From time to time an interesting piece of news or information crosses my desk or computer screen about an SLA member doing something fascinating or, at least, out of the ordinary from their day-to-day job. Such was the case recently when I received an interesting email alerting me to the fact that Rachel Kolsky, who is a member of SLA Europe and has worked in the financial services industry for many years, was interviewed on BBC Radio earlier this month concerning her activities as a tour guide in London.
As it turns out, Rachel is not just any tour guide. She proudly sports the prestigious London Blue Badge from the Institute of Tourist Guiding. In order to wear the distinctive blue badge, a guide must pass what are described as "rigorous written and practical examinations covering all aspects of the life and history of London and Great Britain."
What you may not know about Rachel is that, in addition to using her incisive mind to inform business executives at AIG Research and Development and to captivate tourists eager to learn the most fascinating details about London's East End, she is past President of SLA Europe, was named Information Professional of the Year at the International Information Industry Awards in 2006, and even was the top recruiter during SLA's 2004 membership campaign. But even more than that, she is an energetic, kind and charming person.
So, all of this got me thinking. What other interesting things are SLA members doing that combine their talents as info pros with the passions in their personal lives? If you or someone you know is doing something readers of this column might find interesting, please send it along. I would love to feature it in a future posting.
If you would like to share your thoughts, views or opinions about this topic, please comment below or send me an email at janice@sla.org.
