Research Grant Web page. 

Mark Your Calendar for the 2008 January Leadership Summit
When SLA's leaders gather in January, it's more than a meeting; it's a Leadership Summit. Chapter and Division Cabinets, Committees, the Board of Directors and many division boards will come together in Louisville, Kentucky, USA for the SLA Leadership Summit.  Watch for more details to be released very soon. Whether you're just beginning in a leadership role, mid-career, or experienced, you will learn in this enhanced environment. Encourage other leaders or aspiring leaders to attend; it will be a truly valuable experience. So mark your calendar for 23-26 January 2008, and plan to be there.

Will Your Unit Meet at Leadership Summit? - Reserve Space Now
If your chapter, division, committee, or caucus is planning to meet at the 2008 Leadership Summit, please contact Leadership staff for program development and function room reservations. Contact Linda Broussard, Chief Community Officer at lbroussard@sla.org, tel. +1.703.647.4938, or fax +1.703.647.4901. Please reserve your space as soon as possible so that we can assure adequate space and time for your meeting. The Saturday of the Summit is the norm for unit meetings.

If you have any questions or comments about Leadership Connections, we would like your feedback. Please share your comments with leadership@sla.org and visit the Leadership Resource Center on the SLA website for information on Leadership.

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