"Sound of truth: Never underestimate yourself as a librarian."
Candidates for SLA’s Board of Directors conducted an international call-in earlier this week to bring the election to members outside the US. This was the first time such a call was attempted. It was of some importance because it highlights SLA’s global reach and attempt to continue to involve and inform members outside the US.
With members in 75 countries throughout the world, SLA has a broad global membership. And in fact, global networking is one of the differientiators between SLA and other information professionals organizations. I find myself quoting the Alignment Project results frequently, and here’s what it has to say about global growth:
Global networking—differentiation and innovation
Global networking is a key benefit and area of differentiation for the Association.
This language worked particularly well with C-suite participants. Both corporate leaders and information professionals appreciate the value of having connections around the world.
This benefit is particularly powerful when framed in the context of promoting knowledge-sharing and the exchange of innovative ideas, insights and trends.
We want to provide opportunities for members to collaborate across national boundaries so we can move the global agenda forward. Why? Part of the reason is because we all benefit from a rich pool of networking opportunities and perpectives. How do we become more globally inclusive? By having working groups, committees, projects and other vehicles that provide the opportunity for members to collaborate across national boundaries.
Currently, members of the Board of Directors and 2009 candidates include leaders from the UK, Canada, and India. Web 2.0 tools take some of the bite out of working with people in distant places. Because of the economy and global warming, I predict there will be more prospects of using these tools to connect across timezones and boundtaries.
Another point is that there are cultural differences in the global SLA chapters. In fact, as I traveled to various chapters throughout my campaign I found that even chapters within the US have their own personalities, styles, opportunities, and strengths. I’m sure the differences are greater within and among the countries outside the US.
With that as background, I discovered this newsletter page when I was researching SLA’s chapters outside the US for the international call-in. Certainly, there are cultural differences in the global SLA chapters and the information in this newsletter post is steeped in its own culture, but there are strong similarities and a core value that we can all relate to. The way this is framed is simple and direct and his concluding words are very powerful: ”Sound of truth: Never underestimate yourself as a librarian.”
It’s time to vote in the SLA election!
Make your voice heard in the SLA election that is now in progress – this is your chance to affect change in the direction of the Association.
Since we all know the value of information and that an informed voter will cast an informed vote, I want to pass on a package of information about each of the candidates. This information has been circulating on many chapter and division lists and offers no endorsements one way or the other.
The polls close October 1st at 5:00 pm EDT. To vote, login here.
>>> Psst, pass this on! >>>
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2010 Board of Directors Candidates
President-Elect:
Agnes K. Mattis
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Blog
Cindy Romaine
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Treasurer:
Karen Reczek
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Blog
Dan Trefethen
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Blog
Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect:
Liz Blankson-Hemans
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Blog
Debal C. Kar
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Blog
Division Cabinet-Elect:
Mary Ellen Bates
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Stacey Greenwell
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
The 2009 Election is Underway!
At long last, the summer is over and members are casting their ballots. For candidates, these are tough days. Did we do enough? Did we explain our positions clearly? Could we have written one more article, fired off one more email, or made one more phone call? It’s almost moot now; the voters are speaking. But in the spirit of never quitting, I want to post my version of a 2009 Voting FAQ:
Why vote? If you don’t vote, you can’t complain. It’s really that simple. You like to complain don’t you? So you better vote. Voting is not required in a legal sense—but hopefully you feel its your civic duty. It’ll take about five minutes to mark the ballot. And, by the way, this is the same advice I have for any election.
I don’t know enough about the candidates to know who to vote for. From my perspective as a candidate, I’ve done things that I never did before in making this run, and I could use a nap. I made a YouTube video that was a little nerve-wracking. I traveled to far-flung chapters, in my own version of “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” and went through some tough question-and-answer sessions. Please look at the information on the SLA candidate’s page so you can form an opinion.
Cindy, you are running for office, why are you not saying “vote for me”? The rules are such that we can only say “vote” and not advocate for one candidate or the other—even if I am one of the candidates. Many of our election protocols have been overtaken by the numerous social networking tools now at our disposal, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and others. The new Internet tools have broadened our election’s reach and may even enable a candidate from Durban or Tokyo to make a bid for election.
Who are you voting for? I’m staying neutral, but here’s a story: My father was in an election a long time ago and he thought it would be the “gentlemanly” thing to do to cast his vote for his worthy opponent. He lost by one vote.
No, really. Why vote? Only 25% of the membership votes in most volunteer organizations, so your vote has an undue influence. You are kind of voting for three other silent voters.
What can you do for me? You mean I have to do something if I’m elected? I thought I was just going to be a powerless figurehead, a pretty face! What DID I signed up for?! Kidding. I have a ton of ideas and I would love to share them with you. Check out all the posts on this blog for information.
Now, go vote!
Romainics is focused on solving business problems that require information intense research, an understanding of information flow, needs assessment, and authoritative sourcing. Sustainable information and resources are always included.