DC/SLA Chapter Notes - September/October 2009

President's Corner: Elections and Awards

By Greta D. Ober, gretaob@gmail.com

September/ October 2009 Volume 70, No. 5

The SLA conference is now behind us, but there is no time to relax, as there continues to be lots of activity and planning going on within the DC Chapter. By the time you are reading this issue, both the Association-level elections along with the DC Chapter elections will be completed. I’d like to congratulate Susan Fournier, Nominations Chair and her committee (Rosa Liu, Lynne McKay, and Diane Schnurrpusch). I’ve been in a similar position, having to recruit future leaders, so I know how challenging it is to come up with the best candidates for each position. Susan and her committee placed us all in a situation with some tough decisions to make!

Inside this issue: President’s Corner …..……..1 New Chapter Board…….......3 SLA Alignment Project: What's it About?....................4 Fall Dine-Arounds…….....…5 NASA Library Celebrates Space Travel……....………..6 Annual Banquet…...………..7

Nominate Someone for an Association or Chapter Award (this was so well written by Anne Caputo a few years ago, I’ve just made some minor modifications to include for this year)

Tips from Gary Price……….7

SLA and DC/SLA both have Awards & Honors Programs created to honor individuals or groups and their achievements and contributions to the Association, to the DC Chapter and the information profession. The Association bestows awards in twelve categories and the Chapter presents two annual awards.

Book Talk with Chapter Member Bruce Rosenstein…9

Nominations can be submitted individually to SLA or can be sent via our chapter’s Awards Committee, chaired by Shirley Loo (sloo@crs.loc.gov)

Read about products and services from:

Our chapter awards will be presented at the DC/SLA Annual Meeting and Banquet, which is scheduled to be held this year at the Woman’s Democratic Club in Washington on Thursday, December 3rd.

Chapter award categories are:

From the Archives………….8

Click U Schedule...........…..10

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Library Associates EOS International TRAK Companies Leadership Directories

Check us out on the Web! www.units.sla.org/Chapter/cdc

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Chapter Member of the Year - Given to a chapter member in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Chapter, public service activities, assistance in professional development, promotion of special librarianship, or publication of a professional paper.

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Board of Directors Award - Given to an individual or group who may or may not be a member of the DC Chapter, in recognition of special achievements or contributions to the field of special librarianship.

Chapter Notes is the newsletter of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). It is distributed six times per year (bimonthly) as follows: January/ February, March/ April, May/ June, July/ August, September/ October, November/ December.

Special Libraries Association assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by the contributors to SLA’s publications. Editorial views do not necessarily represent the official views of SLA. Acceptance of advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product by SLA. Subscriptions: Chapter Notes is free to DC/SLA members.

Subscriptions are available to non-members at a rate of $10 per year.

The newsletter is also available electronically at the chapter's website, www.units.sla.org/Chapter/cdc.

Advertising: Advertising rates are: $95—1/4 page; $175—1/2 page; $290— full page.

For information regarding advertisements, contact the DC/SLA Chapter Notes Business Manager, Charlotte White.

The deadline for the November/ December 2009 issue is November 1st.

The issue will be distributed approximately two weeks after the deadline. The preferred submission format is a Word document sent via email. You should receive an email acknowledgement of your submission. Materials for Chapter Notes or requests for mailing address changes should be sent to the Editor.

Chapter Notes Editor: Jenny O'Shea Library, U.S. News & World Report Phone: 202-955-2087 oshea.jenny@gmail.com Chapter Notes Business Manager: Charlotte White cwhite@fmc.gov DC/SLA Webmaster: Krista Mantsch National Geographic Society Libraries and Information Services 1145 17th St., NW Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 202-457-8450 kmantsch@ngs.org DC/SLA Discussion List Manager: Lea Wade lea.wade[at]gmail.com Information: http://units.sla.org/chapter/cdc/list.html

DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 2

The DC/SLA Awards Committee is seeking your input in suggesting names of individuals or groups for SLA Awards & Honors. Nominations should include the following information, much of which can be found in the SLA Membership Directory:  Name of Award  Name of person submitting nomination  Name of nominee or group  Nominee address, telephone and email  Career Information  Employer, Job Title  Association Information  SLA Member, SLA and/or Chapter Affiliations  Reason for Nomination For further details and deadlines, take a look at the Awards & Recognitions section on the SLA Web site.

The DC/SLA Awards Committee is made up of Shirley Loo (chair), Susan Fournier, Sheryl Rosenthal, Erin Clougherty, and Barbie Keiser Please send your nominations to Shirley Loo, sloo@crs.loc.gov.

Past and upcoming events I’m sure you have all noticed that our events calendar is getting longer and longer. With so many active committees (including this year the Centennial Planning committee), and as always excellent Chapter program planners, there doesn’t seem to be a

week going by that doesn’t include a DC Chapter event to attend. While I know you can’t get to everything (though some are trying), with the variety of programs, there is certainly something for everyone!

September started off with a bang, as Chris Vestal, our Dine Around Coordinator started publicizing a grand list of interesting restaurants (thanks of course also goes to all those who have stepped-up to host a dine around). First it was Mama Ayesha’s, then Old Siam Restaurant, with Guapo's Mexican Cuisine and Cantina to finish off the month. The dine arounds continued throughout the month of October.

Of course a few months can’t go by without a couple of the DC/SLA Student/Young Professional Group’s Happy Hours. Always a fun location and good crowd (I know, I’ve been to a few!). The August Happy Hour was at the Elephant & Castle, which also featured a book drive for library schools in Tanzania.

There was a Click U Live seminar on “searching public records online,” a celebration of United Nations Week, a speed mentoring program organized by the Employment and Professional Enhancement Committee, and more scheduled from October thru December. Be sure to check the DC Chapter Events Calendar online for upcoming programs: http://units.sla.org/chapter/cdc/events.html. We’ve got dine arounds, Click U’s, book club meetings and many other interesting events!

Not to be missed:  

A DC Chapter program featuring Gary Price sharing his favorite websites (November 17th) DC/SLA Annual Meeting and Banquet – Thursday, December 3rd. The keynote speaker will be futurist, Andy Hines. It will be held once again this year at the Woman’s National Democratic Club near Dupont Circle.

So mark your calendars to attend one or all of these events!

New DC/SLA Board of Directors Announced Congratulations to these newly elected members of the DC/SLA Board of Directors: First Vice-President, President-Elect: Mary Talley Second Vice President: Lorraine Bell Director (2010-2012): Dave Hemingway Director (2010-2011): Lois Ireland Communications Secretary: Alison Labonte When their terms begin in January 2010, they will join these continuing Board Members: President: James King Recording Secretary: Eileen Deegan Treasurer: Gulnar Nagashybayeva Past-President: Greta Ober

Traditional and Cutting-Edge Positions for Information Professionals Contract and Interim Staffing Executive Recruitment Outsourcing Solutions for Information & Knowledge Management Projects Global Information Solutions Contact us today: West Coast 800-987-6794

East Coast 800-775-0388

www.libraryassociates.com DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 3

DC/SLA Town Hall Meeting: What is Alignment Anyway?

By James King After a multi-year review of the Alignment Project results, the SLA Board has voted to change the name of SLA. SLA members will vote on the proposed name, the Association for Strategic Knowledge Professionals, from November 16th through December 9th.

Join the DC/SLA Alignment Ambassadors for a Town Hall Meeting on Monday evening, November 9th, to look behind the name change issue and find out what SLA’s groundbreaking research and findings could mean to you and your career. This is your opportunity to ask questions and be heard.

The Ambassadors will start the evening with a brief overview of Alignment’s potential impact on you and the profession and then turn program over to you to discuss, ask questions, and get answers.

Date/Time: Monday, November 9th from 6:30 – 8:30pm Location: West End branch of the DC Public Library (closest Metro: Foggy Bottom) Speakers: DC/SLA Alignment Ambassadors (Mary Talley-Garcia, Dave Hemingway, James King, and Chris Vestal) RSVP: Dave Hemingway at dnhemingway@gmail.com by Nov. 5th.

Cost: There is no cost for this event – however, no refreshments will be provided.

About the Alignment Project The information industry, including publishers, newspapers and librarians, are in the midst of a revolutionary change. Information consumers have become publishers, digitization is bringing more content within the instant reach of search engines every day, and the "Great Recession" is forcing hard decision on programs, space, and people.

DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 4

In the midst of all of this, how are librarians and information professionals to respond and remain relevant? How should the major association representing the needs of these ‘specialized’ information professionals respond to these changes and help their membership?

For several years, SLA members have asked for a broader effort and support from the Association in helping them to communicate their value within their organizations. After the name change discussion in 2003, SLA used funds from the sale of its former DC national headquarters to conduct an in-depth research effort to understand where and how information professionals provide value to their organizations.

This effort is referred to as the ‘Alignment Project’ since the goal is to ‘align’ the Association with the needs of the membership as members work to align with the needs of their organizations. The results of this multi-year research effort were released to the membership in early 2009, providing a wealth of feedback about how corporate, academic, non-profit and government leaders and executives view information, information professionals, and librarians.

You can view the details of the Alignment Project findings at the Alignment Portal: http://www.sla.org/content/SLA/alignment/portal/

September 10 dine around at Mama Ayesha's restaurant.

Fall Dine-Arounds a Success Throughout September and October, DC/SLA members and colleagues got together at area restaurants for the ever popular dine arounds.

Many thanks to Dine Around coordinator Chris Vestal for putting together this fall's schedule, and thanks as well to the many hosts who organized these events throughout the DC area.

This year, there will be one additional dine around, on November 10th, to discuss the SLA Alignment Project. Details follow.

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 6pm Restaurant: Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar http://www.sonomadc.com/index.html Location: 223 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington DC 202-544-8088 2 ½ blocks from Capitol South metro station Metro: Capital South (Blue/ Orange lines) Hosts: Lynne McCay and Gloria Zamora RSVP: lmccay@crs.loc.gov There will be an Alignment Ambassador present to answer questions and talk about the Alignment Project and name change.

DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 5

DC/SLA members dining around at Guapo's Mexican Restaurant in Tenleytown.

Celebrating space travel at the NASA Library. Left to right: James King, Andrew Hunter, Dr. Gale Allen, Alison Raab-Labonte. (Photo by Rick Spencer)

DC/SLA and NASA Celebrate 40 Years of Space Travel

By William Tuceling NASA Headquarters was the site on September 30 for a two hour program hosted by the NASA Library, organized by DC/SLA and sponsored by IEEE and SLA Engineering Division and devoted to a celebration of the history and the future of space travel. An hour-long reception – complete with a cake decorated to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing – followed in the NASA Library.

Thirty people attended the presentation physically, and another dozen participated virtually via WebEx (no cake for them!).

The first speaker was Dr. Gale Allen. As the Director for the Strategic Integration and Management Office, Dr. Allen provides policy, direction and oversight for Congressional and public affairs activities as well as commercial collaborations. She reviewed the history of US space flight since 1960 (the Friendship 7 earth orbiter, the first space walk, the moon landing, the space shuttle launches, and the space station construction), and she also highlighted some of the spin-offs of space travel (heart monitors, freezefried food, more students pursuing science and math courses). Dr. Allen also outlined NASA’s projects aimed at returning humans to the moon in the future.

The second speaker was Andrew Hunter, Director of Resources for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. Hunter began his part of the program by reviewing the recently-released recommendations (extend the space station’s life until 2020, retire the space shuttle in 2010, return to the moon, and collaborate more with commercial entities) of the Congressionally-appointed Augustine Commission tasked with evaluating NASA’s future. He also talked about how to interest kids in space now (so they might become scientists later) by offering them the opportunity to put some of their experiments on future space flights and to use social media (such as blogs and Facebook) to report their results. Hunter concluded his comments by speculating on what it would take for NASA to reach its next potential goal - far in the future - of putting humans to Mars!

Both speakers answered questions following their remarks, and that information was illuminating, too.

For instance, the space station will crash to Earth in 2016 unless its life is extended by the agency. Also, the Russians are aiming to go to Mars, and the Japanese will aid the US with our Mars endeavors.

Finally, NASA’s archives are used to educational purposes (like our program), and NASA’s Scientific and Technical Reports database (like DTIC’s STINET database) contains .pdfs of the agency’s reports that are open to all.

If you missed it, a WebEx recording of the event is available for playback at this address: https://slaorg.webex.com/slaorg/lsr.php?AT=pb&S P=EC&rID=13128617&rKey=ae486db13403c331

Photo by Rick Spencer DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 6

Looking Forward with Futurist Andy Hines at the DC/SLA Annual Meeting & Banquet

Beyond 23 Things: Gary Price Shares

By Barbara Ferry

By James King Join us as we end our year-long celebration of the SLA Centennial with a look into the future. Futurist Andy Hines has honed a skill set designed to make foresight more actionable in organizations. He believes foresight can help deliver the insight so needed by today's organizations, and seeks to infect as many change agents as possible with this message. He will close our annual meeting by giving our chapter insight to prepare for our professional future.

Also, join us in a toast to recognize the many DC Chapter volunteers who contributed to a successful SLA centennial celebration! The evening is being partially sponsored by Leadership Directories and SirsiDynix.

Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 6-9:30 p.m.

Reception, annual meeting, speaker Andy Hines and dinner

Get ready for a fast-paced hour program where Gary Price will share some of his favorite and most useful web-based (and mostly free) resources.

He'll also spend some time speaking about the fast growing wireless/mobile arena, and he'll also share some goodies that will work on many types of mobile phones.

About Gary Price: http://www.resourceshelf.com/the-resourceshelfteam/gary-price-mlis/ When: Tue., Nov. 17, 2009, from 6:00 until 8:00 6-7 -- reception with light refreshments 7-8 -- Gary's presentation Where: Sumner School 1201 17th St Washington, DC 20036-3008 (202) 442-6060 Metro: Farragut North/West

Location: Woman's National Democratic Club 1526 New Hampshire Ave., NW (Metro: Dupont Circle) Please RSVP online no later than November 21.

[Print readers, type this address into your browser: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey= dGVVb0ZCNjVoenBYNklCZFFCb3VRcEE6MA] Cost:  DC Chapter members $35  student/retired/unemployed DC Chapter member $25  not a DC Chapter member $45

DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 7

Cost:  SLA members: $10  Non-members: $15  Unemployed/students/retired: $5 RSVP: Contact Barbara Ferry at bferry@ngs.org or 202-857-7051 RSVP first to make sure space is available, and then pay for the program via PayPal PayPal will take your money even if the event is full, and PayPal payments are not refundable Payment: Please go to the DC/SLA Calendar link for this event to pay using PayPal http://units.sla.org/chapter/cdc/events_files/Nov172 009.html

From the Chapter Archives

By Karen Danoff, Chapter Archivist The April 1945 Chapter Notes was dedicated to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The tribute described FDR as a “Friend of libraries, Collector of knowledge, Believer in the future of the United States of America.”

This issue also noted that Chapter Notes was published 8 times per year, subject to wartime conditions.

The Chapter meeting, held on Tuesday, April 10, 1945 at the National Archives, included a visit of the SLA President, Walter Hausdorfer, librarian, School of Business, Columbia University.

According to the April 1945 Chapter Notes:

"Said Mr. Hausdorfer in his address, “Opportunities for Special Libraries”: ‘When the potential market for our services is examined, the contrast and disparity between what might be and is, is disturbing.’

He pointed out, however, that new libraries are founded as new industries are developed, and that there is great opportunity – not only for those on jobs, but for those who will create jobs. In post war planning, the implications for special library service are amazing. When new firms are organized, they will need every resource of information in order to compete with those that have weathered the misfortunes of a war economy.”

(D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 14, Box 13, Guide to the Records of the D.C. Special Libraries Association).

Those who have been members of DC/SLA for twenty-five years or more were honored at a chapter event in February. (photo by Bill Tuceling)

DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 8

Following a multiple-person layoff at USA Today in 2008, the author began living the principles he’d learned from the legend. By continuing to write his book (for which he received a contract the same year) and to teach at CUA’s School of Library and Information Science (where he has lectured since 1996), Bruce became the embodiment of Drucker’s idea that getting one line in a multi-faceted life cut off wouldn’t be his downfall. The book was released this August by Berrett-Koehler Publishers (Bruce’s other writings appear in Information Outlook, Library Journal, and ONLINE).

Bruce Rosenstein Reports on Peter Drucker

Many DC/SLA members were involved in preparing and presenting the program. President Greta Ober welcomed the audience of more than 40 people, and event organizer Barbara Ferry introduced the speaker. Member Kimberly Ferguson assisted with registration and refreshments.

By William Tuceling Covington and Burling’s conference room was the site of DC/SLA member Bruce Rosenstein’s September 9 presentation about the book he wrote on management guru Peter Drucker’s application of professional management principles to enhancing personal transformation as it relates to knowledge workers. Rosenstein described and explained Drucker’s insights about expanding one’s basic abilities through self-study and continuous learning, creating second careers, and teaching or mentoring others as a means of defining your future and advancing your life.

As the embedded librarian for the News section of USA Today for twenty-one years and a writer for the Money section for twelve years, Mr. Rosenstein interviewed and wrote extensively about Mr. Drucker in the course of their careers. Bruce began writing Living in More Than One World: How Peter Drucker’s Wisdom Can Inspire and Transform Your Life in 2002, and he gathered crucial information for it during an extensive interview with Drucker just 7 months before the latter died in 2005. A 20minute extract of the interview concluded the formal part of the program; a Q&A session and a book-signing followed.

Bruce Rosenstein signs a copy of his book for DC/SLA President Greta Ober following the discussion. (photo by Bill Tuceling)

Barbara Ferry and Kimberly Ferguson DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 9

Continuing Education Opportunities through DC/SLA and Click U Here is a full schedule of exciting 2009 SLA Click U sessions coming up in the end of 2009.

Remember, these sessions are free to SLA members.

Management and Leadership: Which Hat Should You Be Wearing?

Presenter: Pat Wagner, Consultant, researcher and trainer Date: November 4, 2009 Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m ET

SLA Presents: Ask the Copyright Experts!

(International Copyright Law) Presenter: Frederic Haber, Copyright Clearance Center Date: November 10, 2009 Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m ET

Understanding Digital Libraries Presenter: Michael Lesk, Professor of Library and Information Science, Rutgers University Date: December 2, 2009 Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m ET

Second Life - Learn All About It! (This program was also offered on October 8, 2009) Presenter: Cindy Hill (Sydney Delphin in Second Life), Scott Brown (Steven Source in Second Life), Christy Confetti-Higgins (Violet Portola in Second Life) Date: December 3, 2009 Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m ET NOTE: This is part 1 of a 2 part program. Part 1 is a webinar, and Part 2 will be held on Second Life at the following times: Tuesday, 10 November, 11:00 a.m. ET Thursday, 10 December, 11:00 a.m. ET

DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 10

Becoming Green (or Greener) in your Workplace: Moving Past the Simple Steps Presenter: Anca Novacovici, Founder and president of Eco-Coach, Inc Date: December 16, 2009 Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m ET

Gary Price's Research Tool Box Presenter: Gary Price, Founder and Chief Editor, ResourceShelf Date: December 2009 Time: This is a pre-recorded session that will be posted within the month of December For more detailed program descriptions please visit: http://www.sla.org/content/learn/members/webinars /index.cfm

Please contact Marie Kaddell, DC/SLA Click U Coordinator, if you have any questions about attending these upcoming Click U programs.

Regular notices of upcoming sessions will be posted to the DC/SLA listserv and on Marie’s blog: The Government Info Pro @ http://www.governmentinfopro.com, with information about how to register to attend these live webinar sessions.

DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 11

One small step on a cake? No: a commemoration of the anniversary of space travel! See more from DC/SLA's recent program at the NASA Library inside, on page 6. (Photo by Rick Spencer)

DC/SLA Chapter Notes | September/ October 2009 | pg 12