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Information Outlook, July/August 2012
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This Magazine is brought to you for free and open access by the Information Outlook, 2010s at SJSU ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Information Outlook, 2012 by an authorized administrator of SJSU ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. JUL AUG information 12 V 16 | N 04 outlook THE MAGAZINE OF THE SPECIAL LIBRARIES ASSOCIATION
Computational Thinking Adaptive Thinking Sense Making n Cross-Cultural set Competency
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INFO VIEW SLA MEMBER INTERVIEW 3 Magic That Never 22 10 Questions: Wears Off Cathy Roberson JANICE LACHANCE STUART HALES
INSIDE INFO MARKET SHARE 5 Slides, Audio of 27 Branching Out Leadership Webinars and Speaking Up Available on Web · SLA, JILL STRAND Dow Jones Launch ‘Agile’ Photo Contest INFO BUSINESS 29 Valuing Inexperience INFO NEWS DEBBIE SCHACHTERS 8 SKILLS FOR 6 China Becoming Leader TOMORROW’S in Scientific Publishing · INFO TECH Google Reaches 32 Workplace Information SPECIAL LIBRARIANS Agreement with French Literacy: It’s Different Authors, Publishers STEPHEN ABRAM
# Title here IMPOSED QUERIES INFO RIGHTS 10 UnderstandingAUTHOR Work Skills 19 ‘My Boss Sent Me’: 34 Volunteers are Copyright for the Decade Ahead Imposed Queries in Owners, Too! 16DEVIN Title FIDLER here the Workplace LESLEY ELLEN HARRIS PATRICIA KATOPOL AUTHOR 36 Industry Events 13 Higher Education and Webinars Business: Partners in Ad Index Developing Future Skills LAURA A. LONG
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to fully re-engage with your job, family SLA annual conferences are much more and friends. than the sum of their parts, and SLA 2012 If this description sounds exagger- promises to be no exception. ated or fantastical, consider the pas- sion and energy that tens of thousands BY JANICE LACHANCE, SLA CEO of fans can generate when packed into a stadium or arena for a sports event. Now distill those emotions and infuse them into a smaller, more inti- As I write this column, nearly 30 infor- sionals, vendors, and even students mate environment, and you begin to mation professionals are sitting in the (who sometimes ask “obvious” ques- get a sense of the magical effect that main conference room at SLA’s head- tions that aren’t always so obvious!). an SLA conference can have on you. quarters in Alexandria, Virginia. They’re Discussions that begin in classrooms That magic never fully wears off—many here to take a full-day course titled will spill out into hallways, continue longtime SLA members still smile as “Teaching Others about Copyright,” at networking events, become more they recall people they met, things they part of SLA’s certificate program in nuanced in the INFO-EXPO hall, and learned, events they attended, and con- copyright. Tomorrow, they’ll return gain fresh momentum over drinks and versations they had 10 or even 15 or 20 to take another full-day certificate dinner. Some discussions will continue years ago at annual conferences. course, “Copyright Compliance and Management.” The day after, some of them (plus other local SLA members) will take a tour of the U.S. Copyright Office led by Lesley Ellen Harris, who You do not simply attend an SLA conference— also teaches the certificate programs. you immerse yourself in it, allowing the ideas, Although distance learning has become common in recent years— the conversations, the personalities, and the SLA’s popular Click University Webinars sense of community to wash over you. are a testament to that trend—class- room instruction still has a place in professional development, and I sus- pect it always will. A face-to-face setting creates an environment that encour- long after the conference ends, finding I am confident that in years to come, ages interaction between students and new life at chapter meetings, on dis- SLA 2012 will evoke such smiles. The instructors, and that interaction contin- cussion lists, and through SLA’s social strength of SLA is its members, and ues during breaks and after the class media. an annual conference leverages that ends. Many course attendees gain Viewed this way, SLA conferen- strength and creates lasting value in the knowledge and make professional con- ces represent much, much more than form of new ideas, greater knowledge, nections that continue to serve them 1 just 3 /2 days of workshops, meetings, and a more cohesive profession. SLA throughout their careers. and networking activities. These are 2012 promises to do just that. This and other advantages of face- things you attend at a conference, I look forward to immersing myself to-face instruction will be amplified and you do not simply attend an SLA in SLA 2012 and creating memories at SLA’s 2012 Annual Conference & conference—you immerse yourself in that will last a lifetime. Please join me INFO-EXPO in Chicago. With dozens of it, allowing the ideas, the conversa- in Chicago and create some magic of sessions on topics ranging from buying tions, the personalities, and the sense your own. SLA and selling content to thinking strate- of community to wash over you, to the gically to “reinventing” library skills, point that you become almost oblivious the conference will provide attendees to the passage of time and the events with plenty of opportunities to learn of the outside world. The end of the from, and share ideas with, expert conference comes almost as a shock, presenters, fellow information profes- and it can take days and even weeks
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 3 Explore the IMF eLibrary
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Slides, Audio of Leadership Webinars Available on Web SLA chapter and division leaders who could not attend the 20 April Webinar, “Understanding Unit Finances,” can access the audio recording of the pre- sentation as well as slides and questions and answers from the chat session. These materials are in the Leadership Center on SLA’s Website and can be found at www.sla.org/content/resourc- es/leadcenter/leadtrain/leadershipwebi- nars.cfm. The Webinar explains what unit lead- ers need to know about budgeting, reserves, reporting requirements, strat- egies for raising money, and charging fees for events. It is presented by SLA’s treasurer, Dan Trefethen. The audio recording and slides from “Resources for Leaders,” which aired on 5 April, are also available in the Leadership Center. That Webinar offered #1 in Scientific and Business Searching a guided tour of resources on the SLA Website and of the association’s mem- bership database. It was presented by Scientific/Technical Where can you find the Linda Broussard, SLA’s chief financial most comprehensive team officer, and Paula Diaz, SLA’s member- of industry experts for ship director. Competitive Intelligence Registration is open for several upcom- your scientific and business ing Webinars, including “Partnering Regulatory & Medical literature searches? for Program Content” (18 October). To see a complete listing of upcom- Legal/IP Rely on the search team at ing Webinars and take advantage of TPR that understands the other tools and benefits, go to SLA’s pharma and bio industry from home page and click on Resources y Leadership Center. the inside, and brings the essential mix of scientific SLA, Dow Jones Launch knowledge, subject matter ‘Agile’ Photo Contest expertise, and hands-on SLA has teamed up with Dow Jones to experience to every search. launch a photo contest that promotes and celebrates professional agility, with the winning contestant receiving US$ 1,000 and a free year of SLA Need expert help on a search? Request an estimate today. membership. The winner will be announced on 2 July. The winning photo will be shared +1•858•592•9084 at the SLA 2012 Welcome Reception on www.TPRinternational.com 15 July. SLA [email protected]
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 5 - INFO NEWS information - outlook SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES · GOOGLE AGREEMENT The Magazine of the Special Libraries Association Vol. 16, No. 04 July/August 2012
China Becoming Leader ranks fourth among all nations in this Information Outlook Advisory Council: Agnes Mattis (chair), Martha Foote, Pamela in Scientific Publishing measure, behind the United Kingdom, Louderback, Victoria Platt, Deb Rash, Valerie Ryder, Scientists from China are conducting Germany, and the United States, and Jason Sokoloff, Justine Wheeler, Mary Whittaker and publishing more research than ever could move up to second by the end of Editor: Stuart Hales before, and China could soon overtake 2014. The United States, meanwhile, Graphic Design: Thought Word & Deed the United States as the world’s leading has seen its share of frequently cited Information Outlook® publisher of scientific papers if current research decline, from 64 percent in (ISSN 1091-0808) is published 6 times a year (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/ trends continue. 2001 to 51 percent in 2011. August, September/October, November/December) Nature Publishing Group (NPG), a The NPG report is available online by the Special Libraries Association, 331 South Patrick Street, Alexandria, Virginia vendor of journals and online data- at www.natureasia.com/en/publishing- 22314, [email protected]. +1 703.647.4900 bases in the life, physical, chemical and index/china/2011/. Subscription Rates: applied sciences, announced recently Annual subscription, US$ 160 United States; that authors from China accounted for Google Reaches Agreement US$ 175 International. Single issue, US$ 30. Please report missing copies promptly to 225 (6.6 percent) of the 3,425 papers with French Authors, Publishers [email protected]. To ensure continuous delivery published in the company’s journals in Three years after a court in Paris ruled of Information Outlook, please notify SLA promptly of address changes by writing [email protected]. 2011. In 2010, Chinese authors pub- that Google was infringing on the rights When submitting address changes, please include lished 152 papers (5.3 percent of the of authors and publishers by digitizing all the information on the mailing label. Changes total); in 2000, they published just 12. French books, the search engine firm may not go into effect for four to six weeks. The announcement by NPG under- reached a deal with groups represent- Postmaster: Send address changes to: scores similar findings by other pub- ing their interests to allow the scanning Information Outlook: Subscriptions lishers and scientific organizations. Last and publishing of books online. Special Libraries Association 331 South Patrick Street year, for example, the Royal Society, a Google announced recently that the Alexandria, VA 22314-3501 fellowship of approximately 1,500 emi- French Publishers Association and the USA nent researchers in science, engineer- Société des Gens de Lettres, an authors’ Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and ing and medicine, reported that China group, had agreed to drop lawsuits in at additional mailing offces. Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40031619. Return undeliverable is now second only to the United States which they alleged that Google’s book Canadian addresses to: P.O. Box 1051, Fort Erie, in terms of the percentage of the world’s scanning in France violated copyright ON L2A 6C7. scientific research papers written in laws. The agreement is modeled on Advertising: English. The United Kingdom, which terms that Google reached separately Acceptance of an advertisement does not constitute endorsement of the product by the had been second, is now third. with two leading French publishers, Special Libraries Association. The Royal Society’s analysis com- Hachette Livre and La Martinière. Under pared scientific output over two time all three agreements, the publishers will To advertise, contact: periods: 1993-2003 and 2004-2008. decide which books will be made avail- John Walsh SLA In both periods, the United States was able for digitizing and which won’t. 331 S. Patrick Street the leading publisher, but its share of Google is hoping that the break- Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Phone: +1.703.647.4917 total research papers declined from 26 through in France will lead to similar Fax: +1.703.647.4901 percent to 21 percent. China’s share, successes elsewhere in Europe, even [email protected] meanwhile, rose to 10.2 percent from as the company continues to face legal 4.4 percent. hurdles in the United States. Last year, Information Outlook® is a registered trademark of The Royal Society’s report also noted a proposed US$ 125 million settlement the Special Libraries Association. that countries not traditionally consid- between Google and U.S. publishers ered bastions of scientific research, was thrown out by a federal judge in such as Iran, Tunisia and Turkey, are New York. now becoming more prominent in the The company has said it wants to world of scientific publishing. digitize every book in the world by the
The NPG study found that China is end of the decade, but thus far it has © 2012 by Special Libraries Association. increasing not just the quantity of its digitized only 20 million of them. France Material protected by this copyright may be photocopied for the non-commercial purpose of scientific publishing, but also the quali- is the first (and, to date, only) country scholarship or research. ty. Chinese researchers published more in which Google has an industry-wide [email protected] than 11 percent of the Nature articles agreement in place to digitize works To view Information Outlook online go to: cited most frequently in 2011, up from that are out of print but still under http://www.sla.org/io/ just 1.9 percent in 2001. China now copyright. SLA
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FOREWORD BY STUART HALES, EDITOR, INFORMATION OUTLOOK
hat will the job market may decide that it is in her best career workplaces and encourages information look like in 2020, or interests to hone her skills in the areas professionals to master them. She also even 2030? Will infor- of cognitive load management and new argues that it is becoming increasingly mation professionals media literacy. But if her company is necessary for academic librarians to beW in greater demand than they are emphasizing the growth and develop- teach information literacy and, in that today? Will their salaries grow signifi- ment of computational thinking among same vein, discusses a contest her cantly, or remain relatively flat? Which its workers, she must determine how company sponsors that teaches engi- employers in which countries will most best to serve such a workforce and help neering students at universities around likely want to hire them, and why? the organization succeed. the world to use information resources Good questions all, and many This issue of Information Outlook and solve problems. resources are available—from govern- provides three perspectives on the skills Information literacy is, coincidentally, ment agencies, universities, think tanks, that information professionals will need the topic of Stephen Abram’s “Info consultants, and so on—to provide to thrive in the workplace of tomorrow. Tech” column, while Jill Strand devotes answers. The U.S. Census Bureau, for The first, by Devin Fidler, a researcher her “Market Share” column to the example, publishes a report every other with a California-based think tank, iden- virtues of librarians promoting their ser- year that lists jobs that are likely to be tifies 10 skills that are likely to become vices. For more perspectives, read the in greatest demand during the coming critical for success in the years ahead. following excerpts: decade. Many of these skills are particularly In recent years, however, labor mar- germane to information professionals; “According to the results of an ket analysts have begun to focus less as Fidler puts is, “increasingly sophis- American Management Association on jobs and more on skills and exper- ticated approaches to knowledge seg- (AMA) survey, executives say the typi- tise. The underlying premise of this mentation and management are at the cal knowledge and skills in the areas approach is that employees in all sec- heart of a number of these [skills].” of reading, writing, and arithmetic (the tors of the economy will need certain A second perspective, based on stud- three Rs) are no longer sufficient for skills—for example, social intelligence, ies conducted by the Apollo Research managers. To ensure success in the collaboration, and cross-cultural com- Institute, describes how business and workforce of the future, the three Rs petency—to be successful in the fore- higher education are collaborating to need to be fused with four other skills seeable future. encourage transdisciplinarity, cognitive (the four Cs): 1) critical thinking and For information professionals, the thinking, and other skills in current problem-solving skills, 2) communica- focus on skills and expertise presents and future workers. IBM, for example, tion skills, 3) collaboration skills, and, 4) a dual challenge. On the one hand, is working with several universities to creativity and innovation skills. they must identify certain skills they develop a curriculum that fuses engi- “The AMA, in conjunction with The need to acquire and perfect if they are neering and the liberal arts to create Partnership for 21st Century Skills to succeed in their roles; on the other, students with skills that cut across tra- (P21), surveyed 2,115 managers and they must understand which skills their ditional academic study areas. other executives to find out how impor- organizations are emphasizing and Finally, Delores Meglio, an execu- tant the four Cs are to their company’s adjust their services accordingly. tive with Knovel, discusses the growing success both today and in the future. For example, an information profes- role that so-called “soft skills” such as What they learned is that executives sional in a Fortune 500 organization teaching and collaboration will play in believe reading, writing, and arithmetic
8 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 Sense Making Cross-Cu
will not be sufficient if managers cannot has affected jobs that involved informa- such interaction jobs—including both think critically, solve problems, collabo- tion processing and routine transac- high-skill and low-skill ones—have rate with one another, or communicate tions. Transaction jobs that could be been the fastest-growing category of effectively.” standardized and scripted—cashing employment in advanced economies. Lisa Quast checks and taking deposits, answering In the United States, for example, near- “Workers Of The Future Will Need a customer call, or processing a service ly all net new job creation over the past Different Skills Than In The Past. request—were automated or, with the decade has been in interaction jobs; Are You Ready?” aid of technology, were shifted to work- nearly five million interaction jobs were Forbes ers in low-wage locations. created between 2000 and 2009, while 12 December 2011 “Now a third wave of change is more than three million production and reaching jobs that involve complex transaction jobs disappeared.” “For decades, technology has been interactions and often require deep James Manyika, Susan Lund, Byron transforming the nature of work and knowledge, independent judgment, Auguste, and Sreenivas Ramaswamy raising productivity, starting with the use and experience. These are the jobs of Help Wanted: The Future of Work in of robots and other smart machines to the knowledge economy and include Advanced Economies automate routine production work, such managers and salespeople as well as Discussion paper as on an assembly line. A second wave professionals such as doctors, lawyers, McKinsey Global Institute of work redesign over the past 15 years and teachers. For more than a decade, March 2012
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 9 SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S SPECIAL LIBRARIANS Understanding Work Skills for the Decade Ahead THE FUNDAMENTAL NATURE OF WORK IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE YEARS AHEAD, AND INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS MUST BEGIN ADAPTING NOW.
BY DEVIN FIDLER
series of emerging issues Within this context, a few core disrup- forced with a series of expert interviews. and technologies will create tions came up time and again and are The project culminated in a workshop demand for new work skills likely to account for much of the shift in where those actually driving many of in the coming decade. At workers’ skills. This was particularly the these changes—entrepreneurs, aca- Athe Institute for the Future (www.iftf. case for those connected to the emer- demics and business leaders—were org), a California-based research center gence of new automation technology, invited to explore the implications of the specializing in long-term forecasting, including micro-segmentation of work research. we recently produced a report for the tasks and plug-and-play robotics. As Apollo Research Institute (affiliated with these novel creative disruptions take Future Work Skills the University of Phoenix) looking at the hold, the workers who will be most valu- We took the high-level changes, includ- ways that big, disruptive shifts are likely able will be those who find the “sweet ing large-scale shifts in technology and to reshape organizations and workplace spots” where cooperation between demographics, as a starting point. From skills in the future. The result was a list humans and automated systems can there, we worked to identify the follow- of 10 specific new skills that are likely accomplish far more than either could ing skills that we believe will be critical to help workers achieve success in the by themselves. However, this new bal- for success in tomorrow’s workforce. next decade. ance could change many of our core Computational thinking. As the From an information professional’s assumptions about work. amount of data that we have at our perspective, increasingly sophisticated This article offers a summary of some disposal increases exponentially, many approaches to knowledge segmenta- of the findings of this research, based more roles will require computational tion and management are at the heart on ongoing studies of the key forces thinking skills to make sense of this of a number of these disruptive shifts. driving change in society and rein- Indeed, there is evidence that the fun- damental nature of work and careers is poised to change dramatically in the DEVIN FIDLER is a research manager in the Technology Horizons program at the coming years. Our research increas- Institute for the Future, a nonprofit research center based in California and originally ingly suggests that a qualitative shift spun off from the RAND Corporation with a mandate to explore emerging issues and could now be taking shape that is technologies. His work centers on exploring the future of organizations and on shifts perhaps an order of magnitude greater affecting higher education. than the outsourcing revolution that swept through organizations over the past generation.
10 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S SPECIAL LIBRARIANS information. We are already seeing the The ideal worker of the next decade is emergence of novice-friendly program- ming languages and technology that at least “T-shaped,” meaning he or she facilitate the teaching of fundamentals of programming approaches, which will possesses a deep understanding of at enable more people to manipulate their least one fi eld and has the capacity to environments and enhance their inter- actions. However, the capacity for basic converse in the language of a broad computational thinking is critical to using even the simplest of these tools. range of disciplines. Indeed, in addition to developing computational thinking skills, workers will need to be aware of the limita- increasingly bring the issue of cognitive tifaceted problems will require transdis- tions of these approaches. This requires overload to the fore. The next genera- ciplinary solutions, but throughout the understanding that models are only as tion of workers will have an immense 20th century, ever-greater specializa- good as the data feeding them. Even incentive to develop the techniques tion was encouraged. the best models are approximations of and technologies to tackle this problem. The next century will see transdisci- reality, not reality itself. Beyond this, After all, organizations and workers will plinary approaches take center stage. workers must continue to hone their only be able to turn the massive influx Thus, the ideal worker of the next decade ability to act in the absence of data and of data into an advantage if they can is at least “T-shaped,” meaning he or not become paralyzed when lacking an learn to filter out the “noise” and focus she possesses a deep understanding of algorithm for every system. on what is important. at least one field and has the capacity Design mindset. The increasing Workers will also need to become to converse in the language of a broad prevalence of inexpensive sensors, more adept at using new tools to help range of disciplines. This requires a communication tools and processing them deal with the growing informa- sense of curiosity and a willingness to power (reflecting the continuing influ- tion onslaught. To some extent, we are go on learning far beyond the years of ence of Moore’s Law, which states already trying to do this: For example, formal education. As extended lifespans that the number of transistors that can the practice of social filtering—ranking, promote multiple careers and exposure efficiently be placed on an integrated tagging or adding metadata to content— to more industries and disciplines, it will circuit will double every two years) will helps higher-quality or more relevant be particularly important for workers to bring new opportunities to take a design information rise above the noise. develop this T-shaped quality. approach to our work. Beyond this, a New-media literacy. The explosion Sense making. As smart machines number of discoveries from neurosci- in user-generated media, including take over routine manufacturing and ence are highlighting how profoundly the videos, blogs and podcasts that services jobs, there will be an increas- our physical environments shape cogni- now dominate our lives, will be fully ing demand for the kinds of skills that tion. Consequently, we will increasingly felt in workplaces in the next decade. machines are not good at using, namely be able to plan our spaces so that they Communication tools that break away higher-level thinking skills that cannot are conducive to the outcomes in which from the static “slide approach” of pro- be codified. We labeled this “sense we are most interested. grams such as PowerPoint will become making,” or skills that help us create For example, one recent study found commonplace and raise expectations unique insights that are critical to deci- that ceiling height has a consistent of workers’ ability to produce content sion making. impact on the nature of participants’ using these new tools. As we renegotiate the human/ thinking, suggesting that those who The next generation of workers will machine division of labor in the next work in a room with higher ceilings are need to become fluent in media forms decade, sense making, or critical think- consistently more effective at “open” such as video and be able to “read” ing, will emerge as a key skill that relational thinking and creating connec- and assess them in the same way that workers increasingly need to harness tions. In any case, workers of the future they currently read and assess a paper for success. For example, while com- will need to become adept at recogniz- or presentation. They will also need to putation may help organizations “win” ing the kind of thinking that different be comfortable creating and presenting in a given regulatory environment by tasks require and make adjustments to their own visual information. outmaneuvering rivals, computation is their work environments that enhance Transdisciplinarity. Many of today’s still a long way from exploring, much their ability to accomplish these tasks. global problems are simply too com- less recommending, creative new policy Cognitive load management. A world plex to be solved by one specialized formulations. rich in information streams, in mul- discipline (think of global warming or Social intelligence. We are seeing tiple formats from multiple devices, will overpopulation). Ultimately, these mul- early prototypes of “social” and “emo-
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 11 SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S SPECIAL LIBRARIANS
Employees need to be able to identify But the virtual work environment also demands a new set of competencies. and communicate points of connection— To lead a virtual team, individuals need to develop strategies for engaging and shared goals, priorities, and values— motivating a dispersed group. that transcend their differences. We are learning, for example, that techniques borrowed from gaming are extremely effective in engaging large vir- tual communities. Ensuring that collab- orative platforms include typical gaming features such as immediate feedback, clear objectives and a staged series tional” robots in various research labs ing legal argument or taking a set of of challenges can significantly drive today, but the range of social skills ingredients and concocting a new lunch participation and motivation. Beyond and emotions that these robots can dish, novel thinking and adaptability are this, microblogging and social network- display is still very limited. Feeling, it necessary. These skills will be at a pre- ing sites are replacing the traditional seems, is equally as complicated as mium in the next decade, particularly water cooler as the places that provide sense making, if not more so. Just as as automation and offshoring continue a sense of camaraderie and enable the machines we are building are not to work in tandem. employees to demonstrate a presence. sense-making machines, the emotional Cross-cultural competency. In a and social robots we are building will truly globally connected world, a worker Reconsidering Work Methods not be feeling machines for some time. could be posted to any number of loca- Ultimately, all of these skills hold impor- Socially intelligent employees, on the tions depending on his or her skill set. tant implications. For individuals, there other hand, are able to assess the emo- Workers thus need to be able to operate are clear advantages to evaluating cur- tions of those around them and adapt in any environment in which they find rent skill sets in light of this list, then words, gestures and tone accordingly. themselves. This demands that they pursuing the resources to develop and This has always been a vital skill for acquire specific content (such as lin- update skills accordingly. Businesses, workers who need to collaborate and guistic skills), be adaptable to changing for their part, must also be alert to build relationships of trust. It becomes circumstances, and possess an ability the changing environment and adapt even more important as we are called to sense and respond to new contexts. their workforce planning and develop- on to collaborate with larger groups of Cross-cultural competency will ment strategies to ensure alignment people in different settings. become an important skill for all work- with future skills requirements. Novel and adaptive thinking. David ers, not just those who have to operate The emergence of a number of these Autor, an economics professor at the in diverse geographical environments. skills should also be a matter of impor- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Indeed, organizations increasingly see tance to today’s (and especially tomor- has tracked the polarization of jobs in diversity as a key driver of innovation. row’s) information professionals, who the United States over the past three Research now suggests that a combina- may need to reconsider their traditional decades. In particular, his work high- tion of different ages, skills, disciplines, work methods to include (1) integrat- lights the importance of what he terms and working and thinking styles are sig- ing new media literacy into informa- “situational adaptability,” meaning the nificant contributors to innovation and tion handling processes, (2) developing ability to respond to unique, unexpect- effectiveness. new tools and services to aid in critical ed circumstances of the moment. Yet, to be successful within these thinking, insight and analysis capabili- Autor finds that opportunities are diverse teams, employees need to be ties, and (3) integrating interdisciplinary declining in middle-skilled jobs, largely able to identify and communicate points training that allows people to develop due to a combination of the automa- of connection—shared goals, priorities, skills and knowledge across a wider tion of routine work and global off- and values—that transcend their differ- range of subjects. By anticipating the shoring. Conversely, opportunities are ences. This will enable them to build need for skills that will be increasingly being concentrated in high-skilled, relationships and work together more valuable in the years ahead, information high-wage, professional, technical and effectively. Employers, for their part, will professionals can enhance their abil- management occupations as well as in need to become better at attracting and ity to achieve and sustain professional low-skilled, low-wage occupations, such orchestrating more diverse teams. relevance. SLA as food service and personal care. Jobs Virtual collaboration. Connective at the high end involve abstract tasks; at technology makes it easier than ever the low end, manual tasks. to work, share ideas and be produc- So, whether one is crafting a convinc- tive in the face of physical separation.
12 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S SPECIAL LIBRARIANS
HIGHER EDUCATION AND BUSINESS: PARTNERS IN DEVELOPING FUTURE SKILLS By Laura A. Long “move outside of their comfort zone … developing future skills. Games not into the learning zone,” thus creating only deliver training content, develop igher education and busi- a crucible for transdisciplinarity, espe- competencies, and measure results, ness are locked in a recipro- cially if management follows up with they also build computational thinking H cal dance of turn and coun- coaching and mentoring. and cognitive load management. terturn, stepping to the beat of the On-demand learning occurs con- Gamers “get very good at mak- work skills needed in the 21st century. stantly as workers seek knowledge and ing reasonable predictions and chart- Neither can afford to listen to the old information they need to perform their ing actions based on information as beat: education that prepares workers jobs (van Dam 2012). Granted, work- it comes in,” says Henry Jenkins, with a prescribed knowledge set and ers can access vast quantities of infor- director of comparative media stud- companies that employ workers to mation through the Internet. But how ies at the Massachusetts Institute of apply that knowledge only in defined can they sort quickly and efficiently Technology. “They can then quickly ways. The rhythm of the workplace through all that content? Information reroute themselves and change their has become too frenetic for that. systems and special librarians can priorities as new problems arise, which To keep up, business must respond help workers navigate data and avoid is the style of decision making emerg- with strategic training and develop- cognitive overload, thereby streamlin- ing in the contemporary workplace” ment (T&D) programs and collabora- ing learning. (Buchanan 2012). tive endeavors with higher education. Finally, social learning occurs as Think gaming is the antithesis In turn, higher education institutions people share working environments of social intelligence? Think again. “must proactively partner with employ- and, in the course of their work, “Users of multiplayer or alternative- ers to develop industry-relevant curri- informally learn from one another. reality games learn to work with other cula and pathways for graduates to Organizations can foster social net- people over distance, to share knowl- enter or advance in the workforce,” works and encourage knowledge edge, to resolve disputes quickly, according to Tracey Wilen-Daugenti, exchange within their own facilities and to stay on task,” says Jenkins vice president and managing director and even their own industries. (Buchanan 2012). of the Apollo Research Institute. Formal learning, too, must keep Often, business responds to skills pace with changing workforce and Innovations in Education deficiencies with formal learning business needs, although the global Higher education, for its part, must opportunities, such as support for reach of many companies presents respond to the need for future work workers to return to school, collabora- challenges for formal T&D delivery. skills with innovative programs and tion with educational institutions to Yum! Brands, with 37,000 restau- delivery systems. The University of create industry-specific training or rants in 117 countries and 1.4 mil- Phoenix, for example, is developing a degree programs, or in-house T&D lion team members, addressed these revolutionary new technology to adapt programs. But these responses ignore challenges by jettisoning hard-copy the classroom to fit students’ needs. the vast potential of informal learning, manuals and embracing technology “Our intelligent learning system which can account for as much as to create a broad yet flexible training assesses students—their style, strug- 90 percent of all learning that occurs program (Lauber 2012). Employees gles, and strengths—and helps guide in organizations, according to Nick select online courses to learn content them through the educational pro- van Dam, director and chief learning and build technological proficiencies; officer for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu outcomes can be tracked at the local, Limited (van Dam 2012). regional, and global levels. LAURA LONG is a Optimally, businesses will begin to Yum! Brands management also freelance writer and intentionally create work environments benefits from technological advances. editor who writes on a that encourage and guide informal Using Webcam and Webcast technol- wide range of topics for learning toward specific skill devel- ogy, Yum! gathers its managers into the Apollo Research opment. Informal learning includes global virtual meetings, thereby creat- Institute. She has edited career-driven, on-demand, and social ing opportunities to develop cross- books and articles in the areas of economics, learning, all of which align with future cultural competencies, virtual collabo- business, anthropology, work skills (van Dam 2012). ration, and social intelligence. sociology, and psychology and written articles, Career-driven learning occurs when Gaming technology also provides training materials, and blog posts on topics in people change roles or work on team an opportunity for business to revamp education, early childhood development, and projects. Workers, says van Dam, must T&D systems while simultaneously public policy.
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 13 EDUCATING TOMORROW’S SPECIAL LIBRARIANS
cess,” says Angie McAllister, director the right-brain functions that the arts created a consortium of more than of faculty innovations. The system also and humanities foster. 200 universities worldwide with their helps instructors better understand Stanford University’s Science, own open university Websites, and “where a student speeds up, slows Technology, and Society (STS) Yale and Stanford have similar proj- down, or encounters roadblocks,” Program intentionally aims to devel- ects going. Scholarship has truly gone says McAllister, enabling faculty to op transdisciplinarity in students. global. more effectively support students as Launched in the 1970s, the program As business and higher education they navigate the learning experience. has gained renewed interest of late, continue to prepare tomorrow’s work- The competitive global economy with more than 170 majors. ers for the workplace of the 21st cen- requires students to acquire not only “That’s what we want to be—the tury, information professionals should knowledge and skills but also practical place where people ask what it means expect to see many more innovative experience in implementing what they to be human, both in science and steps being taken to keep pace with know and can do. Simulations, role- technological terms and in humanistic the drumbeat of change. At a mini- playing, and virtual training give stu- and social terms,” says Fred Turner, mum, special librarians should famil- dents the practice they need for a com- the program’s director. “That’s the iarize themselves with the develop- petitive edge. At Sweden’s University kind of world we’re living in, so that’s ments discussed in this article so they West, for example, students preparing the kind of world we’re trying to teach can be prepared to interact with these to enter the automotive industry utilize to” (AAC&U April 2012). workers and help them make the most an online game to learn assembly line Business leaders welcome these of their skills. SLA operations. No physical hardware is developments. Jim Spohrer, director needed—the students practice their of IBM University Programs World- REFERENCES cognitive and practical skills remotely, Wide, says his company is working AAC&U News. 2012. Feature: AAC&U using the game to perform the correct closely with “over a dozen” universities Member Innovations, Innovation, Inquiry Key Outcomes of New General Education actions in the correct order for a given across the United States to “explor[e] Program at the University of Maryland, type of car (Betts, Lewis, Dressler and an integrated liberal arts and engineer- College Park. March. Washington, D.C.: Svensson 2009). ing curriculum” that will create more American Association of Colleges and Another innovation that provides people with transdiscipinary skills Universities. practical experience is the University (Apollo Research Institute 2011). AAC&U News. 2012. Feature: AAC&U Member of Phoenix nursing simulation lab, Other colleges and universities Innovations, Liberal Education for the a state-of-the-art facility that offers are re-examining their curricula to Twenty-First Century: Science, Technology, and Society at Stanford University. April. nursing students the opportunity to introduce innovation, imagination, Washington, D.C.: American Association of respond to “real-world” emergency and problem solving into students’ Colleges and Universities. situations using lifelike medical mani- educational experiences from the Apollo Research Institute. 2011. Future Work kins (Widemark 2012). In the same very beginning. For example, the Skills 2020. Webinar, April 27. way that gaming draws upon multiple University of Maryland at College Park Betts, Kristen and Martin Lewis, Angela intelligences, the simulation lab repro- has launched its I-Series of courses, Dressler, and Lars Svensson. Optimizing duces clinical experiences and engag- which are designed to “invert the cur- Learning Simulation to Support a Quinary es students emotionally, physically, ricular pyramid, introducing students Career Development Model. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 10(2): and intellectually in clinical problem to big questions immediately, rather 99–119. solving and treatment. than waiting until after students [have Buchanan, Leigh. 2005. Play to Win: A Right brain-left brain integration. completed] introductory surveys and Conversation with Henry Jenkins. Harvard Many educational institutions are various specialties within their majors” Business Review, December. recognizing the value of integrating (AAC&U March 2012). Edelstein, Dan. How Is Innovation Taught? the humanities and the sciences— Open universities. In a globally On the Humanities and the Knowledge not a new idea in liberal educa- connected world where demand for Economy. Liberal Education, 96(1). tion, but one that is regaining favor. lifelong learning is rising, some col- Lauber, Rob. 2012. Alone, We’re Delicious; Dan Edelstein, associate professor of leges and universities are making their Together We’re Yum! T+D, April 9. Alexandria, Va.: American Society for Training and French at Stanford University, points knowledge available to all humanity. Development. out that academics are making the Anyone with the motivation to learn Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MIT case for requiring applicants for (and an Internet connection) can OpenCourseWare Website. science and engineering grants to access MIT’s free OpenCourseWare, van Dam, Nick. 2012. Designing Learning include portfolios from the arts in their which includes course outlines, lec- for a 21st Century Workforce. T+D, April submissions (Edelstein 2012). Why? ture notes, reading lists, assignments, 9. Alexandria, Va.: American Society for Simply because innovation requires and study questions. MIT also has Training and Development.
14 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S SPECIAL LIBRARIANS Staying Relevant in the Digital Age
COLLABORATION AND MARKETING SKILLS WILL BE AS RELEVANT AS TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS TO INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS WHO WANT TO CONTINUE MEETING THEIR CLIENTS’ NEEDS.
BY DELORES MEGLIO, MIS
n a recent cross-country fast and easy access to a library’s col- appear in a search result, and some train ride, I marveled at lection from anywhere through a variety sites offer pirated information—a clear the number of people of devices, making information more violation of privacy and copyright laws. tapping away on iPads, prevalent and available than ever. I fully Librarians have to show their clients Osmartphones and other reading devic- expect that the ways people access that the best answers are not neces- es. I couldn’t help but think about how information will continue to change in sarily available on a public Website much has changed since I studied coming years along with technology, so and that there are often better ways to information and library science. I real- the next generation of special librarians obtain the information they need, such ized that I have witnessed the advent will need to learn different skills than I as in licensed content available through of the digital age, and it has evolved in was taught in order to excel. library resources. ways I did not foresee at that time. But even clients who understand the Back then, we learned the impor- Teaching Research Skills limitations of public Websites need to tance of cataloging and archiving as know how to differentiate good, unbi- Today’s workers and students are more well as procuring and collecting the ased, factual content from misleading self-sufficient at obtaining information reference books and tools necessary for information they find through searches. than any in history. But while it is easier people to conduct research. But even When an employee or student conducts than ever to access information, it’s not as I was learning these things in school, in-depth research on a project, he or necessarily any easier to find the best I was also working for a company that she needs to cite multiple credible sources. In fact, information overload was converting printed materials into sources. Engineers and engineering actually increases the need for informa- electronic content so people could use students, for example, need to access tion literacy—a skill more and more a search engine to find data within credible data sources that are often dif- librarians must teach their clients. those publications. ficult to find online. Information users especially need Today, electronic databases and Sometimes the vast amount of infor- to understand the dangers of relying sophisticated search engines have sup- mation online can overwhelm an Internet solely on search engines. For example, planted the card catalog. Cloud com- user, making the challenge of locating content from peer-to-peer sites may puting and mobile technology ensure good information seem like finding a needle in a haystack. Mitchell David Kapor, founder of Lotus Development DELORES MEGLIO is vice president of publisher relations at Knovel, where she is Corporation and a co-founder of the responsible for guiding content selection, licensing and production. Prior to joining Electronic Frontier Foundation, said Knovel, she was senior vice president at Ziff-Davis and Thomson and vice president it best: “Getting information off the of the New York Times Information Division. She is a recognized expert in the fields Internet is like taking a drink from a of digital publishing, database management and content aggregation. fire hydrant.” This definitely paints a picture of what happens now when a library client uses the Internet to search
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 15 SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S SPECIAL LIBRARIANS
Collaborative skills are imperative, are tailored to meeting the information needs of a global company that oper- as special librarians must be able to ates around the clock. BP has a new SharePoint portal, “LIS Discovery,” with interface with stakeholders such as the EBSCO Discovery System integrated clients, co-workers, the marketing search tool seamlessly incorporated. She’s rolling it out globally through in- team, and project managers. person master classes, Webinars, and training videos posted to the portal at a topic. The client may reference the imperative, as special librarians must the HELP tab. first 10 items in the search results with- be able to interface with stakeholders Mobile technology, in particular, out knowing whether the content has such as clients, co-workers, the mar- has inspired librarians to start using been peer-reviewed or is even factually keting team, and project managers. YouTube and other online video servic- correct. The METU Library, for example, has its es as marketing channels. Most libraries A librarian can teach clients how own research and development team, already have a mobile-friendly Website to conduct research more effectively, which consists of librarians, students or library-related applications for mobile cross-reference sources of information, from different departments, and vari- phones, and many librarians use social and discern credible sources. This is ous project administrators. Working in a media to connect with their audiences especially critical for academic librar- team environment enables librarians to and promote their resources and ser- ians, because the skills they impart to hone their collaborative skills and foster vices. For example, the METU Library students can give them a leg up on a team spirit. uses its blog as well as social media their college and professional careers. Marketing skills are critical as well. A tools such as Facebook and Twitter to After all, if students don’t learn how to special library may house a wealth of promote new library resources. These conduct thorough research, what will invaluable information that patrons can- tools should complement, rather than happen when they enter a corporate not find anywhere else, but if nobody replace, traditional outreach strategies environment? Academic librarians can knows about it, the library’s customer such as marketing collateral and pro- teach students about identifying cred- base will begin to erode. Librarians who motional materials. ible resources and ensure that the establish a strong outreach program to I work for Knovel, and we offer a rewards of learning this skill extend into make their clients more aware of avail- Web-based application that integrates their professional careers. able information resources are a step technical information with analytical ahead of their peers. and search tools. Engineering firms Furthering Clients’ Careers Jay Bhatt, liaison librarian for engi- and universities worldwide offer access neering at Drexel University Libraries, to Knovel to ensure their students and If librarians are to teach students critical reaches out to students through online employees have access to answers information skills, they must possess tutorials and videos, Websites, research to technical questions from validated those skills (and more) themselves. guides and blogs, and social media sources they can trust. Emre Hasan Akbayrak, associate tools such as Twitter and Facebook. He Several years ago, Knovel launched director of the Middle East Technical promotes library resources to ensure the Knovel University Challenge to University (METU) Library in Turkey, engineering students and faculty mem- engage librarians and students world- says it’s important for librarians to stay bers are aware of what’s available, wide with information tools. The chal- current on the latest trends in Web com- assists students with their research, lenge presents a series of questions munications and social media because shows them how to cite sources, and about engineering-related topics, and that will help them plan and execute conducts presentations on how to use students can use Knovel to research programs for mobile technologies. He the library’s collection of resources. and find the answers. Last year, more also feels it’s critical for librarians to Jay believes students need a librari- than 12,000 contestants from 600 uni- constantly research different products an’s guidance to enhance their informa- versities in 93 countries participated and providers, monitor trials, obtain tion literacy skills. Since many students in the challenge (they had the option price quotes, and provide collection are familiar with searching for informa- to use the contest’s Website or its analysis and other data assessment to tion online, Jay wants to ensure they Facebook page). provide their library with reliable and are aware of, and know how to use, the Many of our academic customers use licensed content resources that are resources offered in the library. the challenge as a fun and competi- worthy investments. The same is true for information pro- tive way to promote library resources In addition to information skills, fessionals in workplace settings. Joyce and provide students with hands-on so-called “soft skills” are crucial to Fedeczko, information resources direc- experience using the resources. As an the success of librarians in special- tor for BP, offers self-service tools that incentive to participate, Knovel offers ized settings. Collaborative skills are
16 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S SPECIAL LIBRARIANS
a variety of prizes, including an iPad2. to posing and answering queries, I teach information literacy, demonstrate Our goal is to help librarians introduce observe the types of questions the other how to use new devices to access students to resources and teach them members ask and also what types of information, and share other knowledge how to conduct research and solve resources they recommend. that you may need to learn and teach problems at the same time. One of my favorite resources is a to yourself first. Also, start thinking like magazine called Smart Computing. I a marketer—it’s important to promote Staying Ahead of Technology also follow several technical blogs and your services and make people aware of devote a certain amount of time each the value you and your library offer. As new technology continues to per- week to keeping up with the latest You must also understand and appre- vade the library and information sci- technological advancements. When I ciate the role of collaboration. More ence space, tomorrow’s special librar- discover a new tool, database, or social than ever, you’ll have to collaborate ians will need to keep up with the latest media channel, I try it first before I with others, whether it’s negotiating with developments in this area. At METU, recommend it to other people. I’m not vendors, promoting resources, or work- Emre Hasan Akbayrak does this in shy about asking other people about ing with people in other organizations. several ways—he uses benchmarking the latest gadgets and resources they’re Finally, keep in mind that technology to determine technological standards, using—in fact, I often chat with my will continue to advance and change follows leading LIS journals, blogs and tech-savvy nieces and nephews about constantly. Emre Hasan Akbayrak, look- lists, and participates in professional their new favorites! ing ahead five years, commented, “I conferences within and outside Turkey. My job allows me to meet and work think the technological advances will There are several ways to stay on with many special librarians throughout force librarians to redefine their job top of the latest technology trends. the year, and based on my experiences, descriptions and their roles.” As a member of the Special Libraries I would like to offer some words of wis- You will always work in an environ- Association, I belong to several divisions dom for the next generation of special ment of ambiguity. My advice to tomor- (including the Engineering Division librarians. First, learn to become a row’s special librarians is to embrace and the Food, Agriculture & Nutrition teacher and remember the importance it. SLA Division) and make tremendous use of lifelong learning. You will need to of their discussion lists. In addition
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INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 17 • ~ st,y at a Glance
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www.ibisworld.com | 1-800-330-3772 | [email protected] IMPOSED QUERIES ‘My Boss Sent Me’: Imposed Queries in the Workplace
THE CULTURE OF AN ORGANIZATION CAN GREATLY INFLUENCE IMPOSED QUERIES IN WORKPLACES AND PRESENT CHALLENGES TO INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS WHO MUST RESPOND TO THEM.
BY PATRICIA KATOPOL, MSI, PHD
o matter what type of to actually ask the question and obtain queries in the workplace deserve atten- information environment the information (Gross 1995). Problems tion because of the constraints on infor- you call home, you have with imposed queries can arise from mation behavior that are present in probably been on the several sources: (1) the quality of the work environments. This article focuses Nreceiving end of an imposed query. question provided to the agent; (2) on the primary constraint on behavior at Consider Megan, an executive assistant the characteristics of the information work—organizational culture—and its to a busy manager in an electronics professional—his or her competency, implications for imposed queries. It also firm, who appears flustered when she familiarity with the type of imposed addresses the peculiar difficulties of shows up at the reference desk. query, feelings toward the agent, and imposed queries in the workplace and “I’m supposed to ask if you have any so on; (3) the resources available to provides suggestions for successfully information on the electronics market respond to the query, (4) the charac- working with agents and their queries. in the Ukraine,” she says. “OK,” the teristics of the imposer, such as his or librarian responds, “That’s pretty broad. her communication skills; (5) the char- Organizational Culture Do you have any specific type of elec- acteristics of the agent, including his or The characteristics of an organization tronics in mind? How do you plan to use her literacy, communication skills, and can have a strong influence on imposed the data?” even physical well-being; and (6) the queries. These characteristics, which “Hmm, I don’t know,” Megan replies relationship between the agent and the collectively comprise the organization- nervously. “My boss sent me. I don’t imposer (Gross 2005). al culture, tell us what is considered really know anything about this stuff.” Imposed query studies tend to focus appropriate behavior in the organization The imposed query requires an on public and school libraries, with the and what is important to us as mem- imposer, who formulates the question to workplace generally mentioned as an bers of the organization. Organizational be asked, and an agent, whose task is afterthought (if at all). But imposed culture is so important to work life that it is taught (both formally and informally) to new employees, and decisions and PATRICIA KATOPOL is an assistant professor in the School of behaviors are measured against how Library and Information Science at the University of Iowa, where her they conform to the culture (Schein courses include knowledge management, information policy, and 2010). It is culture, with its constraints management. She is interested in human information behavior in the that are particular to each organization, workplace. She can be reached at [email protected]. that dictates much of our behavior at work, including the ways we seek and
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 19 IMPOSED QUERIES
Organizational culture strongly affects need) and minimal review and analysis of retrieved information (O’Reilly 1982). behavior at work, and we ignore its effect This type of organizational culture and reward system can make working with on the provision of information systems imposed queries difficult, as imposers and services at our peril. have little time to spend with agents to provide context, suggest sources, or determine relevance. Imposer/agent relationships. As Gross (2005) suggests, an important use information. the various subgroups of your own aspect of imposed queries is the rela- Organizational culture can be shaped organization, each pursuing its own tionship between the imposer and the by artifacts, which are things you see goals. Information professionals often agent. Some imposers and agents may that affect how you “feel” and “sense” give little or no thought to organizational be able to discuss queries easily; if an the organization. Think of how you feel culture in the provision of reference ser- imposed query isn’t fully understood, when you step into a workplace that vices and access to information (Katopol they both feel comfortable talking about allows business casual attire, or one in 2007b), but it strongly affects behavior it until the agent has more control over which everyone wears a suit; likewise, at work, and we ignore its effect on the the question. For other imposer/agent consider the impression created by provision of information systems and dyads, particularly those working in a office furniture that is plush and com- services at our peril. more formal or hierarchical environ- fortable as opposed to furniture that ment, the agent may find it difficult to appears shopworn and utilitarian. The Imposed Query ask the imposer to share more details Culture is also shaped by espoused or provide context for the question. In To better understand the impact of values, which are the values that people some cases, the agent simply may be organizational behavior on imposed say they hold (versus what their behav- too new to know the acceptable bound- queries, consider this real-life scenario: ior suggests). For example, organiza- aries of questioning an imposer. In a city government, staff and manag- tions may say they value diversity, even From the imposer’s perspective, on ers worked in an environment that was though they hire no minorities into the other hand, there may be no reason counter-intuitive with respect to infor- managerial or professional positions. to provide context—why the informa- mation (Katopol 2007a). Despite facing Like artifacts, you can “see” values, tion is wanted, how it will be used, or complex problems that should have because you can see what people do. how much information will be needed encouraged the demand for, and provi- Finally, underlying assumptions to solve the problem or make a deci- sion of, ample high-quality information, determine how the organization sees sion—because many managers see no the government had a culture that itself in relation to its environment, how reason for non-managerial staff to know rewarded problem solving, not finding it expects members of the organization about the “real” work of the organiza- information. Constant change, crises, to act, and how it thinks employees tion. Leaving support staff out of the deadlines and demands from multiple should relate to each other. loop means they often have to search sources conditioned the staff to accept Organizational culture can have a for information without knowing how just enough information to get the job profound impact on employees’ behav- it will be used, thus making it difficult done, because the culture favored fast ior. For example, if the culture imparts for them to work with the information responses and rapid problem solving a message that sustaining the organiza- professional, especially when trying to over deep information searches or thor- tion is more important than honesty, judge the relevance of retrieved results. ough examination of the retrieved infor- employees who might otherwise be In such cases, even the most thor- mation (Katopol 2007b). Departments troubled by irregular accounting pro- ough reference interview can produce and staff that completed work quickly cedures will ignore their concerns and limited results, as the agent simply and moved on to the next task were hope that all will turn out well (McLean does not possess enough knowledge to rewarded with bigger budgets, more and Elkind 2004). assess the relevance of certain informa- employees and more interesting proj- While it is tempting to think of orga- tion. This can result in a lot of wasted ects (Katopol 2007a). nizational culture as being consistent time as the imposer and agent, and the This reward system resulted in unin- across the board, the reality is that each agent and the information professional, tended consequences for information department, division, or multinational go back and forth reframing the ques- searching, reducing it to quick retrieval unit has its own distinct “feel,” so it is tion. But this in itself can be problem- of familiar resources that worked in the unlikely that there is only one culture atic, as the imposer ultimately may be past (as opposed to resources that were in a large organization. If you look, you unable to formulate a precise question more relevant to the current information will probably find different cultures in for the agent.
20 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 IMPOSED QUERIES
In the city government example cited Understanding your organization’s previously, support staff gave first priority to inquiries coming from their manager, culture can help you provide better but they also received imposed queries from co-workers and from other depart- service to those who ask for information ments (including those with which they as well as those who actually use it. were in competition). New projects, partners, and emergencies meant new domains and unfamiliar territory for imposers, so there was no guarantee they would formulate good questions. among the sources you provide, or is Katopol, P. 2007a. Information culture of It was not uncommon for questions to unsure how to relay the retrieved infor- support staff in municipal government and be posed in an e-mail, text message, or mation back to the imposer, you have implications for managerial decision-mak- rushed telephone call, allowing little or work to do. Be proactive—think of ways ing. Unpublished dissertation. University of no time to clarify the question. to reach the agents in your organization Washington, Seattle, Wash. Working with agents. Although you before they come to you. Katopol, P. 2007b. “Just Enough” Information: may think of the imposer (the likely end For example, educate agents about Information Behaviour, Organizational Culture, user of the information) as the most information resources and the organi- and Decision Making in Municipal Government. important person in the imposed query zation’s mission and competitors, then Canadian Journal of Information and Library process, you cannot forget the agent. explain how this knowledge can help Science - Revue Canadienne Des Sciences Once you become aware of constraints them when seeking information for De L Information Et De Bibliotheconomie, such as organizational culture and the other people. Consider holding “brown 31(3-4), 233-247. agent’s relationship with the imposer bag” lunch meetings to teach search and recognize their implications for skills, discuss resources commonly McLean, B., and P. Elkind. 2004. The Smartest information behavior, it becomes easier used in your organization or field, or Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and to design reference services that better inform new employees about locations Scandalous Fall of Enron. New York: Portfolio meet agents’ needs. of expertise within the organization. You Trade. First, consider that agents may have can better handle imposed queries in O’Reilly, C. 1982. Variations in Decision Makers’ many things on their minds when they the workplace if you remember that the Use of Information Sources: The Impact interact with you, and the imposed imposed query is as much about the of Quality and Accessibility of Information. query probably is only one of many agent as it is about the query. Academy of Management Journal, 25(4), things they have to do that day. In fact, Part of improving your work with 756-771. taking time away from other pressing imposed queries is learning about your work to pursue the imposed query organization’s culture. This should not Schein, E. 2010. Organizational Culture and may be an unwanted interruption in be news for special librarians, who Leadership (4th ed.) San Francisco: Jossey- an agent’s day, so the agent may give already know they have to learn about Bass Publishers. short shrift to the reference interview their organization’s mission, products, and not listen for clues that can indi- services, primary competitors, regulatory cate an incomplete response or point environment, and anything else that can toward information that is irrelevant to help them assist clients. Understanding the imposer’s needs. your organization’s culture can help you An agent also may not recognize reassess the nature of imposed queries an acceptable response or one that is and provide better service to those who problematic and deserves further ques- ask for information as well as those who tioning. In some instances, an agent actually use it. SLA may be fearful of the imposer’s reaction if he or she brings back the “wrong” REFERENCES answer. In such cases, agents may Gross, M. 2005. The Imposed Query. In Fisher, pepper you for every bit of information K.E., S. Erdelez, and E.F. McKechnie (Eds.), available, or they may simply accept Theories of Information Behavior. Medford, anything you provide. N.J.: Information Today, Inc. If an agent doesn’t understand you Gross, M. 1995. The Imposed Query. RQ 35(2): because you use jargon or industry- 236-238. specific acronyms, can’t differentiate
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 21 SLA MEMBER INTERVIEW 10 Questions: Cathy Roberson
SHE ONCE WAS AFRAID TO TAKE A FINANCE CLASS OR SPEAK IN FRONT OF GROUPS, BUT NOW CATHY ROBERSON EMBRACES RISK—SHE DRIVES A CORVETTE, SPENDS HER SPARE TIME AROUND SHARKS, AND WORKS REMOTELY FOR A SMALL FIRM LOCATED OVERSEAS.
BY STUART HALES
In a world of constant innovation— You’ve worked in the transportation and for reverse logistics, freight forwarding, iPhones and tablets, pilotless aircraft logistics field for most of your profes- and all of the other components of the and robots that vacuum floors, 24/7 sional career. Transportation and logis- supply chain. I was responsible for not connectivity and cars that park them- tics probably don’t sound like very sexy only researching those issues, but also selves—the past still exerts a powerful topics to the average person. How and archiving them so we could go back hold on our emotions. From the com- why did you get involved in this field? and refer to them. memoration of the 100th anniversary Well, I certainly didn’t grow up think- Just as an aside, I have to tell you that of the sinking of the Titanic to the re- ing, Gee whiz, I want to work in logistics warehousing and distribution are big enactments of battles fought 150 years when I get older. [Laughs] parts of the supply chain. I remember ago in the American Civil War and 200 I kinda’ fell into it, like most people when I first walked into a warehouse, years ago in the War of 1812, we con- in the industry. At the time, I was I looked around and said, “I think that tinue to honor the people and events working for a consulting company that warehouses are the libraries of the that preceded us and yearn for a return specialized in e-commerce. That was supply chain.” And everyone looked to the simpler times in which they lived during the dot.com craze, back in the at me, and I said, “Yes, because every and occurred. late 1990s. One of our customers was product has its place on the shelf, and Cathy Roberson knows that feeling United Parcel Service. you have to check in the items before well. A would-be archaeologist with a As my company started sinking along you put them on the shelf, and then passion for preserving the past, Cathy with all the other dot.coms, I was you have to check them out before they has a natural aversion to throwing things offered a position within UPS to help can leave.” away and perks up whenever she sees conduct research and manage projects You worked for UPS for more than 10 the word archives. But that doesn’t for their budding logistics group. I was years, then left to join a small logis- mean she’s staid and old-fashioned—in part of a team that developed solutions tics firm headquartered in the United fact, she’s anything but. Information Outlook spoke to Cathy recently about the many twists and STUART HALES is senior writer/editor at SLA and editor of turns in her career and how she man- Information Outlook. ages to combine a love of preservation and research with a fondness for sports cars.
22 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 SLA MEMBER INTERVIEW
The first month was wonderful! I class—finance—because it scared me. thought it was absolutely the coolest [Laughs] But I had a manager at UPS thing in the world to work in my pajamas who encouraged me to get my MBA. and sit at my desk in my house. But I was in the marketing group by then, after that first month, it hit me—I’d left a and I really enjoyed doing marketing company that had 400,000 employees work. And at that time, UPS was help- for one that has 25 employees. And to ing to pay for employees to get gradu- make matters worse, my new employer ate degrees such as MBAs, so I took was 3,000 miles away. advantage of it. It’s quite an adjustment, to be honest It turned out to be a really good thing, with you. If I don’t hear from somebody because I ended up specializing in in the office for a couple of days, I start marketing. And that finance course that thinking they’ve forgotten about me. It’s I had refused to take as an undergradu- a hard adjustment to make, and I think ate? I ended up getting a specialty in my colleagues would tell you that I’m that as well. still adjusting. We try to stay in touch The MBA goes very well with my and communicate with one another library degree, because marketing and via Skype. I went over to the U.K. to research go hand in hand in so many meet everyone at the main office, and ways. You have to monitor your industry they came over here. The nature of the and your competitors and your geo- Cathy Roberson, in her “official” portrait. business is that you have to do it on graphic region and so on, and then you your own a lot of times, so it works out have to figure out how to target your pretty well. marketing message to those areas. When I put in my resignation notice Your professional titles have been ana- Kingdom. Why did you leave a large, at UPS, I had a wonderful manager at lyst and specialist rather than librarian. well-established company and start the time, and he told me I had a lot of Considering your skills and experience, working remotely from home for a small guts to do this. And I have to admit, this what title would you give yourself, and employer? really isn’t like me—I’ve always been a why? Transport Intelligence, my current shy, reserved person. But now that I’m I’m not somebody who’s into titles. I employer, is celebrating its tenth anni- on my own, I keep thinking I need to really don’t like them, to be honest with versary this year. It was one of the first have people to talk to. I’ve never been you. But if I had to choose a title, I’d companies in this field to recognize the like that before. probably pick analyst, because I do so need for information and analysis within I still stay in touch with the people much analysis. The research and the the supply chain industry. The supply at UPS, and I’ve joined a supply chain library skills feed into it. chain encompasses so much more association that meets on a monthly So I’d probably keep analyst—not than just transportation—it involves basis and goes on site visits. It’s a mat- that there’s anything wrong with librar- warehousing, distribution, customs, ter of hooking up with those on the out- ian. I giggle when people say they’re a and many other processes. The man side. And the local chapter of SLA has knowledge manager or something like who founded and owns TI saw a need been good in that regard, too. that, and I think, you’re a librarian, and for information about these areas to be After receiving your MLS in 1989, you there’s no reason to be ashamed of that consolidated, so he created the com- went back to school a few years later title. I don’t get it. pany. to earn a master’s degree in business. I’d known TI for years—they were a You are a member of Toastmasters Why did you want a business degree, vendor of UPS. So we got to talking, International, a speaking and leader- and how has it complemented your and they offered me a job. I figured it ship organization. When and why did library degree? was as good a time as any to venture you join Toastmasters, and what have Earning my MBA was something I out, because at the time I wasn’t doing you gained from your experience with always wanted to do. I started off in research at UPS, and research is one of them? college as a business major, though my my passions. TI gives me an opportu- Toastmasters was something I was true love was history. I really wanted nity to conduct research, and they also forced into doing. As part of one of my to be an archaeologist—that was my give me free rein to branch out and do annual reviews at UPS, I was told that main passion. Things just didn’t work a lot of other things. I needed to improve my speaking skills, out that way. because I was someone who had a What were the biggest challenges you I ended up one class short of getting tendency to shoot e-mails to people or faced in leaving UPS and going to work a double major in history and business, say to them, “Here’s a piece of paper, as a solo librarian for a small company? and I refused to take that particular
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 23 SLA MEMBER INTERVIEW
go use this for your presentation.” I librarians and the information needs of with the techniques and thoughts in had a great manager at the time, and businesses. competitive analysis. We do a good she told me that since I knew how to So I decided to join, and it’s been bit of competitive analysis for custom- conduct research and I knew the mar- great. I’ve learned so much from my col- ers, so staying on top of that has been ket, I should be the one making the leagues in the Knowledge Management extremely helpful. presentations. Division and the Competitive Intelligence You joined SLA’s Public Relations I think the best thing I got out of Division. What’s neat is that if you have Advisory Council (PRAC) this year. Why Toastmasters was getting over the fear a question and you’re stumped, you did you join, and what expertise do you of getting up in front of a group and can just send out an e-mail to your bring to this group? speaking to them. Once I got used to chapter or division, and everyone is so I’m a firm believer in libraries and public speaking—it took about four or quick to respond. librarians, and I think there needs to five speeches—you couldn’t shut me I don’t know if that’s one of the inher- be more promotion of the skill sets that up. [Laughs] And I was able to get up to ent traits of librarians—the willingness librarians bring to the table for busi- the advanced leadership level. I think I to help one another. I just know it’s nesses. I think many people still have made about 25 speeches while I was at been very beneficial to me. this mental image of librarians sitting Toastmasters. It was pretty neat. Do you find your SLA membership to be behind desks and shushing people, When and why did you join SLA? more valuable to you, or do you derive but more and more of us have become When I started with UPS, we had a different benefits from it, now that you embedded in business departments library, an actual physical library. And work remotely from home? such as marketing and business devel- we had a librarian on staff, and she was That relationship really hasn’t opment. a member of SLA. I’d never heard of changed. When I talk to clients or While I don’t call myself a librarian SLA, because I came from the public potential clients, I’ll be asked questions per se, I think my library skills have library sector, so I was familiar with about how to find information about really helped me in my career, and the Public Library Association and the a certain topic, and if I can’t answer I’m sure that’s true of a lot of others. American Library Association. them, I refer to the SLA e-mail list. I think we need to promote that. Just I remember meeting with the librar- We have clients around the world, so because you have a master’s in library ian at UPS, and she told me about SLA I can get questions pertaining to South science doesn’t mean you have to work and invited me to some of the local America or Asia. At times like that, it’s in a library. So that was one of the big meetings. And I thought, this is pretty nice to know that SLA is an interna- reasons I wanted to join PRAC—to help cool. I had never realized that so many tional organization and that I can get to get the word out to people about who different types of businesses had librar- contacts in those areas and ask where we are and what we can do. ies. Just sitting down and talking to to find this kind of data or information In your spare time, you volunteer at them, I found that we all shared very about that type of industry. the Georgia Aquarium and the National similar experiences and thoughts about It’s also handy as far as keeping up Corvette Museum. Aquariums teach concern for nature and careful use of the environment; Corvettes are all about burning rubber and throwing caution to the wind. How did you get involved with two such dissimilar organizations? I’ve never really thought about it that way. [Laughs] Thanks for giving me a new perspective. I got involved with the Georgia Aquarium because UPS was one of their partners—UPS was responsible for transporting a whale shark to Atlanta from Taiwan. We all got an e-mail one day asking us to volunteer with the aquarium, and I thought that was pretty cool, because I’ve always had a love of fishes. So I went down there and In her spare time. Cathy volunteers at the Georgia Aquarium and also the National Corvette Museum. Pictured above is the 1988 Corvette she and her husband drive. checked it out, and I decided I wanted to help out because they do such a beautiful job of teaching people about
24 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 SLA MEMBER INTERVIEW
sustainability and being aware of the to go against the racing cars in Europe. environment. So that’s how I fell into And I can tell you now what a Corvette it. And after I started, my husband looks like on the road—the old ones, decided to volunteer, too, so we do it anyway. I’m having problems with the together. new ones, because they don’t look like As for the Corvette Museum, we Corvettes to me. [Laughs] have a Corvette, and my husband loves The funny thing is that the Corvette automobiles. Me? I couldn’t tell you the assembly plant is right across the street difference between a Mercedes and a from the museum. Being a supply Honda. But when we drove our Corvette chain person, I had to go over and up to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where tour it and ask all kinds of questions— the museum is located, I saw a big who delivers your parts, where do they sign above a door that said, “Library come from, how long does it take them and Archives.” All I needed to see was to arrive, and so on. After they saw me the word archives, and I fell in love. coming for the second or third time, I’m I thought, yep, I can volunteer here. sure they were thinking, Oh no, not her When it comes to trying to save any- again! SLA thing, I’m all in favor. So I got involved with archiving, and it’s been a great experience. Corvette is celebrating its 60th or 65th anniversary this year, and there’s a lot of cool history behind it. For example, Corvette was one of the first cars to use fiberglass in Cathy pauses while hiking at Cloudland Canyon, its body. It was America’s first sports a state park in Georgia. car; it was developed back in the 1950s
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cess, curate, and publish his datasets. Many information professionals provide services that are By making his datasets publicly avail- outside their normal duties, and they can benefit from able (published simultaneously with a promoting these services. journal article), the faculty member’s impact factor most likely will increase. BY JILL STRAND, MLIS “Each data librarian subject special- ist performs most of the outreach to publicize initiatives and recruit faculty to participate,” says Todd. “This added Every chapter event, division Webinar or Todd Quinn, assistant professor and responsibility not only allows me the session at the SLA Annual Conference data librarian for business and eco- opportunity to work with faculty on their is an opportunity to learn about what nomics, identifies faculty members in research in a new way, but it allows the and how much information profession- the School of Management who are library to participate and contribute to als are doing within their organizations. performing research and recruits them the ‘big data’ movement, and continue This got me to thinking—what are our to contribute their research data to the to be relevant to faculty and students.” members doing outside the scope of university’s Data Archives and Curation Cynthia Reifsnider, director of the traditional librarianship, and how are Program. Office of Research Services & Knowledge they promoting it within their organiza- “The program was developed Management with the Kenan Institute of tions? in response to the National Science Private Enterprise at the University of Lately I’ve read about or come across Foundation and other federal agen- North Carolina at Chapel Hill, says her some librarians who are doing pret- cies requiring researchers to have a unit’s newest skill/service offering—GIS ty spectacular things that most of us plan for their research data so it may mapping of data—expands their ability wouldn’t ever have thought of when we be verified, used for other research to visualize information. started our first library job or enrolled in and made publicly available, because “It’s not just about finding the data library school. For example, SLA mem- the research is publicly funded,” Todd or information that our faculty and staff ber Liz Aviles, vice president of market says. “The university created [the] pro- need, but also helping them present intelligence at Upshot in Chicago, has gram in 2010 and began recruiting it as strongly as possible,” she says. had her team produce two contribu- library faculty to meet both technical “Pam Chore is our knowledge manage- tor pieces for Mediapost, a market- and outreach needs. The data librarians ment librarian and also our GIS special- ing site: “Are You Delivering Seamless cover data management, data curation ist. She recently had one of her maps Marketing?” and “Shopping Pops with and scholarly communications; their published in an article, ‘The cost of Chopping Blocks.” various backgrounds and job duties electricity is devastating Eastern North “Instead of writing about ‘librarian’ allow for multiple perspectives in proj- Carolina,’ that details research from our issues, our goal is to publish articles ect management, technical needs, and Economic Development staff.” that highlight the thinking of the agen- outreach.” Betty Edwards, senior research cy,” Liz says. “These marketing and vis- Last year, Todd recruited an analyst with Information Resources ibility efforts build on our core skills and Organizational Studies faculty member & Management at Draper Labs in services in a way that has an immediate who has been performing research on Cambridge, Massachusetts, cred- positive effect.” federal agencies and is now working to its Draper’s membership in IRI (the At the University of New Mexico, gain the technical skills needed to pro- Industrial Research Institute) with rais-
JILL STRAND is director of the Information Resources Library at the law firm of Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, LLP in Minneapolis. An SLA Fellow, she is currently chair of the SLA 2013 Conference Advisory Council and professional development chair for the SLA Legal Division. She previously served as chair of the SLA 2011 Nominating Committee, president of the SLA Minnesota Chapter, and chair of the Public Relations Advisory Council and was a member of the 2011 Conference Advisory Council. She can be reached at [email protected].
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 27 - MARKET SHARE ing her unit’s profile. She investigated example of how Draper’s Information IRI, advocated for and implemented Center has branched out into new, non- Draper’s membership in it, announced traditional roles to raise our visibility and Info File the membership Lab-wide, and contin- impact within the Lab.” - ues to aggressively market it within the In addition to the Webinars, recent Writing for Information Outlook -Information Outlook welcomes queries from authors organization. discussions on the IRI Forum and in about articles of interest to information professionals. “In most companies, the relationship networking groups have addressed For writer’s guidelines and a current editorial calendar, see www.sla.org/WriteForIO or write to [email protected]. with IRI is managed by the organization many topics of keen interest to the Please allow six to eight weeks for acceptance. itself (for example, by program directors Draper community. “I promote them Letters to the Editor and officers), not the Library/Information via the Lab’s portal, by direct e-mail to Comments on articles or opinions on any topic of interest to information professionals may be submitted as letters to the editor. They should be sent to [email protected], with a subject line of “Letter to Editor.” All letters should include the following: writer’s name, SLA volunteer title (if applicable), city and state/province, and phone number. (We By volunteering for non-traditional roles or starting new won’t publish the phone number, but we may wish to call for verifcation.) Letters may be edited for brevity or clarity—or to conform to the publication’s initiatives, our actions speak louder than ever about the style. Letter writers will have an opportunity to ap- prove extensive editing prior to publication. breadth and depth of what we have to offer.
Permissions Authors may distribute their articles as photocop- ies or as postings to corporate intranet or personal Web sites—for educational purposes only—without advance permission. In all cases, the reprinted or republished articles must include a complete citation and also reference the URL www.sla.org/ content/Shop/Information/index.cfm. Center,” she says. “However, I saw a employees, and in the daily industry For permission to reprint Information Outlook unique opportunity to increase the vis- newswatch the library produces,” says articles in other publications, write to editor@sla. ibility of my department and voluntarily Betty. org. Include the issue in which the article was published, the title of the article, and a description took on this role when Draper joined These diverse examples illustrate how of how the article would be used. IRI.” librarians can market their unique and Subscriptions According to Betty, Draper’s mem- wide-ranging skills to their organiza- Print subscriptions are available for US$ 160 per bership in IRI provides easy access to tions. In my own organization (a mid- year in the United States and US$ 175 outside the United States. To order a subscription, visit other organizations with shared expe- size law firm), I have an opportunity to www.sla.org/merchandise. Click on “Publications” riences and, most importantly, with both learn and reach beyond the library in the left column under “Categories,” then scroll down to “Information Outlook Subscription.” insight on the challenges her organiza- by serving on the firm’s new Technology There is no discount to agencies. tion faces. Many of Draper’s industry Committee. My involvement with the Bulk subscription orders may be sent by postal mail peers are members of IRI as well, and committee makes sense given all the to: Information Outlook Subscriptions, 331 South she puts individuals from each in touch online research tools and various soft- Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. Enclose payment with the order to avoid delays in activation. with each other. ware tools we manage, but it also allows Additionally, each month Betty invites me to employ some of these same skills Online subscriptions are included with membership and are not available to non-member subscribers. employees to a “brown bag” meeting in as part of a group working to make a large conference room to participate sure our services and hardware meet Claims Claims for missing issues should be sent to in an IRI Webinar on a timely topic. A the needs of our organization today [email protected]. Claimants should include recent presentation focused on provid- and into the future. By volunteering for full name and address of the subscriber and volume and issue numbers of missing issues. ing a better understanding and appre- non-traditional roles or starting new ini- Provision of additional information—such as pur- ciation of so-called “Next Geners” and tiatives, our actions speak louder than chase date of subscription, check number, invoice/ account number—may reduce processing time. how companies need to connect with ever about the breadth and depth of and embrace the needs of this criti- what we have to offer. SLA Membership Inquiries about SLA membership should be sent to cal demographic. Draper’s director of [email protected]. human resources attended the Webinar To update your address or other account informa- and thought other company leaders tion, to join SLA, or to renew your membership, go should view it as well. to www.sla.org/content/membership and select the appropriate item from the menu in the left column. “She asked me to work with her on doing something similar for the vice president of engineering’s leadership team,” Betty says. “This is just one
28 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 INFO BUSINESS - Valuing Inexperience
bluntly expressed his position on the value of inexperience. “Being inexperi- Integrating new professionals into libraries and information enced means you’re not shackled with centers can help us break free of old ways of thinking and decades of service in a narrow verti- working. cal and the accompanying entrenched BY DEBBIE SCHACHTER, MLS, MBA biases and relationships,” he wrote. “You have natural qualities to offer that companies spend millions of dol- How do we manage information centers on the value that we can provide versus lars per year in training budgets trying differently today? First, we take fewer the services that we have traditionally to replicate … You question long-held things for granted. With so many indus- provided. assumptions … you’re pretty free from tries still developing their responses to some huge barriers to innovation … the economic and technological devel- The Benefit of Inexperience You tend to think of new solutions opments of the past 3-4 years, we can- With new information professionals con- quickly, refuse to compromise yourself not assume anything is forever. In many tinually joining our field, we have an out of existence, and are a native end- different industries as never before, opportunity to develop fresh leadership user of technologies.” almost everything is up for debate. from below by tapping into the new and For new information professionals, novel for the benefit of our organiza- Culture Shifts the dramatic changes we are undergo- tions. New information professionals But even as younger generations take ing are actually promising times. While often have the advantage of bringing on more prominent roles in organiza- we are not fully into an upswing, the innovative ideas and knowledge to the tions—and when working with new pro- economic situation seems to be improv- information center. For example, most fessionals, acknowledging their abilities ing. Times of crisis can help focus our of us already communicate with our and skills is one of the most important attention on the fundamentals and actu- customers in various ways. The per- ways to successfully introduce them ally prepare us to look to the future as spectives and technical skills of our new to, and engage them in, our organi- we realize that what we have today may graduates can provide us with fresh zations—we are seeing a significant no longer exist tomorrow. We can also thinking about communication methods culture shift as retirements and layoffs see that we have a new opportunity to and activities that they are able to lead. occur. This means that we must ensure become almost anything we want to be, The other noteworthy benefit of new the effective transfer of knowledge and provided we are able to create a vision professionals is that they don’t neces- develop the culture of tomorrow even and clearly articulate it to others. sarily know what came before them. as we feel a pervasive sense of loss for For example, information profession- Historical knowledge can be both valu- what is no longer. We must take solace als play a key role in managing the able and limiting, depending on how in the fact that the good times may be information flows that would otherwise you learn from your experience. Having gone for now, but that doesn’t mean overwhelm our clientele. We need to an open mind, looking for opportunities that the future is bleak. emphasize and encourage this role as to take advantage of changing environ- One of the best ways to ensure the mediators of information, as this is one ments, and trying things again that have effective transition of new information specific way that we can clearly com- not worked in the past can help ensure professionals into the organization is municate what we offer. We should our sustainability. through team building, which should avoid feeling limited by our vocabulary In his Harvard Business Review blog also be encouraged across organiza- of yesterday and instead sell ourselves on 16 May, Daniel Gulati (2012) rather tions whenever possible. Information professionals can participate in cross- departmental project teams, hiring committees, planning processes, and DEBBIE SCHACHTER is director of learning resources at more. In larger information centers, we Douglas College in New Westminster, British Columbia, and chapter cabinet chair-elect of SLA. She can be reached at need to ensure that staff from various [email protected]. levels have the opportunity to par- ticipate, whether in internal or external teams. Showing that you value the var- ied experiences and skills across your
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 29 - INFO BUSINESS staff will help promote innovation and You need to remove barriers to other, but different work styles, dif- engagement and also create a posi- success and try to get the resources ferent means of communicating, and tive environment as a model for other you and your staff need to succeed. different values all can cause unease, departments. Sometimes this means working together tension or even actual conflict between Keep staff engaged by playing to to focus on where to cut when budgets employees. their abilities and interests wherever need tightening; other times it means Be prepared to help new informa- possible. New professionals may not identifying resources you can reallocate tion professionals understand their role yet know what they really enjoy doing or to be more effective or developing new in the information center and provide what they are good at, so they should be services. Creating an environment that them with the encouragement and sup- encouraged to try a variety of activities allows everyone to question the obvi- port they need to understand that their and supported in bringing their ideas to ous and make mistakes encourages a fresh perspectives and, yes, inexperi- fruition. At the same time, employees culture of innovation that is needed to ence are valued. Meanwhile, help expe- with longer tenures should be encour- be responsive in both tough times and rienced staff understand that creating a aged to do the same, meaning that good. culture of “questioning the given” is a the culture of innovation and positive In some situations, you will need to positive for the long-term success of the change can be fostered from the bot- be direct in your leadership. If conflicts information center. As with any change, tom up (rather than the traditional top- arise due to cultural shifts, fighting over be prepared with your change manage- down model). scarce resources, or fear of change ment tools and techniques. Most impor- brought on by the addition of new staff tantly, value and honor the past while Your Role as a Leader members, the need for strong leader- helping people see a positive future with Driving decision making and innovation ship becomes even more critical. a role for each of them. SLA downward does not mean the leader When introducing new staff into the becomes any less important. As a man- information center, conflicts can (and REFERENCES ager, supervisor or executive, your role often do) occur. Be prepared for this. Gulati, Daniel. 2012. The Inexperience Advan- is to show leadership through your It is not necessarily that people will be tage. Harvard Business Review, 16 May. vision and management skills. unable to work effectively with each
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I~ ~~o~f!;~~~up ______R_o_u_tl_e_d-=g_e_ .. _. _th_i_n_k_a_b_o_u_t_it www.routledgeonline.com - INFO TECH Workplace Information Literacy: It’s Different
key issues in workplace information Learning styles, organizational cultures and competing literacy. I’m basing the chapter on my priorities are among the many challenges facing librarians personal observations over the past who want to increase information literacy in their workplaces. 30 years, drawing on my experiences with multiple workplaces, intranets, cor- BY STEPHEN ABRAM, MLS porate libraries, content development, training and development strategy, and product development. These experiences and observations There are plenty of articles and stud- of platforms, tools and media from have taught me that the workplace is ies on information literacy in our pro- signing and orality through hand- not a single or uniform population, as fessional literature, and they mostly writing, print, TV, radio and film, to general consumers, K-12 students, and address the issue in terms of public, digital social networks. The modern undergraduate scholars arguably are. K-12 and academic libraries and focus meaning of the term combines lit- These traditional literacy markets also on end users. We need more discussion eracy with the prefix trans-, which differ from the workplace in another about, and study of, the unique chal- means “across; through”, so a trans- key respect—they are under the rigor lenges of increasing information literacy literate person is one who is literate of an institutional strategy and agenda skills in the workplace. across multiple media.” (in the case of education) or make com- To that end, I am writing a chapter promises (as in the consumer space) for a new book from Emerald that is This definition nicely frames the to acquire information at no charge expected to be published in 2013. The challenge of workplace literacy, where from resources like Google or public title of the book is Developing People’s search, retrieval, and usage rarely suf- libraries. Information Capabilities: Fostering fice to create a competent and suc- Workplaces are defined as the work- Information Literacy in Educational, cessful employee. Success in the work- ers in both the nonprofit and for-profit Workplace and Community Contexts place requires the integration of specific sectors who are tasked with running the (the editors are Mark Hepworth and software, network environments, col- organization, providing value to others, Geoff Walton). laboration tools, learning tools, multiple and delivering services to end users In this column, I’ll share with you content formats, and more. And it’s like learners, customers, clients, and some of the ideas and concepts that I’ll incumbent on the employee (and the patients. I want to explore these issues be exploring in the chapter I’m writing. employer as well) to keep up to date and frameworks through key target First and foremost, I take a broad view with changes in the technical and con- audiences in commercial and institu- of information literacy and subscribe to tent environments as well as the profes- tional workplace environments. These the emerging discussion about “translit- sion, sector and industry. The need for audiences include the following: eracy.” I believe that these skills will be continuous learning, after all, is more essential in the 21st Century. than just a personal value—it’s a matter Teachers (as opposed to students); Here’s the definition of transliteracy of competitive advantage and survival. Professors (as opposed to young from Wikipedia: Sometimes lives depend on progress scholars); being made and adaptations spreading Corporate administrators and busi- Transliteracy is the ability to read, throughout the enterprise. ness decision makers, professionals, write and interact across a range In my chapter, I intend to frame the and consultants;
STEPHEN ABRAM is a past president of SLA and is vice president of strategic partnerships and markets for Gale Cengage Learning. He is an SLA Fellow and the past president of the Ontario Library Association and the Canadian Library Association. In June 2003 he was awarded SLA’s John Cotton Dana Award; in 2009 he received the AIIP Roger Summit Award. He is the author of a book, Out Front with Stephen Abram and a blog, Stephen’s Lighthouse. This column contains Stephen’s personal perspectives and does not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of Gale Cengage Learning. Stephen would love to hear from you at [email protected].
32 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 INFO TECH - Medical professionals such as doc- ommendations. ing influence and control in order to tors, nurses and pharmacists; There are strong institutional and “move the needle.” Lawyers (in both private practice and cultural considerations around “how internal corporate and government things are done here” and alignment I will conclude the chapter with rec- work); with the cultural and learning values ommendations for the successful fram- Engineers and architects; of the dominant profession or indus- ing of information literacy interventions Financial professionals (accountants, try and commercial norms. in a workplace context. If anyone has auditors, and so forth); and There are often cultural differences any insights or examples of best prac- Creative professionals (in advertising, between public sector and private tices and lessons learned about work- marketing, art, and related sectors). sector value systems and the articu- place information literacy initiatives, lation of benefits. Communication of please feel free to share them with me With workplace audiences, there are these in the language of the work- at [email protected]. SLA key differences from the more com- place audience is key. mon focus of librarians on the broad Lastly, the training and develop- information literacy needs of end user ment opportunities provided by an populations in public library, school, employer may not be by choice or college and university sectors. These voluntary, and not all target audi- differences can broadly be categorized ences will choose to attend, engage, into several buckets: learn or adopt. There is an aspect of building engagement and balanc- Adult learning and education must take into account solidified learning styles and expectations, competing The Elements of Transliteracy priorities for time, and compensation and performance considerations as Transliteracy can comprise any or all of the following skills and well as demographic issues related competencies in an enterprise environment: to age and adoption strategies. There is a wider range of, and great- Reading literacy er need for, partnerships with other Numeracy stakeholder groups in the host orga- Critical literacy nization, such as human resources Learning system and collaboration literacy professionals, training departments, Social literacy executive champions, quality lead- Search literacy ers, and financial leaders. Computer literacy There are stronger and more clearly Intranet literacy defined strategic goals that are man- Web literacy aged, targeted and measured, such Content literacy as improvements in productivity, Written literacy efficiency and effectiveness, revenue News literacy growth, cost control, and process Technology literacy and technological change, that are Information literacy built into position performance con- Media literacy tracts and compensation. There may Adaptive literacy also be cultural and environmental Research literacy issues related to unionization, enter- Academic literacy prise culture and values. Confidentiality, privacy, and corporate policy There are key measurements that Legal and regulatory literacy predominate decision-making, Reputation management, etc. including return on investment, Cultural literacy (i.e., corporate culture or global initiatives) return on effort, revenue growth/cost savings, and strategic alignment with Each of these must be viewed in the context of the enterprise mission long-term and operational goals. as opposed to a community, learning or societal research goal. That There may be tough legal require- difference is fundamental to understanding the key challenge of focusing ments and deadlines, such as on workplace literacy. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) training, medical regulations, and audit rec-
INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 33 - INFO RIGHTS Volunteers are Copyright Owners, Too!
the questions at the beginning of this column, if your volunteer writes an Entering into a copyright agreement with your volunteers article or creates a logo or video, you can help prevent problems from arising later when you try may need his or her permission prior to reuse materials they create. to widely distributing it or allowing oth- BY LESLEY ELLEN HARRIS ers to use or adapt it. You may want to consider developing an agreement with your volunteers that transfers to your organization the copyright in any work A volunteer creates an image or logo an article or image created by a volun- they create for your organization. for a special exhibit or event. You use teer appears in your print publication. that logo on a number of print materi- Understand your organization’s rights Terms of the Agreement als and include it on your Website. Can and those of your volunteers at the time Reaching an agreement with people you adapt the logo and use it on one of you ask a volunteer to create a piece of when they begin volunteering for your your publications? work for you. organization will provide clear guide- The bottom line is this: generally, a lines and create better relationships. A volunteer creates a short video about volunteer will own any works he or she A simple agreement in plain language your organization. Can you place it on creates while volunteering for your orga- will likely be the best way to go. If your your blog? Use it at your annual con- nization. That is because the volunteer organization needs to own the copyright ference? Post it on YouTube? is the creator/first author of the work, by in works created by volunteers, this virtue of being the first person to put it should be simply stated in the agree- A volunteer writes an article for into some sort of fixed form. ment along with the appropriate trans- your organization’s newsletter. Can A question I’m often asked is whether fer/assignment of the rights. you republish the article in a book? this principle applies even if you ask a You may also want to obtain a waiver Translate it into another language? volunteer to create the work on your of moral rights so that you can adapt the What if another organization wants to premises and with your tools (e.g., a work and not be required to acknowl- publish the article on its Website? computer). Long story short, it does— edge the volunteer by including his or employment provisions (which take into her name on it. In the United States, Whether it be an article, image, video, account all relevant facts underlying the moral rights only apply to works of business plan, table based on research, employment relationship) do not gener- fine art, but in Canada and many or other type of content, it is possible ally apply to volunteer arrangements. other countries, moral rights protect the that the material being created by your Take a look at the volunteers in your reputation of the author and apply to all volunteers is automatically protected by organization and consider entering into works. Moral rights in Canada last for copyright (yes, even without registering an agreement with them to ensure that 50 years after the author’s death and the material or using a copyright sym- their valuable work can be used in the may be waived, whereas in countries bol). At some point, the question may manner intended by your organization. such as France, moral rights exist in arise as to who owns the copyright in Remember, too, that volunteers come perpetuity and may not be waived. the work of your volunteers. with different titles and roles, such as Another issue to consider is whether Don’t wait and be surprised by the interns, officers, directors, committee a volunteer may use his own work on answer at a critical time, such as after members, and students. So, to answer his own blog or other social networking
LESLEY ELLEN HARRIS is a copyright lawyer who consults on legal, business and strategic issues. She is editor of a newsletter, The Copyright & New Media Law Newsletter, which is available at www.copyrightlaws.com. She also teaches SLA’s Certificate in Copyright Management program and maintains a blog on copyright questions and answers. The second edition of her book, Licensing Digital Content: A Practical Guide for Librarians, was published last year.
34 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 INFO RIGHTS - sible for any infringements of copyright during their work for your organization. Provide educational sessions and/or a contact person Of course, this will have to be worded for volunteers so they have access to accurate copyright carefully to avoid scaring off volunteers. Sharing your organization’s copyright information. guidelines will help guide the work of volunteers. SLA
site. If he transfers the copyright to your ensure that your volunteers are aware organization, he may not reproduce or of it and that you have explained such distribute his own work in any manner concepts as the meaning of fair use/ without first obtaining your organiza- dealing, international copyright law, tion’s permission. You may consider, as digital copyright issues, and any spe- part of your written agreement, allowing cific exceptions that may apply to your the volunteer to use the work as part of library or organization. Provide educa- an electronic portfolio or on personal tional sessions and/or a contact person digital spaces. for volunteers so they have access to Similar to your organization’s employ- accurate copyright information. ees, volunteers must abide by the copy- You may also add a clause to your right laws when they create works for volunteer copyright agreement to the you. If you have a copyright policy, effect that volunteers will be respon-
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INFORMATION OUTLOOK V16 N04 JULY/AUGUST 2012 35 - COMING EVENTS / AD INDEX INDUSTRY EVENTS ,a 15-18 JULY 2012 JULY 2012 SLA Annual Conference LMI Summer Conference CLICK UNIVERSllY & INFO-EXPO Library Management Institute Chicago, Illinois, USA Philadelphia, Pa., USA an SLA experience 9-10 SLA 2012 LEADERSHIP WEBINARS Annual Conference & INFO-EXPO Special Libraries Association Strategies for a Richer Member Experience Chicago, Ill., USA Increase retention in your unit using the strategies presented in this 15-18 Webinar. Can’t attend a live Webinar? AALL 2012 Date: 20 September 2012 You can view Webinar Annual Conference Time: 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Eastern time REPLAYS. These 90-minute American Association of Law seminars from our Click Libraries Presenters: University programs were Boston, Mass., USA Liz Blankson-Hemans, SLA past chapter cabinet chair recorded as they occurred, 21-24 Mary Ellen Bates, SLA past division cabinet chair and president of Bates so you’ll get the complete Information Service AUGUST 2012 experience of the original Partnering for Program Content session. Visit www.sla.org/clicku BlogHer ‘12 for more information. Annual Conference Program planners will learn tips for discovering good content, not “going it BlogHer Publishing Network alone,” sharing the wealth after the event, and creating valuable conference New York, N.Y., USA sessions. 2-4 Date: 18 October 2012 Time: 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Eastern time IFLA 2012 Annual Conference Presenters: International Federation of Library Linda Broussard, SLA chief financial officer Associations & Institutions Carolyn Sosnowski, SLA director of education and information services Helsinki, Finland 11-17
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