SLA Blog

Candidate Question #2 (When did you first join SLA?)

Question #2: When did you first join SLA? What made you decide to join then, and why do you still belong today?

(Kama Siegel, candidate for Chapter Cabinet-Elect)

I first joined SLA as a student, oh probably around 2003 or 2004. I was a distance-only student at Drexel, and I didn't really have a community of peers in Portland. I knew a few Emporia and UW students, but they seemed just as lost as I was, as far as how "real" librarians get together. I figured the best way to get connected -- not only to other students, but also to professionals -- would be to join some sort of organization. I wasn't interested in working at a public library, and while I still wasn't sure about academic libraries, I was already working at a law firm. The librarian at that firm suggested that I join both SLA and AALL, and so I did (hi, Laurie!).

Another reason I joined as a student is because a career change is difficult enough, but especially if you don't know what you're doing. The folks I met through SLA were not only welcoming, but also had great ideas about how to network, where to look for jobs, and how to connect with the larger community of information professionals.

I still belong because of the incredibly valuable connections I have made. I feel kinship with information professionals from all over the world. Additionally, I have forged relationships with vendors or their representatives, which often enables our chapter to offer that extra professional development or student event, or provides us with new ways of looking at resources.

I still belong so that we can reach out to those beyond our little circle of "informeds." I think about when I was a student and I don't ever want someone to be unaware of his or her organizational options. I am so proud to serve on an ORSLA Board that has worked very hard to communicate with non-members, non-info pros and students. When we see new faces at our events, and get positive feedback about our efforts, it makes us feel that we're on the right track.

Candidate Question 2: When did you first join SLA?

When did you first join SLA? What made you decide to join then, and why do you still belong today?

Stacey Greenwell, Candidate for Division Cabinet Chair-Elect

As a new academic librarian in a non-traditional IT role looking for a professional home, I joined SLA in 2001 after attending my first SLA event, an excellent Kentucky Chapter program on virtual reference services.  I will never forget that event, partly because they served mimosas at the program (what a fun organization, I thought), but mostly because of the friendliness of the chapter.  I was immediately tasked with editing the chapter bulletin, and while attending the Leadership Summit in 2002, the Information Technology Division put me to work as Membership and Awards Chair.  I greatly appreciated how easy it was to get involved in volunteer leadership in SLA.

I joined SLA because of the leadership opportunities, networking, and programming, and that is why I still belong today.  I have long said that a professional organization is a great way to develop skills such as running meetings, planning programs, managing budgets, etc., as those opportunities are not always there at work, particularly early in one's career.  Volunteering is an excellent test ground for developing leadership skills and can provide a wealth of experience.  I value the network I have built in SLA, as I have friends around the world I can call on when I have a specific information need.  I continue find the subject-specific programming valuable and the leadership and networking opportunities essential.  I appreciate that SLA is such a nimble organization and changes to meet member needs; the formation and continued success of the Academic Division is a good example of that.  My involvement in SLA continues to be so rewarding to me personally and professionally.

Question 2: When did you first join SLA? (Candidate Questions)

When did you first join SLA? What made you decide to join then, and why do you still belong today?

 Kate Arnold ~ Candidate for President-Elect

 I joined SLA, and specifically the News division, in 1999 based on recommendations from two trusted colleagues: Annabel Colley, a fellow member of the AUKML (Association of UK Media Librarians), who waxed lyrical about the networking and learning gained from attending 1998 annual conference; and Nora Paul who taught an inspirational course on the changing face of news libraries. I knew I wanted to be part of a group that these two were associated with. So personal recommendation is an important recruitment tool.

Having joined SLA for the networking and learning opportunities I soon realised that there was also the option of volunteering at unit (SLA Europe) and board level. By volunteering I was given an opportunity to gain new skills and experience, which have been helpful for work and my career. In the last 13 years I’ve gained valuable experience in chairing meetings, delivering presentations, public speaking, leading teams and collaborating on major projects.

Networking and learning, the original reasons I joined SLA, remain important as factors for why I remain a member. My experience as a volunteer, at unit and board level, has given me plentiful opportunities to contribute to my development and that of the profession, both powerful reasons to remain a member.  

Question #2: When did you first join SLA? What made you decide to join then, and why do you still belong today?

David Stern, candidate for Treasurer

I joined SLA in 1982, when BRS and Dialog were the cool search tools, email was not ubiquitous, and there was no Internet. The telephone and Annual Conferences were how we networked. Round Tables were where we shared stories and best practices.

As a beginning science librarian there was only one place to meet the experts and learn the tools and techniques I would need to survive and to eventually develop into a better professional. SLA was where I was introduced to the best and brightest, and where I was adopted and given the opportunities to grow and help others over the years. Along the way I met many fascinating people, attended superb learning sessions, and saw many wonderful places.

Today I still learn a great deal, collaborate with  wonderful librarians and industry partners, and solve problems through "meeting" people in physical and virtual settings. SLA remains my lifeline and my most cherished professional network.

Candidate Question #2: When did you first join SLA?

SLA: When did you first join SLA?  What made you decide to join then, and why do you still belong today?

Candidate for President-Elect - Juanita Richardson:

JR: I joined SLA in 1988 when I landed my first job as Assistant Librarian at ScotiaMcLeod (an investment bank) on the advice of my boss, mentor and friend, Angie Devlin.  I had been aware of SLA but, being new to Toronto at that time, didn't realize how strong the SLA community was here.  I was - if you can believe it - a very shy young librarian and Angie convinced me that reaching out to the SLA community would be a great way to develop professionally and personally.  How right she was!  REASON #1: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

In less than a year, I was asked to take on my first "task" within the chapter:  I was responsible for thanking our speakers at one of the chapter meetings.  The speakers that evening included Stephen Abram, Rebecca Jones and Deirdre Grimes.  I don't remember what they talked about but I certainly remember how nervous I was.  I had never done any public speaking before!  I had already written out my little thank you speech - completely unrelated to anything they said, I'm sure!  - waiting my moment when I would have to step up.  At the podium, there were small gifts I was to give to each of our speakers to thank them.  I read out my little speech, without looking at anyone on the stage ... and raced away from the podium as quickly as possible ... leaving the gifts behind at the lecturn.  Fortunately, Stephen, Rebecca and Deirdre had the grace to simply help themselves to the gifts without pointing out my oversight.  Even more fortunately, this was only my first of many roles with the Toronto Chapter, culminating in Chapter President in 1995.  REASON #2: ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN A NO-RISK ENVIRONMENT.

Why do I stay?  That reason is the easiest of all:  REASON #3: SLA IS MY CONNECTION.  When I talk about our annual conference, I talk about the chance to get together with 5,000 of my closest friends.  I have discovered that that very vibrant, welcoming community exists far wider than just in my local chapter.  As a member of SLA, I am a part of an extended network of professionals who work in a variety of different environments within many different industries.  It is my pleasure to be connected to this community and to contribute to the vibrancy and good health of our association.

-Juanita

 

 

 

See Chicago's Sights

Are you going to SLA 2012?  Come see what's new, exciting, and decidedly different during a Saturday evening tour that explores Chicago’s highlights. From 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, 14 July, tour participants will experience vistas from the extraordinary Millennium Park, the glorious lakefront, and Navy Pier, Chicago's number one tourist attraction.

Chicagoans take great pride in their city's major contribution to world architecture. In the place where it all began in the 1880s, learn how modern styles evolved and produced the ever-increasing panorama of world-class structures. Buildings by Louis Sullivan, Daniel Burnham, Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Philip Johnson, Helmut Jahn, and other greats line the downtown and neighborhood streets. Learn how the early city planners separated the buildings and the city's commerce from the beaches, parks and inviting lakeshore. Discover for yourself why over 30 million visitors each year say, "Chicago is my kind of town!"

A stop at the Willis Tower Skydeck, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is included in the tour.  The tower is a world-renowned building and a Chicago icon, and the the Skydeck offers spectacular views spanning up to four states.  It's a Chicago experience full of interactive exhibits and…The Ledge, a glass balcony extending four feet outside the 103rd floor of Willis Tower!  The Ledge provides never-before-seen views of the city. The eighth-tallest building in the world, the Willis Tower remains the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, standing 110 stories at 1,450 feet.

The cost for this bus tour is $45.00, and tickets can be purchased through the online conference registration system.  Buy your tickets now!

Only 2 Weeks Left Until the Early Bird Deadline!

The early bird deadline for SLA 2012 is Friday, 11 May. Don't miss this opportunity to save on conference registration costs!

Need to share information with your boss about the conference? The "Dear Boss" letter will help you explain the importance of this education and networking event.

Conference Highlights:

Register for SLA continuing education courses and you will add more value to your organization.

Keynote speaker Guy Kawasaki is sure to be insightful and inspiring. What ideas can you take back to your organization?

Stay up to date on best practices and add even more value to your conference experience by participating in the featured Spotlight Sessions.

The future is now… Are you ready? Register today!

Digital Accountability and Transparency Act passes House

The Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act) passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 25th.The Data Act would require federal agencies to consistently report spending information on a new, searchable Web platform.

The legislation passed by a voice vote and will now go before the U.S. Senate. If it becomes law, it will establish standards for identifying and publishing electronic information about federal spending.

The federal government would need to spend $575 million over five years to create new structures and systems under the DATA Act, according to a Congressional Budget Office report issued last year.

Read full article: DATA Act passes House

Love SLA? Tell SLA!

Over the past several years, we’ve received kind words from many of our volunteers and members. We’re looking for more to add to our future communications.

What easier way is there to provide them than right here on the SLA Blog?

For anyone considering joining a community, testimonials by peers are the most resounding form of persuasion. Information professionals considering joining our community—whether it’s as a member, an Annual Conference first-timer, a networker at a local chapter function, or student at a Click-U Webinar—will make the most informed decision by hearing from involved members of SLA.

-Has SLA’s Annual Conference had a positive impact on your career? In what way?
-Did you find your job with the help of an SLA colleague?
-How has a Click University program enhanced your job search and/or performance?
-Did a visit to SLA’s INFO-EXPO hall result in you being armed with the tools that currently support your work?
-Has regular volunteer involvement provided you with new skills which enhance your career?
-How has membership in SLA been fun, invigorating and energizing?

Answers to all these questions will fit the bill, but don’t hesitate to tell us about your personal SLA experience. And, if it’s something you think we should improve upon, we’ll receive that feedback with appreciation as well.

Commenting on this post isn’t the only form of participating. We’re re-launching MySLA: The Podcast and would love to feature your SLA story there. You can also contact me to provide feedback directly.

 

870,000 Pictures are Worth...How Many Words?

The New York City Department of Records just announced on-line access to over 870,000 rarely viewed images. For the first time, photographs that were previously only accessible by visiting the archives offices in Manhattan are now available to the world.

This impressive database includes images from the largest collection of criminal justice evidence in the English speaking world, more than 800,000 color photos of every city building in New York, and over 1,300 rare depression-era photos of the Public Works Administration.

You can access, view, and order prints of the photos here. But you might want to wait a few hours, the site is experiencing temporary difficulties due to "overwhelming demand" at the moment (1:15 PM, EST, on 24 April).

For more information, read the AP story posted on Yahoo this morning. 

How do you plan to use the new resource? Which photos are must-shares? Let us know in the comments.