The elections start today, September 7th, 12:00 a.m. EDT. Each member will receive an email with a link to the ballot (print ballots are also available). Voting will end September 28th, 5:00 p.m. EDT.

I’m running for Division Cabinet Chair-Elect, a position that links and represents the Divisions to the Board. I hope, if you are a SLA member, that you will vote for me (although Ann Koopman, my “opponent” is a very worthy person as well) but more importantly, I hope that you will simply… vote. It’s one of the most effective way that you, as a member, to have an impact on the Association and decide where you want it to go.

Since the candidate slate has been announced, we were asked by current President Elect Brent Mai to answer questions. Some answers were answered on the SLA Blog (click on “2011 Candidates” in the Category menu) and some were answered at events during the Annual Conference in Philadelphia. For your convenience, I link to each of my answers below (they can also be found on this blog as well.) You can also learn more about me on the “About” page on this blog, my candidate page and you can see what I’m tweeting about at @englib.

• Question #1 What sort of advice would you give to professionals in their first library-related position who might be interested in nontraditional career paths?
• Question #2 When did you first join SLA? What made you decide to join then, and why do you still belong today?
• Question #3 What is the newest “techie” gadget that you have/would like to have, and how do/would you use it to improve the work relationship that you have with your primary clientele?
• Question #4 How has your work with SLA over the years helped you grow in the profession?
• Candidate Speech – Joint Cabinet Meeting
  Question #1 Tell us about yourself and your primary candidate message
  Question #2 The information industry is constantly changing (the players, the technologies, the information availability & needs, etc.). Living within this environment, SLA must be an agile organization able to adapt as the industry matures. What services/functions/features should SLA change and what absolutely must be preserved as we become Future Ready?
• Question #5 SLA is an international organization. How can SLA involve and reach out more to members outside of North America?

Thank you for voting!

SLA Board of Directors elections start today is a post from: EngLib

Catherine Lavallée-Welch- Candidate, Division Cabinet Chair-Elect

Question #5 SLA is an international organization. How can SLA involve and reach out more to members outside of North America?

The SLA members outside North America represent an incredible opportunity for the association for growth and diversity. But it’s not a one-way street, our international members must find value in their membership; if not, they will leave the association.

Serving our international members is difficult; being a member of the quite unique Florida & Caribbean Chapter, I’m well-placed to see how tough it is to reach our own members who cover one US state and some other 25 nations and countries in our geographical area. It is one of the challenges our Chapter wants to tackle as a participant in the SLA Loyalty Project.

As I said during the Joint Cabinet meeting in Philadelphia, I think Divisions have a great potential to serve international members. There are no geographic limits and there is a commonality of disciplines and interests. At the Annual Conference, I talked about a buddy system between members that have a similar cultural and/or language background. This could be extended to others, members who have an interest in another culture and interested in creating a relationship with a colleagues from Asia, Europe, Africa or Australia and New Zealand.

Facilitating the involvement of members outside North America is also important. Awareness in regards to time zones would be welcome when it comes to scheduling webinars or committee work. Every presentation or webinar should be archived. Meeting minutes should be distributed quickly. If computer access is difficult, maybe a system for print copies is necessary or using document formats that work well with cell phones.

It must be hard to be in an area where you’re the only or one of the few SLA members around. Extra support – logistic, financial or other – might be necessary from the Association to help set up events, workshops and other activities. These are the front window of the Chapters and a great recruiting tool. SLA being one of the rare international associations for information professionals, its global aspects and networking opportunities should definitely be things that need to be highlighted.

Finally, the best way to involve members outside North America and answer their needs is to ask! Let’s ask them what would be helpful and beneficial for them to remain members and recruit new members.

Question #5 SLA Reaching Out Internationally is a post from: EngLib

I attended the conference as the Chair of the Awards Committee for the Academic Division – this was the first year we presented awards and the committee came up with awards ideas and processes. We had a vendor-sponsored award entitled the Springshare Innovation in Academic Libraries Award, given to UNC Chapel Hill’s University Library, and the Stacey Greenwell Outstanding Division Member Award, given to none other than… Stacey Greenwell.

I attended as well as a candidate for Division Cabinet Chair-Elect for the SLA Board of Directors. I had several official functions and events to attend, like the Open Board meeting, both the Opening and Closing General Sessions and Membership Meetings, the International Reception, the SLA Fellows and First-Timers Meet, and, a special Meet and Greet the Candidates in the exhibits hall. I also attended as many unit open houses, business meetings, receptions and breakfasts as possible. I had to answer questions in a panel during the Joint Cabinet Meeting. In my candidacy, I’m putting an emphasis on the international aspects of the association and how those units and members need special attention right now. Those units offers also a formidable opportunity for growth. I’m hoping there will be a big turn out for the election in September.

I was very busy with candidate responsabilities and units activities (especially with the three divisions that I’m a member of: Academic, Science-Technology and Information Technology) so I only saw parts of two sessions (on information literacy and on publishing for academic librarians). I also saw a session on an organization called Librarians Without Frontiers that works similarly to Doctors Without Frontiers. I’m still disappointed for missing the sessions on copyright and digital rights management, and about library design. Thanks to all that tweeted during those!

Speaking of tweets, the most retweeted tweets was from Anne Barker (@annenb) who was attending Stephen Abram’s session on libraries being future ready on June 13: “Getting rid of librarians because everything is online = getting rid of accountants because everyone has a calculator on desk. #sla2011“ .

Keynote speakers were NYTimes columnist Thomas Friedman (author of Hot, Flat and Crowded) and social behaviorist and loyalty expert James Kane.

During the Leadership Development Institute, it was announced that the Florida & Caribbean Chapter was one of five chapters James Kane will be working with to develop strategic planning for the Chapter membership and develop a greater sense of belonging. He will come to the Chapter and provide training as well. I’ve decided to be more involved in the project myself and am part of the Chapter’s committee. I’m really looking forward to this opportunity for Florida & Caribbean.

While in Philadelphia, I took the opportunity to participate in visits of new study/learning spaces at Drexel and Temple universities.

Drexel University has a brand new study space, the Library Learning Terrace (pictured above).

It had a grand opening during the June 2011 finals and will be finalized for Fall. Everything is on wheels, it has great windows and can sit about 75. It will be open 24/7 with card access, on the main floor of a residence hall near the Hagerty Library. Students will be able to make appointments to meet with librarians there.

The TECH (Teaching, Education, Collaboration and Help) Center at Temple University is a 75,000-square-ft. facility across the street from the Paley Library (pictured on the right). It contains multiple labs and studios for student use, a Help Center and a Faculty Wing with Teaching and Learning Center and the Instructional Support Center.

SLA 2011 Annual Conference – short report is a post from: EngLib

Catherine Lavallée-Welch- Candidate, Division Cabinet Chair-Elect

Question #1 Tell us about yourself and your primary candidate message

Bonsoir,

Je m’appelle Catherine Lavallée-Welch et je suis candidate pour la position de Division Cabinet Chair-Elect.

I have been active in SLA since 2000, right after starting my first job in the US. I’m a member of the Academic, IT and Sci-Tech divisions and a member of the Baseball Caucus. My home chapter is the Florida and Caribbean Chapter. I’ve held several leadership positions in chapters and divisions, notably as the Chair of the IT Division and Secretary of the Sci-Tech Division.

I’m currently the Director of an academic library. In the past, I’ve been a records manager, an information broker, an entrepreneur and I’ve developed Internet projects for the non-profit and co-op sectors. I’ve worked in my native province of Québec, Canada, the US and in Europe.

I’ve always felt at ease with SLA because of my varied background. I like the mix of corporate, government, academic and other work environments. I think we can always learn from each other, even if our environments differ.

The international aspect of SLA is another big attraction for me. When the world is your territory, the potential for growth is just simply formidable.

I think Divisions have the potential to attract more members from outside North America and, that way, increase membership in SLA. Because, and this is not a dig at Chapters – I have warm feelings towards them – too, I think it’s probably at the division level that members can experience the full range and the full diversity of SLA. There are no geographic limits as membership is based on discipline or interest.

How could we attract those international members and get them more involved? What services could be of particular interest? What kind of special support do they need? Online professional development archives? Networking? How about some mentoring? I was talking two years ago with with a European member who, like me, is a French-speaking info pro who immigrated to an English-speaking country. We were discussing if a buddy system could be set up between members that have a similar cultural and/or language background. For example, French-Canadian members could mentor new members from France. American members of Hispanic origins with new members from South or Central America. Could that help develop the feeling of engagement?

I think Divisions are so important to SLA; I think it’s when you’re engaged at the Division level that the sense of belonging is the strongest. If elected as Chair-Elect of the Division Cabinet, I would like to work to solidify SLA’s position as a truly international association.

Question #2 The information industry is constantly changing (the players, the technologies, the information availability & needs, etc.). Living within this environment, SLA must be an agile organization able to adapt as the industry matures. What services/functions/features should SLA change and what absolutely must be preserved as we become Future Ready?

What an interesting question! And one that has far-ranging consequences for the Association!

What do members want from their professional association: traditionally, networking, training and career services.

Those needs might be different now because the sources of those services don’t necessarily have to come from an association. I can connect with other librarians through Facebook and Twitter. Multiple organizations and presenters are putting up webinars and slideshows online for free.

Well where is the opportunity for SLA? How to provide for these needs with an added value and in a Future Ready way?

For me, being future ready means being agile, being just-in-time, being open to change, being ready to learn, always.

I think for many years Divisions have been used to get a wide range of services and tools from HQ. Now that there are more financial, technological, environmental challenges, the association needs to be very strategic and flexible with which of those services, tools and functions it should offer. What gives the more bang for the buck?

It may be time for a certain change of relationship between the units and HQ. It may be time for the Divisions to become more involved, to become more of a partner for the association instead of just being a customer. In the long run, it can equalize us, unify us and strengthen the association as a whole if we partner on the things that really matters.

If you have attended the Leadership Development Institute, you have already heard other candidates talk about alternative models for the conferences. Can we look at the Leadership Summit as well? Can we make it virtual, with actual training for several board positions, which allow to reach not just the Chairs and Chair-Elects, but also the Treasurers, Secretaries, Webmasters, etc. those people who usually do not attend the Summit?

Divisions have already been active in professional development activities with online seminars or other events, sometimes in collaboration with other divisions, chapters and caucuses. This should be encouraged.

I’m a fervent user of social media and believe more emphasis should be given to those tools and to mobile technology. Should we still have listserves? Static lists of resources on our websites? A print magazine sent to every member?

The challenge is how to make SLA future-ready, like its members. And make it not only attractive, but irresistible. How do we make it meet the needs that our current members have *now* and, that way, attract new members at the same time. As Thomas Friedman said during his keynote address, let’s find our extra fruit.

Thank you, merci.

SLA 2011 Candidate Speech – Joint Cabinet Meeting is a post from: EngLib

Catherine Lavallée-Welch – Candidate, Division Cabinet Chair-Elect

Question #4 How has your work with SLA over the years helped you grow in the profession?

In a previous post, I explained how I joined SLA when I moved, not just to a new city but to a new country. Joining my local chapter immediately helped me develop a new network of information professionals. Local chapter events and the annual conference became an integral part of my professional development activities.

As my involvement grew from the chapter to the division level, my network grew exponentially as well. The diversity of my colleagues in expertise, experience and even geography helped me develop a better understanding of my field.

Yes, I can meet other information professionals online and through other conferences. However, having SLA in common is an easy introduction; it’s almost like a secret handshake. I have used my network for knowledge gathering, discovery, inspiration and as a sounding board.

One of the interesting tests about being a SLA unit leader is working with people who, although wanting to be involved, remain volunteers with other obligations. Leading, motivating, supporting and mentoring become important abilities to acquire in order for the unit to reach its goals. I also found these skills transfer to working with my employees. While salary is important, there is usually some motivational key each person uses to perform at his or her best. Finding that key leads to a more content, more energetic staff.

Although I’ve been a SLA member for 11 years, I still find new challenges that help me increase my skills. From sponsor relations to programming; from local involvement to hopefully serving as your Board member, I look forward to continue serving SLA.

Question #4: SLA and Professional Growth is a post from: EngLib

Catherine Lavallée-Welch- Candidate, Division Cabinet Chair-Elect -

Question #3 What is the newest “techie” gadget that you have/would like to have, and how do/would you use it to improve the work relationship that you have with your primary clientele?

One gadget? That’s like asking to pick one book to take to a deserted isle. After all, who would expect a past IT Division Chair not to have a special fondness for technology gadgetry?

My latest personal purchase was a wireless keyboard/hardcover for my iPad 2. No more two-finger pecking for me. But that’s just for my convenience. For my library’s users, I dream of a whole array of gadgets. I guess I’d say my “gadget” would be a technology bar next to our computer lab.

Today’s students may use, or want to use, a multitude of e-readers, tablets, digital cameras, mobile input and display technology. We could build a flexible space for these students to interface with our services and each other. The Engineering Library at Stanford University and the Hill Library at North Carolina State University have already constructed similar areas.

Students are asked more and more to produce multimedia objects; and expectations from distance education demand more flexibility and portability. With a tech bar, students and faculty can try on new tools for size, experiment, test and, hopefully, use them for projects. How useful for them!

With such technology offerings, libraries and librarians gain relevancy and expertise for themselves and their users. They learn how library content and resources appear and act on various devices. They see the technology used in new modes of learning and teaching. Such services fit very well in the Learning Commons. It’s a win-win for all involved.

Question #3: Adopting and Adapting New Technology is a post from: EngLib

Catherine Lavallée-Welch- Candidate, Division Cabinet Chair-Elect -

Question #2 When did you first join SLA? What made you decide to join then, and why do you still belong today?

While I held unconventional jobs as an information professional in my native Canada, somewhat bizarrely, I didn’t join SLA until I became an academic librarian in 2000.

I had recently moved to the US and began working in Kentucky. Invited by members of the local Chapter, I attended one of their social events. The enthusiasm and camaraderie shown by the members was contagious; I was hooked. By the end of the evening, I had volunteered to be the chapter’s webmaster. I have not looked back since.

I have worked as a records manager, as well as an info pro, on various online projects for cooperatives and non-profit organizations; I have been a consultant, an entrepreneur and a librarian. SLA being an association for professionals from very varied backgrounds has always made me feel at ease. I think we can always learn from each other, even if our circumstances differ.

The international aspect of SLA is another big attraction for me. I’ve worked in Canada, the US and in French-speaking Europe. I gained a lot from those experiences, both professionally and personally. The potential for growth, both for SLA and me, is so formidable when the world is your territory.

Being involved in SLA definitely helped me get the most out of the association. I’ve networked with people from all backgrounds, developed new skills, discovered novel ideas and learned tremendously. I can only advise that all members get involved somehow.

Question #2: Why SLA? is a post from: EngLib

Attending SLA 2011? is a post from: EngLib

Catherine Lavallée-Welch- Candidate, Division Cabinet Chair-Elect – Question #1 What sort of advice would you give to professionals in their first library-related position who might be interested in nontraditional career paths?

Here is what I would say to new colleagues that want a nontraditional career:

Explore your options, continue professional development long past college and connect with professionals already working in your particular field of interest.

Well-established, “traditional” support organizations still benefit those following nontraditional career paths. With a varied coterie of information professionals, SLA is the best choice for individuals in search of different challenges and horizons.

With SLA, members can join divisions that cover diverse and expanding job environments and duties. Local chapters are also well worth a look as fellow members are from different work environments. I would strongly suggest that you participate in division and chapter events and programs to network and develop professionally. They are the perfect places to expand professional networks and develop mentor relationships.

Finally, I would suggest that you make your way to the annual conference so that you scout the INFO-EXPO to discover the latest products and trends. You should attend the programs you find intriguing, get a taste of topics you have yet to explore and, that way, expand your knowledge. Attend receptions, open houses and events, even outside your current memberships to continue networking (if you find it intimidating, recruiting a “conference buddy” from your division or chapter can help.) With each visit, I’m positive you will find your future job possibilities multiply as quickly as your knowledge of our varied field.

Question #1: Nontraditional career paths is a post from: EngLib

Kudos!

Thompson Library wins architectural award is a post from: EngLib

April 13, 2011 12:00 – 1:00 pm (EDT)
Ithaka S+R Library Survey 2010 Webinar: Academic Library Services and Strategy

April 20, 2011 12:00-1:00 pm (EDT)
Ithaka S+R Library Survey 2010: Academic Library Collections

April 27, 2011 10AM-11AM EDT
Ithaka S+R Library Survey 2010 Webinar: For Non-US Academic Libraries

Ithaka S+R Library Survey 2010 Findings is a post from: EngLib

Any SLA member can publish on the Future Ready 365 blog, simply send 250 words (or so) on how they are future ready to futureready365@sla.org.

The New Academic Library Building
Posted on April 4, 2011. Tags: collaboration, design, flexibility, insights, services, space planning, space use, strategic, user-centered

by Catherine Lavallée-Welch, Florida & Caribbean Chapter, Academic, IT and Sci-Tech Divisions

Could you describe the design of an academic library constructed in 2016? It’s easy to imagine following current trends: emphasis on the learning process and the creation of a learning community, more collaborative work, the increasing amount of electronic resources, the use of technology, increased interdisciplinarity, accountability and sustainability.

What about designing the building for 2031? Or 2061? Today’s librarian in charge of designing a new building must cope with a library evolving at a rate faster than any time since Gutenberg.

Faced with such an opportunity, I recently attended a conference on library space planning and revitalization. My main takeaway was to put the emphasis on the infrastructure, and not on fixtures or furniture. Key components are flexible, multi-use space, lots of natural light, extensive electrical wiring and the presence of quiet study zones. The types of services offered and the roles and functions of librarians and staff are evolving.

The new library is a place that is used simultaneously physically and virtually; a place that permits users to participate and collaborate in a learning, scholarly community.

Should we mention the “p” word? Yes, there will be “print” collections. Some new libraries opt for a digital-only collection through extensive storage and digitizing. Other lean toward the digital-heavy approach – see Helen Josephine’s excellent post on this blog on the new Engineering Library at Stanford University. I believe that libraries will utilize select print monographs until publishers use business models for e-books that meet all libraries’ and users’ needs. Don’t hide your print books; use the stacks as architectural elements to create zones. Libraries still have a huge symbolic value and book stacks are the clearest representation of such.

Conference attendees had the opportunity to visit the recently renovated Thompson Library at the Ohio State University. With large glass walls, the book tower is a prime visual focus. However, the building stays user-centered with a variety of seating areas for individual, communal and collaborative work.

I spoke to students about their library habits. A finance junior admitted to not checking out books and rarely using the electronic resources. Still, he chooses the library to study over myriad options spread over the campus. He found when students go to the library, it’s to hunker down, get to work and study seriously. It’s the building – and the atmosphere within – that attracts him.

User studies offer one of the best ways to develop the library design. Users are usually thrilled to be a part of the process and the studies provide insights into unarticulated needs. Don’t limit recruitment to library staff, student workers or your regular users. Most important are the people who are not currently using your library.

What is keeping them away? What tools, spaces or services are you missing? What will convince them to utilize the facility? Don’t neglect to poll the school’s administration. What are the organizational strategic goals?

Gather input beyond surveys and focus groups. You can use design charrettes; usage observation; user diaries; photo surveys; usage mapping; interviews outside the library; late-night residence hall visits; reply cards left around the facility, etc.

Campus space is at a premium and financial resources are scarce. This situation may continue for a long time. Rest assured though that success in the short and long term will go to the flexible academic library closely aligned with user and organization culture and goals.

Catherine Lavallée-Welch is the Director of the University of South Florida Polytechnic Library. One of her current projects is planning and design of a library and learning commons for her institution’s new campus. Catherine is a board member of the Florida and Caribbean Chapter and of the Academic Division. She’s a candidate for Division Cabinet Chair-Elect for the 2012 SLA Board of Directors.

The New Academic Library Building is a post from: EngLib

The SLA Academic Division has announced the Springshare Innovation in Academic Libraries Award. It recognizes a new program or service that demonstrates an innovative approach to academic librarianship. The winning library will receive $500, courtesy of Springshare, creator of LibGuides. Nominated libraries do not have to have a SLA or an SLA-Academic Division member on staff. The deadline is April 1st 2011.

For the full details on how to submit, see the Division’s blog.

Springshare Innovation in Academic Libraries Award is a post from: EngLib

Many public libraries will be participating (see the list) as well as some academic libraries. My library will be participating on January 26th. We won’t have a specific event but will be taking pictures and gathering, hopefully, many comments. I still have a little bit of time to think of good ways of doing that.

Snapshot Days are part of a national effort set forth by ALA. I think it’s a good way to illustrate the contributions of libraries in a concrete manner.

Florida Snapshot Day is January 25th is a post from: EngLib

The Z. Smith Reynolds Library was noted for its strong institutional focus and values. the Grinnell College Libraries were cited for mentoring and information literacy programs. The Luria Library was rewarded for its outreach programs and its focus on student learning.

ACRL also announced that Janice Welburn, dean of university libraries at Marquette University, received the Academic/Research Librarian of the Year Award.

ACRL announces award winners is a post from: EngLib

The posts already published are thought-provoking while having the distinct advantage of being quick to read. Short and percuting is a winning combination! What’s nice as well is that any SLA member can submit a post.

Future Ready 365 is a post from: EngLib

The ALA offices have submitted a white paper on the future on the Midwinter Meeting. It’s interesting to see how this meeting has greatly developed over the years, reaching up to 13,000 in attendance in recent years. That’s a *lot* of people. The programming has evolved as well, going beyond simple association business matters. So, understandably, ALA now wants to reflect on this meeting. Could a lot of that activity be done virtually? Is it now too big? There’s a lot of money saving to made there for attendees but you do lose the networking aspects (personally, keeping myself engaged in my biggest challenge when attending an event online).

I’m far more active in SLA and have attended its mid-winter meeting for several years now. In comparison, it is a smaller meeting, its focus being primarily association business stuff and leadership training for its units’ leaders and future leaders.

ALA MidWinter white paper is a post from: EngLib

I hesitated between two topics but the library side won. My tour du monde en 6 minutes 40 secondes (♥ RBO) will try to demonstrate how libraries are absolutely still useful and relevant. It will be mostly about public libraries but I’ll slip in some of our area’s special and academic libraries.

Pecha Kucha tonight is a post from: EngLib

This video was prepared in about 9 hours by the multimedia department at Brigham Young University’s Harold B. Lee Library. Love it!

Old Spice spoof video is a post from: EngLib

Definitely an idea to keep in mind as, at my library, we just made digital video cameras available for check-out.

User experience assessment using Flip cameras is a post from: EngLib