'Thinking Outside the Box' as an Information Professional

I was honored to speak at a recent SLA (Special Libraries Association) meeting called “Thinking Outside the Box: Exploring Alternate Careers.” I spoke about the importance of being a writer, curator, and teacher as you pursue your career as a librarian or information professional. I also told the audience that librarians add value to their work and develop career satisfaction by analyzing and helping patrons make context of the information they present, rather than just handing over that information. On a practical level, I've been fortunate to develop my career in a few directions. This is important for the obvious reason that careers and companies change constantly. 

I also recommend contributing to a professional or nonprofit association early in your career and throughout your career. The meeting co-sponsors, the SLA's New Jersey and New Jersey - Greater Princeton/Trenton Chapters, are good choices for info pros in the Garden State. 


The other four speakers on the panel (Margaret Bennett, Joan Keegan, Amy Silvers, and Joanna Wojciechowski) presented interesting and inspiring messages about how they developed and redeveloped their careers. Read more about the event in Barbara Burton's blog entry.

Eric Schwarz Honored as SLA Diversity Leader

I'm pleased to announce that at the Special Libraries Association conference (SLA 2009, to be held June 14-17), I will be recognized as one of five winners of the 2009 Diversity Leadership Development Program Award for "up and coming information professionals."

In addition to my professional work, I've been fortunate to participate in two wonderful groups within SLA: the New Jersey Chapter (NJSLA) and the GLBT Issues Caucus.

In particular, I'm grateful to Barbara Burton, NJSLA immediate past president, for sponsoring my nomination for the award and for asking me to serve as chapter president. I'm sure the leadership skills I've learned serving members of both the chapter and the caucus were a key factor in my selection for the award.

I also extend my congratulations to my fellow awardees: Regina Beard, Julia Leggett, Nora Martin and Nedelina Tchangalova. I'm honored to be considered with these women who have accomplished so much in their careers.

A press release on this program soon will be posted on the SLA site.

Cool Seattle, Cool SLA

Seth and I are in Seattle for the SLA conference. 60-something-degree weather in Seattle is a nice change from 90+ in NY metro area last week. The Homewood Suites hotel is very nice -- great to have a fridge, too. Some construction, so no pool for this trip. )-:

I've been doing a lot of blogging for NJSLA and even trying Twitter instead of here.

Posted 'LinkedIn a Box' module on this blog's sidebar. Let me know if it works/makes sense.

Seeing Seth's family later this week in Seattle/Carnation, and my mom's cousin next weekend in Portland, Oregon.

SLA Leadership Summit in Louisville

The SLA's GLBT Issues Caucus invites you to dinner during the Leadership Summit in Louisville, Jan. 25, 2008.

When: Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, at 7 p.m.

Where: Browning's Restaurant and Brewery, 401 E. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202. (East Main Street at North Preston Street). - Phone 502-515-0174. (Directions below.)

Description from the SLA Kentucky Chapter's Restaurant Guide: "This restaurant at historic Slugger Field offers informal pub grub with a good selection of entrees. [$30 range for dinner]."

RSVP/Contact: Please reply to Eric Schwarz by Thursday, Jan. 17. Email me at eric "AT" ericthelibrarian "DOT" com. Guests are more than welcome.

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Directions: From the convention hotel (Louisville Marriott Downtown, 280 West Jefferson Street). Map.

Walking Directions:
Distance: 0.7 miles
Estimated time: 13 min
1 Start in 280 W Jefferson St, Louisville, KY 40202 going
towards S 1st St 0.2 mi
2 Turn Left on S 1st St 0.0 mi
3 Turn Right on Congress Aly 0.2 mi
4 Turn Left on S Floyd St 0.1 mi
5 Turn Right on Billy Goat Strut Aly 0.1 mi
6 Turn Left on S Preston St 0.1 mi
7 Arrive in 401 E Main St/Us-31E (W), Louisville, KY 40202

Driving Directions:
Distance: 0.9 miles
Estimated time: 3 min
1 Start in 280 W Jefferson St, Louisville, KY 40202 going
towards W Liberty St 0.0 mi
2 Turn Left on S 3rd St 0.1 mi
3 Turn Left on W Liberty St 0.3 mi
4 Turn Left on S Brook St 0.3 mi
5 Turn Right on E Washington St 0.2 mi
6 Turn Right on N Preston St 0.0 mi
7 Arrive in 401 E Main St/Us-31E (W), Louisville, KY 40202

Attendees as of Jan. 24, 2008

• Ard, Constance
• Burton, Barbara
• Dollinger, Michelle
  
• McBee, David
• Mulready, Chris
• Schwarz, Eric
• Shea, Ann
• Shea, John
  
• Vargha, Rebecca