Executive Connections

SLA Granted Observer Status in WIPO

I am delighted to let you know that SLA has been granted observer status to meetings of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).  WIPO, an agency of the United Nations, was established in 1967, "to promote the protection of IP (intellectual property) throughout the world through cooperation among states and in collaboration with other international organizations."  Among its most important roles is developing international standards for intellectual property agreements.

This approval of WIPO observer status for SLA culminates a long effort spearheaded by Public Policy staff members Doug Newcomb and Natalie Gozzard.

WIPO currently has 184 "member states" and performs much of its work through committees.  Observer status gives SLA the right to attend committee meetings and bring forward to the member states considerations voiced by SLA and its members.  Among the "hot topics" now under consideration are the parameters of intellectual property laws regarding traditional knowledge and cultural expression.

WIPO observer status is an important, prestigious recognition of SLA as a global organization with an important voice in intellectual property and provides an additional forum for advocacy. 

Maintain the Value of Your Career

Through Stephen Abram's blog, I learned that the editors of The Futurist magazine have selected their top 10 forecasts for 2009, and one particularly caught my eye:  "Professional knowledge will become obsolete almost as quickly as it's acquired."

It is a pretty blunt statement, but you do not need a crystal ball to know it is true--just as true as the hard economic times.  Staying ahead of the professional development curve becomes particularly important in this environment.  The up-to-date information professional can add more value to his or her organization--and become more attractive to other potential employers.

Fortunately, SLA members have a treasure trove of free and low-cost professional development options, from 23 Things and the SLA Innovation Lab to Click U courses and certificate programs.  This week, we begin free online sessions that will help you learn about virtual worlds such as Second Life.

Don't let your professional knowledge become obsolete!

The Librarians Behind the Laureates

Tony Stankus, blogger for SLA's Biomedical & Life Sciences Division, points out in his most recent posting that behind every Nobel laureate there is a great information professional.  Tony posted an inventory of the journals in which the work of each winner of this year's Nobel Prize for Medicine has appeared before the New York Times even published their names!  He also challenges other divisions to compile publication patterns for prize winners in their fields.

Running on Sweat Equity

As we congratulate the winners in our 2009 Board of Directors election, I continue to be amazed at the level of commitment each demonstrates to SLA and the information profession.

It's easy to forget that board members are volunteers—people who donate their time, talent and expertise.  All of them have to rearrange schedules, give up free time and be ready to roll up their sleeves and work.  Their only compensation is the recognition they receive from you, their peers, and their own satisfaction in serving SLA members and their profession.  They inspire me each and every day and deserve our thanks.

Thanks, too, to the others who gave their time to run, to vote and to become informed about the candidates.  Your participation is the surest way to keep SLA on track with your professional needs.