Question #4

Aug 8, 2014 by

Question #4

Candidates for the SLA Board of Directors have been asked to answer questions on the SLA Blog until election time. My response to the fourth and final question has been published, along with those of my fellow candidates. I’m copying it below. I encourage all SLA members to vote in September, it’s one of the most important privilege, and benefit, of your membership. Question #4: SLA is an international organization. How can SLA involve and reach out more to members outside North America? Expanding the membership of SLA outside North America represents a golden opportunity for growth and diversity for the association. Information knows no time zone nor border.   International members bring diverse experiences, solutions and viewpoints to issues that are, frankly, universal, and support the development of new solutions. However, to develop...

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SLA elections: Director candidates webinar...

Aug 8, 2014 by

On July 31st, me and my fellow candidates for the position of Director, on the SLA Board of Directors, participated in a webinar. We answered three prepared questions on the most pressing issues facing the association, the members outside North America, and the long-term sustainability of SLA. We also answered one question from the audience about merging with another association. The recording for the webinar is now available. There is still one more webinar to come, with the candidates for President-Elect, on August...

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Question #3

Jul 9, 2014 by

Question #3

Candidates for the SLA Board of Directors will be asked to answer questions on the SLA Blog until election time. My response to Question 3 has been published, along with those of my fellow candidates. I’m copying it below. Question 3: How has involvement with SLA over the years helped you grow professionally and personally?  At this point in my career, I’m the director of an academic library. There is no doubt my involvement in SLA helped my advancement in my field. What I learned in SLA translated directly to my professional life.   What skills and attitudes did I develop through SLA? leadership quick decision analysis vision development strategic planning robust communication skills meetings and events management agenda development delegation argument and persuasion techniques talk with and present to large groups of people professional mentorship...

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My SLA Annual Conference

Jun 19, 2014 by

My SLA Annual Conference

This was a momentous annual conference. I arrived in Vancouver, BC late Friday night after a memorable week spent in DC at the Leading Change Institute. The last, and only, time I set foot in Vancouver, was 30 years-plus ago. The city of course changed a lot since then but it is as stunningly beautiful as I remember it. My conference started with the best badge ever. My badge reflected my candidacy as a SLA board candidate, my new Fellow of SLA award and the two sessions in which I spoke. I also added my brand new Leading Change Institute and Fellow pins and a maple leaf since the conference took place in my home country. Saturday started with the candidates’ breakfast in President Kate Arnold’s suite and the open Board of Directors meeting. I...

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Question #2

Jun 14, 2014 by

Question #2

Candidates for the SLA Board of Directors will be asked to answer questions on the SLA Blog until election time. My response to Question 2 has been published, along with those of my fellow candidates. I’m copying it below. Question 2: What changes, if any, do we need to make to keep annual conference as a vibrant, well attended event?  I’ve had to opportunity to read the very detailed report by the Conference Re-envisioning Task Force. This committee can only be commended for the tremendous amount of work they put in surveying members and partners, analyzing data and making recommendations. I’ve attended the Annual Conference since Nashville, in 2004. I’ve always enjoyed my experience. I generally come back exhausted but invigorated. And I’ve met new people with unique jobs and interesting points of view. Here...

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Question #1 Why SLA

May 14, 2014 by

Question #1 Why SLA

Candidates for the SLA Board of Directors will be asked to answer questions on the SLA Blog until election time. My response to Question #1 has been published, along with those of my fellow candidates. I’m copying it below. Question #1: When did you first join SLA? What made you decide to join then, and why do you still belong today?    While I held unconventional jobs as an information professional in my native Canada, somewhat bizarrely, I didn’t join SLA until I became an academic librarian in 2000.   I had recently moved to the U.S. and began working in Kentucky. Invited by members of the local chapter, I attended one of their social events. The enthusiasm and camaraderie shown by the members was contagious; I was hooked. By the end of the evening,...

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