SF Bay Region Chapter roundtable

SF Bay Region held a roundtable about SLA on 11/3/09

SLA Bay Region Chapter web page
 

Here are the comments we collected when we asked about why we joined SLA, what we think of the proposed name change and the alignment project:

SLA Alignment Meeting Notes
SLA-SF Participant Comments
When: Nov 3, 2009

Where: Jupiter Pub (Berkeley) 

Eloise Marszalek, Unemployed (recent MLIS grad seeking taxonomy or metadata-related position)

I joined SLA because I knew I didn't want to be a public librarian and needed to find a community. I'm interested in the alignment project because SLA needs a name change and we as info pro's need to do a better job of explaining our value. 

Marijane White, Media Librarian

I joined SLA because I attended the AIIP conference in March and almost everyone I talked to asked me why I wasn't an SLA member.

Marlene Vogelsang, Resource Specialist

Too long ago to remember why I joined, but I am still a member because of the professional network/support/people involved. 

Cynthia Berglez, Law Librarian

[I'm here because] I'm interested in what everyone else has to say. 

Rochelle Richardson, Independent Contractor

I joined because I was working as a corporate librarian (in a pharma company) and it was the best "support" group available. It has not failed me so far but I can foresee the possibility that the zeitgeist of the "new" name/association may make the association less relevant to my chosen profession. 

Sandy Malloy, Senior Information Specialist, Business Wire

As someone who has no library and deals with disparate types of information, I'm intrigued by the potential of defining our mission better. 

Jan Keiser, Senior Informationist

I joined SLA because I needed community---always worked solo. We in corporate jobs need a change. I spend much of my time trying to convince my co-workers that I have the same great strategic ideas they have. 

Chris Orr, Information Services Project Manager

I joined SLA for the chance to learn and practice leadership skills. I also love my peers and chapter events! 

Deb Hunt, Principal and Western Region Manager AIM IE

I joined SLA to network with colleagues, volunteer and have access to continuing education. 

Roz Hardy, Reference Librarian

I joined SLA for the community. 

Craig Cruz, Library Manager

I joined SLA because "special" libraries appealed most to me when I learned about the different types in school. I loved that the world of special libraries offered jobs like archivist, librarian, research, knowledge manager, information professional, for example. Re: ASKPro, I think the acronym is unfortunate but I like the "strategic knowledge" in the name. Everyone I speak to outside the library world understands the term. 

Donna Scott, AIM Contractor

As a newish MLIS, I have noticed the poor opinion of "librarians" amongst the general public and other professionals. 

Hilary Schiraldi, Business Librarian (academic)

I joined SLA because I was an investment banking librarian, and I still think B&F [Division] kicks BRASS's butt. I don't love the ASKPro name--I think it's hard to say and too vague. Special Libraries at least has a historical meaning that's easy to explain, unlike "Strategic Knowledge Professional." I also think the national leadership is being disingenuous about the reason for the name change. That's all for now. I could write a novel. 

Kendra K. Levine, Institute of Transportation Studies Librarian (academic)

I joined SLA because it's important for transportation libraries. I think ASKPro is silly but I suppose it will be ok? For more thoughts see my blog: Library Attack