SLA@WSU CONVERSATIONS WITH PROFESSIONALS EVENT

Sophia Guevara, MLIS

Wayne State University | June 19, 2009

INTRODUCTION

What is the SLA? “The Special Libraries Association (SLA) was

founded in 1909 in the state of New York and is now the international association representing the interests of thousands of information professionals in over eighty countries worldwide.” – SLA Association Profile

Who does the Michigan Chapter represent? The Michigan Chapter’s geographic area encompasses

the Michigan, Northwestern Ohio, and Southwestern Ontario.

Currently have 243 members

HOW DID I GET STARTED WITH THE CHAPTER?

Joined as a professional in 2006 Volunteered as Diversity Chair in 2007

Held a special librarianship information session Started writing articles for the Bulletin

President-Elect/Program Chair in 2008 Planned programs for the chapter with the help

of my programming committee Continued writing for the Bulletin

President of Chapter in 2009 Attend Leadership and Annual Conference to

learn and implement leadership lessons and provide updates about activities of national organization

GOING BEYOND THE STATE CHAPTER

Joined several divisions (extra chapters/divisions/caucuses are $18 each)

Have become most active with the IT Division – Past Section Chair and 2010 Division Program Planner

Started collaborating with other professionals to write articles for SLA’s Information Outlook and became involved in co-presenting with fellow librarians

HOW HAS MY INVOLVEMENT WITH THE SLA BENEFITED ME? By becoming involved, I have learned:

Leadership skills and the importance of negotiation and collaboration

Improved my presentation and communication skills by writing for both the Bulletin and Information Outlook and presenting at SLA conferences

By interacting with other professionals, I keep up-to-date on my profession

Developed my project and time management skills by planning activities for both the Michigan chapter and the IT Division

Made connections that have helped me further my career Example – Current position as a research librarian

WHY SHOULD YOU CONTINUE TO BE AN SLA MEMBER AS A PROFESSIONAL?

Excellent networking opportunities Keep up-to-date on the information field Keep aware of topics of interest at the local

and national levels Develop yourself with the various

opportunities to share what you know Presentations Conference papers Articles Discuss topics of interest with fellow members

HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED NOW?

Start writing for the Bulletin Submit a quality student paper or a book review Contact Laura Berdish (berdish@umich.edu)

Volunteer for next year’s chapter program planning committee Example

Attend conferences when possible Become a student volunteer at the next

conference in order to attend some sessions for free

CONCLUSION

As a special information professional, it is important to connect with others through professional organizations such as the SLA

Choose to improve the value you receive through your SLA membership by becoming an active member!

sophiaguevara@gmail.com