DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
President's Corner: Mary Talley
Maybe I'm amazed
In the past, when I read the words “I’m honored to be nominated or elected" from an official acknowledging a new post, I've been guilty of thinking of it as a throw-away line. Now that I am in the position of DC/SLA president - well, "honored" is exactly how I feel - and, maybe a little amazed at it. It would be easy for these very positive feelings to turn rapidly into feeling daunted by the responsibility of leading SLA's largest chapter - especially now, during this most challenging of times. Change and uncertainty are our profession's new companions. Learning new technologies, transitioning to non-traditional roles, proving our value, or, maybe, just finding a job are just a few of our constant challenges. And, members are turning more and more to DC/ SLA for support in dealing with them. I might feel daunted if I thought I had to do it alone. I am grateful for the clear path that my predecessors, Greta Ober and Diane Schnurrpusch, set with the 2009 strategic plan. I am amazed at how much of the plan James King implemented in one short year. This year, I have the help of an extremely strong and experienced Board. They are already moving DC/SLA DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 1
January 2011 Volume 72, No. 1 President’s Corner
1-2
About Chapter Notes
2
The DC/SLA Web site
3
December 2010 Events
4
Library Related Events
5-8
DC/SLA Chapter's Board of Directors for 2011
9-11
Twenty-First Annual Elizabeth Stone Lecture
12
Career Column: Consider Being a Mentor (Μέντωρ)
13
Interview with Aileen Marshall on her recent article in Information Outlook
1417
LATEST NEWS FROM DC/ SLA CHAPTER BLOG
1821
-N.B. Blogs go in reverse chronological order -
---
Karen Huffman of DC/SLA also named a 2011 SLA Fellow!!!
18
James King one of SLA's 2011 Fellows!
19
Pecha Kucha (PK) tournament
20, 21
Invitation to be a DC/SLA Vibrant Valued Volunteer!
22
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
About Chapter Notes Chapter Notes is the newsletter for 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. 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.
Chapter Notes Editors-in-Chief: Aileen Marshall - Submissions - cynderaatgmail.com James Madigan - Production - cn12atme.com Chapter Notes Business Manager: Charlotte White cwhiteatfmc.gov
DC/SLA Technology Chair - James King - james.kingatnih.gov Communications Director: Chris Vestal - cmvlibrariaatgmail.com Webmaster: Karen Spern - okeyrenatgmail.com Discussion List Manager: Lea Wade - Ilea.wadeatgmail.com Visit: http://units.sla.org/chapter/cdc/list.html Volunteer Coordinator DeenaAdelman - deena.adelmanatmacrosysrt.com Visit: http://signupgenius.com/go/chapter Send your event to the DC/SLA Calendar dcslacalendaratgmail.com
forward. James King has agreed to step into the new position of Technology Chair to coordinate the deployment of technology for our members' benefit, including the new website. President-elect, Lois Ireland, has many programs in the works to meet members' needs for both new information and support. Communications Director, Chris Vestal, is expanding outreach to members with a new blog series, Diverse Universe, that showcases members in non-traditional positions. Membership Director, Victor Monti, is planning dynamic ways to welcome new members into DC/ SLA, including a more relevant new member's event. That's not all. Many new members are stepping forward to help. Deena Adelman, Volunteer Coordinator, is bringing a fresh approach to filling volunteer positions. Karen Spern has agreed to be our new web master. Janel White is revitalizing DC/SLA's "Spend-a-Day" program. With all that, it still isn't enough. We are all in these challenging times together. Only together can we shape DC/SLA into the organization we want and need. I am honored to be directing DC/SLA but am more ready to be amazed at what we accomplish together in 2011.
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 2
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Check out the DC/SLA Web site The Washington, DC Chapter of the Special Libraries Association Web site provides a forum for information professionals in the Washington area to meet others, to learn, and to help each other develop skills for putting knowledge to work. We run an active email discussion list, publish a bi-monthly newsletter, and hold meetings, programs and networking events throughout the year. We reach out to students through scholarships and programs, and to the community through consultation and service activities. We reach out to our DC neighbors by working through our Community Outreach Project. To find out more about our varied Chapter events and activities, follow the links on this page. And if you'd like to get involved, contact me or any of our officers or committee chairs. I look forward to seeing you this year, Mary Talley (mary.talleygarciaatgmail.com) President DC/SLA, 2011
The Washington, DC Chapter of the Special Libraries Association was founded on October 26, 1940, by a group of 48 Washington members of the Baltimore Chapter. The Washington Chapter was the eighteenth chapter of SLA to be organized. It grew rapidly, winning the association's Membership Gavel Award for the greatest increase in membership in 1941, 1943, 1958, and 1972. The Chapter has also contributed many officers and committee chairpersons to the Association and to the various Divisions. (See the Chapter's mission and strategies.) For more information about our chapter's past, visit our Chapter Archives. How Our Chapter Communicates with our Members • • • • • •
Chapter Discussion List Chapter Notes, our e-newsletter Calendar of Events mailing Up-to-date Chapter web site Chapter Blog Chapter Wiki
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 3
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
December 2010 Library Related Events Description
DCSLA Annual Meeting and Lunch Cruise
Join the Students/Young Professionals Group this Tuesday December 14th for Happy Hour and Holiday Light Viewing!!
Sat, December 4, 2010, 11:30am – 2:00pm
At 6pm, we'll meet at Chef Geoff for a hot beverage, dinner, drink, or whatever you want.
Spirit of Washington Cruises on the Potomac, Pier 4 at 6th & Water Streets, SW, Washington, DC, Directions: http://spiritofwashington.com/ Washington-DC/directions#dc
At 7pm, we'll walk a couple of blocks and check out the National Christmas Tree and other holiday lights on The Ellipse in front of the White House.
Description
This is a great opportunity to see the national tree, Santa Claus, each state's tree, and the other displays as well as hear some holiday music with fellow librarians. Bring your camera and be sure to dress warmly!
Sail into 2011 with DC/SLA. Join us on-board the Spirit of Washington cruise on the Potomac, lunch and the 2010 DCSLA Annual Meeting. We’ll start with a buffet lunch (with complimentary juice and soda and a drink ticket) and tell you about DC/SLA's activities and accomplishments in 2010 and we’re going in 2011. After dessert and the meeting, we'll hear from SLA President, Anne Caputo, and President-Elect, Cindy Romaine, about we are headed as a profession.
Locations: Chef Geoff 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW Metro: Farragut West (orange, blue lines) or Farragut North (red line) National Christmas Tree The Ellipse, aka President's Park South in front of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Metro: Farragut West, McPherson Square, Federal Triangle (orange, blue) or Metro Center (red)
DCSLA Fiction Book Club Wed, December 8, 2010, 6pm – 7pm Please RSVP: Barbara Folensbee-Moore at bfolensbee-mooreatmorganlewis.com
RSVP to Cheri Widowski (cwidowskiatgmail.com) or Carrie Port (carrieportatgmail.com) Wednesday, December 29, 2010 6:00pm DCSLA Fiction Book Club
DC/SLA Student and Young Professionals Happy Hour
Wed, December 29, 2010, 6pm – 7pm Please RSVP: Barbara Folensbee-Moore at bfolensbeemooreatmorganlewis.com
Tue, December 14, 2010, 6pm – 9pm Chef Geoff 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW Metro: Farragut West (orange, blue lines) or Farragut North (red line)
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 4
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Library Related Events
Wednesday, January 19-22 2011
SLA Leadership in Summit in Washington DC Washington, D.C. Renaissance Washington Downtown Hotel
met at diverse Metro-accessible restaurants recommended by our participants. Next Book Club Meeting: Date and Time: 6:30 PM Tuesday, January 26, 2010 Book: Living in More Than One World: How Peter Drucker's Wisdom Can Inspire and Transform Your Life, by Bruce Rosenstein, SLA member and local DC author.
DCSLA Fiction Book Club Wed, January 19, 6pm – 7pm Please RSVP: Barbara Folensbee-Moore at bfolensbeemooreatmorganlewis.com
Meeting Location: Taj Mahal (1327 Connecticut Avenue, near N Street. Closest Metro Station: Dupont, on the Red Line) Author Bruce Rosenstein will be joining us as our special guest. We are delighted to welcome him, and expect a particularly lively and interesting discussion.
Non-Fiction DC/SLA Book Club Wed, January 26, 6:30pm – 7:30pm RSVP: Layla_Vollathotmail.com or 202-877-5296 Description Are you interested in exploring influential ideas and sharing your insights with fellow information professionals? Participate in our Non-Fiction DC/SLA Book Club! Created in 2002, our Chapter’s club meets quarterly to discuss current, thought-provoking books of wide interest to our professional community. The goal of our discussions is to highlight each book’s unique points and useful takeaways through a lively exchange of ideas. Prior to each meeting, participants nominate recent, compelling books, and vote for the title they would like to discuss at the next gathering. Books we have read in the last year include: The Search: How Google and Its Rivals Rewrote the Rules of Business and Transformed Our Culture; Reading Lolita in Tehran : A Memoir in Books; Freakonomics; The World is Flat; and Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done. Since 2005, we have
About the Book: "Few people on earth know Peter Drucker and his work better than Bruce Rosenstein. Living in More Than One World will be one the top of my book stack. It is a welcome and very personal addition to Drucker's incomparable legacy. Unique among all Drucker books, this one tells you what to do with the rest of your life and how to go about it." - Bob Buford - Chairman, The Drucker Institute, and author of Halftime and Finishing Well. Meeting Hosted by: Layla Heimlich Please RSVP: Layla_Vollathotmail.com or 202-877-5296. Do you know of a great book we should discuss at an upcoming meeting?Please send your suggestion to: Layla Heimlich at Layla_Vollathotmail.com. Additional Questions: Contact Layla Heimlich (Layla_Vollathotmail.com)
DC/SLA Community Service Project at DC SEED School Sat, February 5, 9am – 1pm
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 5
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Library Related Events DC SEED School 4300 C Street S.E., Washington, DC 20019. Drive to the main gate and buzz for entry to the campus. There is ample free parking on the gated campus. (Arrangements for carpooling or pick up at a Metro stop can be made--please contact us). Description A small group of volunteers will assist the librarian with processing materials into the school's online catalog as well as help with other upkeep and maintenance of materials in the library and classrooms.
Sunset Boulevard: Theater-Around Sun, February 13, 12:30pm – 4:00pm 1:00 - 2:00, Shirlington Library Meeting Room; 2:00 4:00 p.m., Sunset Boulevard at Signature Theater Description Lunch and Discussion/talk with Ann-Marie Dittmann, the official Dramaturg for Sunset Blvd.; performance of Sunset Boulevard at Signature Theater Cost: $58/ticket
ClickU - Social Business: Social Media Tools for Business and Competitive Research
Wed, February 16, 4pm – 6pm Room 119, Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C Description Join the Military Libraries Group of DC/SLA for a lecture and dinner. LECTURE: Dr. Nelly Lahoud, a top expert on jihadi ideology and a West Point associate professor will talk about her new book "The Jihadis' Path to Self-Destruction" at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16, in Room 119, Library of Congress Jefferson Building. Sponsored by the Library’s John W. Kluge Center, the event is free and open to the public. Tickets or reservations are not needed. DINNER: Dr. Lehoud will join us for dinner following the lecture. B. Smith's Union Station, Ground Level, East Side, 50 Massachusetts Ave. Dinner Reservations are for 6 p.m. The group will order from the menu. Union Station Metro on the RED Line. RSVP: E-mail Sharon Lenius by Feb 15, 2011 (leniussaatgmail.com) You may do either the lecture itself, the lecture AND the dinner, or just the dinner. For dinner plans, please RSVP to Sharon.
DCSLA Fiction Book Club
Tue, February 15, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Wed, February 16, 6pm – 7pm
Dow Jones, 1025 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC
Please RSVP: Barbara Folensbee-Moore at bfolensbeemooreatmorganlewis.com
Description Scott Brown, owner, Social Information Group, will present a ClickU session on Social Business: Social Media Tools for Business and Competitive Research.
Association Roundtable Brownbag Lunch Wed, February 23, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Military Librarians Group - The Jihadis' Path to Self-Destruction
Consumer Electronics Association, 1919 S. Eads Street, Arlington, VA
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 6
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Library Related Events Description Monthly informal discussion group of the Association Information Services Caucus. February topic: Making Your Members Love You. Program is free but please RSVP to Rick Kowalski (rkowalskiatce.org) 703-907-7763. Refreshments and snacks provided.
Happy Hour -- Students & New Professionals Group Wed, February 23, 6:00pm – 8:30pm Capitol City Brewing Company (1100 New York Avenue NW) Description Come join us for our redo of first happy hour of 2011 Everyone is welcome Place: Capitol City Brewing Company (1100 New York Avenue) Metro Center (Red, Orange and Blue Lines) http://www.capcitybrew.com/downtown.php RSVP and/or questions to Carrie at carrieportatgmail.com or cwidowskiatgmail.com or just show up!
Happy Hour and Book Talk with Allison Leotta Fri, February 25, 6:00pm – 7:30pm Morgan Lewis & Bockius, 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC Description CSI fans won’t want to miss this! Federal prosecutor Allison Leotta will talk about her book Law of Attraction. Ms. Leotta also blogs about the accuracy (or not!) of TV crime shows.
Time: Happy hour starts 6 pm, Ms. Leotta will speak at 6:30 Beer, wine, sodas and light munchies provided in registration fee. Questions: dcslaprogramsatgmail.com
ClickU - Ask the Copyright Experts Wed, March 9, 2pm – 3pm Dow Jones, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC Description This interactive session will explore recent developments in the copyright and licensing arena.
Future Ready! Panel Discussion Tue, March 15, 6pm – 8pm NPR, 635 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC Description SLA President Cindy Romaine has challenged us to be Future Ready. But what does that mean exactly? Our panel of distinguished local library leaders will tackle this topic on Tuesday, March 15, as we consider what the future may hold for society and our profession. Our panelists will be Laura Soto-Barra of National Public Radio, Pamela Tripp-Melby of the International Monetary Fund and Sue Woodson of Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins University. Date & time: Tuesday, March 15, 6 pm - 8:00 pm Light refreshments and Networking: 6:00 pm- 6:30 pm. Panel Discussion: 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm Audience Q&A: 7:30 pm-8:00 pm Location: NPR, 635 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 7
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Library Related Events Closest Metro stations: Mount Vernon Sq.- Convention Center (Yellow/Green) or Gallery Place - Chinatown (Red/Yellow/Green) $10 Students/Retired/Unemployed Members $15 Members $25 Non-members
Happy Hour - Students & New Professionals Mon, March 21, 6pm – 8pm 1726 Connecticut Avenue NW Description Everyone is welcome to our March Happy Hour. It is conveniently located nearby Computers in Libraries at the Washington Hilton. Maddy's Bar and Grill 1726 Connecticut Avenue Northwest www.maddysbar.com/ Dupont Circle (Red Line) Also close to the Washington Hilton, location of Computers in Libraries RSVP or questions to Carrie Port (carrieportatgmail.com) or Cheri Widowski (cwidowskiatgmail.com) or just show up!
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 8
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
DC/SLA Chapter's Board of Directors for 2011
President
First Vice President/ President-Elect
Mary Talley Facilitator and Catalyst Information Management Consulting Services 3507 Rittenhouse St. NW Washington, D.C. 20015 202-363-1056 (office) 301-602-2657 (cell) E-mail Mary mary.talleygarciaatgmail.com
Lois Ireland Manager Corporate Information Resource Center (CIRC) Freddie Mac HQ1 8200 Jones Branch Drive McLean VA 22102 Phone: 703.903.3335 E-mail Lois lois_irelandatfreddiemac.com
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 9
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
Second Vice President
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Lea Wade* Librarian/Program Manager U.S. Department of Homeland Security 650 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20528 (202) 480-5513 E-Mail Lea lea.wadeatgmail.com *Ms. Wade is serving in her personal capacity.
James King, MLS* Information Architect NIH Library National Institutes of Health 10 Center Drive, Room 1L07A Bethesda, MD 20892-1150 (301) 496-2187 Immediate Past E-Mail James President james.kingatnih.gov *Mr. King is serving in his personal capacity.
Recording Secretary
Gretchen Sauvey Knowledge Management Specialist United States Institute of Peace 1200 17th St. NW Washington, D.C. 20036 202-429-4176 (office) 202-557-1648 (cell) E-mail Gretchen gretchen.sauveyatgmail.com
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 10
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Hannah Sommers Broadcast Librarian NPR 635 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20001 E-mail Hannah hannahsommersatyahoo.com
Treasurer
Chris Vestal (540) 227-0718 E-mail Chris
Communications Secretary
Fundraising Director
David Hemingway Sales Consultant Innovative Interfaces Inc 800 K Street NE Washington, DC 20002 Tel: 202-536-4539 Fax: 202-747-2978 E-mail Dave LinkedIN: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davehemingway
Victor Monti 6920B Bradlick Center #178 Annandale VA 22003 703-624-8272 E-mail Victor Fundraising Director
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 11
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Announcing the Twenty-First Annual Elizabeth Stone Lecture Join the Catholic University of America School of Library and Information Science (CUA SLIS) chapter of the Alumni Association as we continue our celebration of CUA SLIS's Century of Knowledge, Service, and Discovery with the annual Stone Lecture.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Aversa, Director of the School of Library and Information Science at the University Of Alabama and Dean of the CUA School of Library and Information Science, 1994-1998
A Passion for Libraries - Or - Why Do We Do What We Do Date: Thursday, March 31, 2011 Time: 7:00 p.m. (light reception to follow) Location: Caldwell Auditorium, Caldwell Hall of CUA (Campus map: http://www.cua.edu/res/docs/cuamap.pdf)
Bring your checkbook for an opportunity to donate to the Stone Scholarship Fund!! RSVP today to cua-slisatcua.edu For more information on CUA SLIS "Century" Events: http://slis.cua.edu/centennial A Century of Knowledge, Service, and Discovery 1911 - Library Education in DC - 2011
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 12
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Career Column: Consider being a Μέντωρ By Aimee Babcock-Ellis and the Oxford English Dictionary version 4.0 Many people learn from seeing. Then they want to do what they have just seen. As a mentee, I want to give back. I know at this point in my still early career I cannot offer much to my mentors, but I peer mentor. I know people can still benefit from my experience and I from theirs. Mentors are critical in any career. They have a lasting impact on your career. Sure, there are not so effective mentors, but then there are the ones that change your whole career. Take a moment and think, who inspired you and how? I can think of several practicing professionals and students who have made a difference in my life. I won’t list them by name, but I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and encouragement. Mentoring doesn’t have to take a huge amount of your time. Sometimes people need others to recognize their potential before they can see their own talents. Letting people know it is okay to ask questions is part of mentoring. How else can people learn and explore? Lately, I have started mentoring virtually. Sometimes I have not met my mentee until we’re both attending the same conference. It’s is so easy in this world of social networking. On LinkedIn you can answer questions in online discussions (or on email listservs) and it’s a way to start the conversation from something you’ve read or said. My mentors helped me figure out my career path and I hope I can do the same for others. Taking the time to talk to someone can make all the difference in the world. I encourage you to think of your mentors and what made them effective. Try practicing some of the things you have reflected on in your own life.
For those who love the fine print: From the OED [electronic version 4.0]: mentor (ˈmɛntɔː(r)) [a. F. mentor, appellative use of the proper name Mentor, Gr. Μέντωρ. The name admits of the etymological rendering ‘adviser’, having the form of an agent-n. from the root *men- (: mon-) to remember, think, counsel, etc. (cf. L. monitor); possibly it may have been invented or chosen by the poet as appropriately significant.] 1. a.1.a With initial capital: The name of the Ithacan noble whose disguise the goddess Athene assumed in order to act as the guide and adviser of the young Telemachus; allusively, one who fulfills the office which the supposed Mentor fulfilled towards Telemachus. b.1.b Hence, as common noun: An experienced and trusted counsellor. The currency of the word in Fr. and Eng. is derived less from the Odyssey than from Fénelon's romance of Télémaque, in which the part played by Mentor as a counsellor is made more prominent.
Be a Μέντωρ - Opportunities happening in DC/SLA soon!! [Editor’s note: DC/SLA is exploring this topic: ideas always welcome!]
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 13
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Interview with Aileen Marshall on her recent article in Information Outlook the magazine of the Special Libraries Association Vol. 15, No. 01, January-February 2011 Do you really believe that the United States has more people in prisons than other large population countries, such as China? According to the King’s College London. 2010. Prison Brief for China. King’s College London: International Center for Prison Studies. Online news report: Yes. Do I believe that China has fewer prisoners? No. But my suspicion is that there are a lot more illegal imprisonments going on, and they certainly don’t make it into the official reports. And of course for this article I had to refer to official sources.
What sort of action do you think is required to make up for the shortfall in prisoner services that would help them to re-enter society as productive and well adjusted citizens? Certainly is more expensive in the long run to neglect this area. Recidivism issues should be at the forefront of prison reform. The problem is that in times like these, when budgets are tight, educational positions are eliminated before any security positions are touched. There are already lots of facilities that do not have enough security personnel, which obviously poses a risk. Then we have to take into account that a good portion of the general public does not believe that inmates deserve the right to read and learn. Many people think that it is money washed down the drain. One option that I believe is worth pursuing is the collaboration between detention facilities and public/academic libraries. Take the project “Changing Lives Through Literature” for example. Although this is an alternative sentencing program, it can be adapted to function for people that are in jail. Penitentiaries need to build relationships with outside agencies and libraries to solicit support. Public libraries could give free library cards to people who re-enter society (for a limited amount of time). The jail or prison needs to emphasize the importance of public libraries and make inmates understand that they can find help there: job search, computer training, and much more.
Yoga and electricity? Are these forms of unacceptable information in some facilities?
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 14
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
In some facilities books on these subjects may be prohibited. Inmates have a lot of time, and they put it to good (well, bad) use in many cases. Some prisoners intentionally study electricity to check out the jail’s security systems. As far as the Yoga books go … usually regional jails do not allow pornographic materials (contrary to some state facilities that house long-term inmates or lifers). I know it is hard to believe, but inmates in regional jails take everything that is remotely sexy. And we have to admit that some yoga poses are very much like that. Censorship updating ... when were the guidelines last revisited? Is there an appeals process for inmates on materials they would like to read ... such as Harry Potter series? Censorship is SUCH a big thing in jails … not so much in state prisons, as mentioned above. The jail I worked at had general guidelines that were revised constantly, depending on what inmates wanted. There is an appeal process, but it goes to the Superintendent and she has to make that decision. I have not seen an appeal for Harry Potter that has been successful. Other things that I had to do is go through each magazine we received and remove or black out tattoos, pictures of women that were too sexy, etc.
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 15
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
Newspapers had to be checked for articles that mention staff or their families, and those parts would be removed. Same thing goes for articles about the jail itself, about their plans to house federal inmates. This is one of the daily challenges that I had to face and got into quite a few arguments with other staff and my supervisor. But when it comes down to security and the right to read, the former always wins.
If prison budgets are decreasing and inmate populations are increasing ... some obvious things happen ... such as pressure on judges not to incarcerate as much, overcrowding, etc. What do you see as the most pressing needs for prison libraries and librarians in order to advance the success of recidivism prevention? Advocate, advocate, advocate. It is extremely hard to convince jail authorities of the need to provide inmates with as much education as necessary. Most people see inmates as scum, not worthy of spending money on. But what they don’t understand is that it costs more money to feed and house inmates than to provide adequate education.
Are educational or information resources available to prison libraries on allowing inmates to articulate their stories and pass them on to congress (well, except for Washington, DC). Inmates are free to write letters to any department or agency they want to, and I had instructions on how and where to send these letters to. The problem that I encountered is that many inmates just complain how unfair their situation is, and that they don’t deserve being “in here”. So most of these letters are not taken seriously, which I can understand. I have read so many of them. I always helped them to reformulate what they had written, and tried to explain to them that complaining without a reason won’t do anything good.
What sort of computer or technology did you notice that inmates had access to? In what ways were they being used? e.g., any PowerPoint presentations produced? In my library I had my computer, which was one of the few that had internet access. I had to be careful to lock it at all times. I had 5 computers for inmates, which had the LexisNexis Legal Database (CDs were replaced every 3 months), Word, PowerPoint, etc. They could use these computers to type their motions and letters. They were only allowed to use the computers for legal letters though. Personal letters needed to be written by hand. They were allowed to teach themselves Power Point etc., which some of them did to improve their computer skills. DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 16
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
If there is a message that you would like to get across to an inmate population, what would it be? Appreciate your librarian and the resources they offer. We are there to help, but we know our limits. We know that inmates tend to take advantage of people that want to help. Listen to what we have to say, and take our advice to visit your local public library as often as you can. You will not find a better resource to help you with adapting to society and become a valuable member again. You don’t have to stay on the criminal path. There are people who are willing to help so you can experience positive change.
DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 17
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
HTTP://UNITS.SLA.ORG/CHAPTER/CDC/
L AT E S T N E W S F R O M D C / S L A CHAPTER BLOG F I N D O U T T H E L AT E S T N E W S I N T H E D C / S L A CHAPTER S AT U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 2 2 , 2 0 1 1
Karen Huffman of DC/SLA also named a 2011 SLA Fellow!!! Posted by Chris Vestal In addition to James King, Karen Huffman was just named a SLA Fellow as well. Please join us in congratulating her!! Karen has been involved not only with SLA but also several local and distance library school programs. For those who haven't had a chance to meet Karen here's a brief bio: Karen has worked 25 years for National Geographic Society in various roles. She is currently a member of the Software as a Service (SaaS) team in the Information Systems & Technology division, supporting the enterprise and its business needs through hosted, cloud-based solutions such as Google Apps for Business. Her recent external involvement includes chairing the Knowledge Management Division in 2010 for the Special Libraries Association (wiki.sla.org/display/ slakm/) (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sladkm&search=tag), participating as an advisory board member for University of Buffalo’s library program, and consulting on the technology courses and competencies offered by Catholic University’s library program. Karen’s specialties include facilitating communication and engagement strategies through knowledge management techniques and collaborative models, streamlining and managing workflows to improve business processes, and training and development. For additional details on educational background, contributions to our profession, and personal interest, visit Karen’s vitae, available on her website: www.cybersailors.com/vitae.html.
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DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
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F R I D A Y, J A N U A R Y 2 1 , 2 0 1 1
DC/SLA Past-President James King one of SLA's 2011 Fellows!! Posted by Chris Vestal Please join us in congratulating DC/SLA's immediate Past-president, James King for being named as one of SLA's 2011 Fellows! For those of you who haven't met him here's a little more info about James: As the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Library's Information Architect in Bethesda, MD, James King is investigating new services and processes to help provide even better service to the over 5,000 clinicians/researchers and 15,000 support personnel at NIH. This has recently focused on creating Virtual Research Environments based upon the Drupal platform. The NIH Library's first Drupal-based site is the Pandemic Influenza Digital Archive, a site being built around a collection of historical texts about the Pandemic Influenza of 1918, is being built from the ground up as a virtual collaboration space for historical influenza virologists. Previously, James spent over 18 years at the Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Ruth H. Hooker Research Library, using his IT background to transform the NRL Research Library from a print-based library to a cuttingedge digital library, and was instrumental in broad-reaching consortium negotiations with all major scientific information providers. James has a Master in Library & Information Science from Catholic University of America (2002) and a Bachelors of Computer Graphics from Salem International University (1989). James has served on several industry library advisory boards, has received the SLA Innovations in Technology Award, and was the 2010 President of the DC/SLA Chapter and is the Convener of the SLA Information Futurist Caucus. In his 'free' time, he and his wife Carla are active in their church's children's ministry and spoil their little daughter Sarah
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DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
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The Competitive Intelligence Division will be presenting a
Pecha Kucha Competition ... during its Open House during SLA 11 in Philadelphia. Assuming no conflict with your own conference activities, could you please share the following details with your members? We’d love to include as many individuals as possible! The Competitive Intelligence Division (CID) of the Special Libraries Association (SLA) is looking for your unique insights on how information professionals apply competitive intelligence to making themselves, their clients and organizations future-ready. The CID is now accepting proposals for your thoughts on this topic in a fast-paced, PRO-AM Pecha Kucha (PK) tournament format during the CID Open House at the SLA 2011 Annual Conference & INFO-EXPO. CID members and non-members are welcome and encouraged to participate. What’s a Pecha Kucha? PK’s are succinct presentations the presenter delivers his talk with 20 slides spending only 20 seconds on each. To see a PK in action, watch a presentation by one of its founders, Mark Dytham, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1uDV98SLbg Submit Your PK for Prizes! Are you up the challenge of speaking your mind in only six minutes and forty seconds? The CID is looking for novice and experienced PK-ers who will compete in a lively PRO-AM tournament for an iPad 2. To be considered, you should address this question: How do info pros apply competitive intelligence to equip themselves, their organizations, and their clients to confront the challenges of an uncertain future? DC/SLA Chapter Notes | January 2011 - Volume 72, No. 1 | page 20
DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
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Six presenters will be chosen based on the votes of their peers and a panel of selectors. Voting will take place via Google Moderator. Individuals selected will show off their PK skills in a friendly PRO-AM competition at the CID Open House. All presenters will receive a signed copy of an author-selected book by renowned CI authority Dr. Craig S. Fleisher. A respected panel of judges will award one winner who best addresses the theme an iPad 2 courtesy of CID Open House sponsor Aurora WDC. Submit your proposals by April 15, 2011 for consideration. By Email: Send your proposal to Chad Groenhout (chad.groenhoutatwayne.edu) with the following information: Your name, title and organization, Presentation title, Selected topic and rationale for your choice, Whether you are a PK amateur or experienced. By Twitter: atslacid Selected presenters will be notified by April 29th. Presentations will take place during the CID Open House on Monday, June 13, 2011 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. You can also find information about the CID Open House, Pecha Kucha presentations, and CID conference programming on The Intel Blog. Please contact Chad Groenhout with your questions. See you at the CID Open House! As many of you are aware, Competitive Intelligence is growing as a competency for info pros across numerous industries. The Open House PK presentations and CID conference program has been designed to meet the needs of SLA’s members as a whole – we believe the Open House is going to be an exciting and productive learning and networking opportunity. Contact: Toni Wilson - Chair, SLA CI Division http://units.sla.org/division/dci/cihome.htm Email: twilsonatmarketsmartresearch.com Office: 937.395.0371 Mobile: 937.239.0168 Website: www.marketsmartresearch.com Twitter: attoniwilson10
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DC/SLA WEB ADDRESS:
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... as a Vibrant Valued Volunteer! Having a vibrant and diverse group of volunteers in DC/SLA is critical to our success as we move into the second century of SLA. In 2011, we will continue to strive to be the "recognized model of excellence as it prepares knowledge leaders for the future." Implementing this vision will be carried out through five goals, as detailed in the dynamic Chapter Strategic Plan. If you'd like to help our chapter and learn new skills at the same time, please check out our list of available opportunities at the chapter's sign-up sheet at
http://signupgenius.com/go/chapter If you would like to volunteer but do not wish to use this interface, please contact Mary Talley, DC/SLA Chapter President.
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