SLA Leadership Connections

...And Speaking of Future Ready

As SLA begins its second century, imagine just how fast the world has changed.  If we were to gather at an SLA conference 100 years ago, we would have travelled by train quite possibly to a venue where the most forward thinking library and information professionals would have gathered.  Now you can sit in front of your computer, whether at the office or at homem and watch a report from SLA member in the Virtual World, AmethystMoon Chant. 

 



Do you know students, younger researchers and information professionals who would like to explore SLA, in the real or virtual world?  Why not share?

There's Still Time to Celebrate the Centennial

The Centennial Showcase can still be reserved for a special chapter or division event. Take a tour of the Showcase at SLA-TV. Learn the details of the exhibit and reserve it now.

The Centennial Greetings page is growing.  Won't your chapter members like to hear a recognition of the profession and our centennial from their own public officials and sister organizations?  SLA's Public Relations Advisory Council has created a template to make it easy for you to request a recognition.  Unveiling a special proclamation would be a perfect addition to your annual meeting.

Share the Celebration

SLA has just announced the availability of the DVD "A Centennial Celebration".  There is a full version and a highlights version.  You'll experience the Grand Opening of SLA 2009, to a quick chat with 1978/79 SLA President Vivian Hewett, to interviews with vendors who took part in this historic celebration.  Both versions are available in the SLA Store, priced well under US$20.  What a nice gift to present to an award winner from your chapter or division or a sponsor featured who also supports your unit!  Chapters might want to show to students to show the breadth and depth that is an SLA annual conference where professionals learn and network and celebrate the best and brightest in the profession.  How else would you use such a video?  Purchase one and let us know how you've used it.

Centennial Commendation Letters Needed

Centennial "commendation letters" are starting to come in. The New York Chapter received a proclamation from the Office of the Mayor.  The Illinois Chapter received a letter from the Secretary of State and State Librarian. SLA's headquarters staff is also reaching out to Washington, D.C. and U.S. government officials as well as other associations.

Other chapters and divisions may approach other countries' national officials and top government librarians, local government officials, industry associations, major employers and institutions. Please comment below to let us know to whom you are reaching. It may give others an idea. The Centennial Commission would like to create an online collection of these commendations on the Centennial website. As they come in please e-mail a copy to Deb Rash  and include the following information:

• What unit is the letter supporting?

• Who is the letter from? Is it tied to another specific event in addition to the SLA Centennial (unit anniversary, local SLA day, etc.)

• How do you plan to use and/or showcase the letter?

Remember that the PR Advisory Council has created a template for use by units to make it easy for all of us.