Information Outlook, December 2007

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This Magazine is brought to you for free and open access by the Information Outlook, 2000s at SJSU ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Information Outlook, 2007 by an authorized administrator of SJSU ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 12 information 07 V 11 | N 12 outlook THE MAGAZINE OF THE SPECIAL LIBRARIES ASSOCIATION

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INFO VIEW INFO TECH 5 2007 Saw Some Major 36 Late 2007: A Few Weeks Changes For Information That Shook Our World Professionals STEPHEN ABRAM JANICE R. LACHANCE

INFO RIGHTS INFO NEWS 39 The Legal Safeguards of 6 Copyright Clearance Center Ideas: The “Orphans” of IP Adds Blogs to Licensing Protection Programs LESLEY ELLEN HARRIS

INFO SITES INFO BUSINESS 9 Not for Web Tourists 40 If a Company Has Women Listings: Okay, Tourists Can Executives, All Female Look, Too Employees Can Benefit CAROLYN J. SOSNOWSKI DEBBIE SCHACHTER

10 42 Coming Events SLA MEMBER PROFILE Ad Index Focus: 25 On the Cusp of Change Management FORREST GLENN SPENCER 10 Is Evidence-Based INFO MANAGEMENT Management Right 44 Curiosity Killed the Cat, for You? INTERNATIONAL But It Will Keep You Alive! 30 Reports from IFLA JOHN R. LATHAM BILL FISHER AND DAV ROBERTSON 34 Critique: From Branding 16 Applying Scientifically Toward Values Based Research to a STEPHEN MARVIN Peppermint Patty CYBÈLE ELAINE WERTS information outlook The Monthly Magazine of the Special Libraries Association Vol. 11, No. 12 December 2007

Publisher, Editor in Chief: John T. Adams III ([email protected]) Columnists: Stephen Abram Lesley Ellen Harris Janice R. Lachance John R. Latham Debbie Schachter Carolyn J. Sosnowski Rebecca B. Vargha Layout & Design: Constance Denning

Information Outlook® (ISSN 1091-0808) is the monthly, award-winning publication of the Special Libraries Association, 331 South Patrick Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, [email protected]. (703) 647-4900

2007 Subscription Rates: Annual subscription, US$125 (U.S. and Interna- tional). Single issue, US$15. Please report missing copies promptly to [email protected]. To ensure continuous delivery of Information Outlook, please notify SLA promptly of address changes by writing [email protected]. When submitting address changes, please include all the information on the mailing label. Changes may not go into effect for four to six weeks.

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4 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 INFO VIEW

an important account or reducing your 2007 Saw Some Major Changes organization’s exposure to costly litiga- tion, and you must continually make For Information Professionals the case for your value. Another way you can achieve flexibility during your career is through continued learning and professional Credentials, competencies, and experience development. By continuously expand- are good starting points, but you’ll need ing your skills and honing your knowl- more in a shifting environment. edge, you put yourself in the best BY JANICE R. LACHANCE, SLA CEO position possible to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. While a fair amount of information As 2007 rapidly comes to an end, one their careers and to become indispens- concerning technology is available on word continues to dominate the lexicon able to their organizations. the job, librarians and info pros must of the information profession. That What will it take to achieve this level continuously seek out new ways to word is “change.” We continue to wit- of influence? Unquestionably, you increase their level of knowledge. This ness mega-mergers among giants of will have to possess solid professional is true in all facets of your career. It is the publishing and information indus- credentials, competencies, and experi- why SLA has made a significant com- tries and dramatic, if not revolution- ence. More than that, you will have to mitment to the continued development ary, changes in the business models look at your roles differently and be of professional education through of many venerable content providers. willing to step out of your comfort zone. Click University. Click U provides a These changes are driven, in large It has been said that the only thing wide variety of professional learning measure, by the continuing evolution you can expect from change is more opportunities. You can preview Click and reach of innovative uses of tech- change. That means, in today’s hyper- U’s numerous offerings by visiting the nology, such as those that define Web competitive business environment, SLA Web site and clicking Professional 2.0. At the center of this maelstrom are you may have to look at yourself and Development. I cannot encourage you librarians and information professionals your profession differently at times. enough to keep your knowledge and who are asked continually to adapt to Sometimes only a small change in skills as sharp as they can possibly be. changes in the marketplace at extraor- perspective will be necessary. Other Finally, I urge you to adopt the stra- dinary speed as their organizations times, more may be required of you. tegic mindset of a senior executive. seek to redefine themselves in what is You may even have to reinvent yourself This allows you to focus on your orga- a less well-defined world. completely from time to time. Whatever nization’s “big picture.” To do that, you In today’s professional environment, is demanded, you have the greatest must have a broad, comprehensive librarians and info pros are not only chance of success by being adapt- understanding of the organization’s called upon to retrieve, manage, and able and flexible to the change swirling current operating position today and disseminate large amounts of often about you. a clear, unobstructed view of its goals highly technical information, they also So how do you do this? I believe and objectives for tomorrow. are expected to understand the latest there are three factors for success in To gain this kind of broad perspec- advancements in technology, such as an uncertain and changing environ- tive, I encourage you to forge alliances social networking, and to apply these ment. These are a willingness to take or partnerships inside your organization innovations for the strategic benefit of risk, an appreciation for the value of with those who are leaders or natural their organizations. No small challenge. continued learning, and the ability to allies. This will not only help you under- When I speak at chapters and con- think strategically. stand more clearly the priorities of the ferences throughout the world, I often When I speak of risk, I mean calcu- enterprise, it will help reinforce percep- ask members, “Who understands bet- lated risk intended to achieve a spe- tions of your value to the organization. ter than you the information needs of cific objective. While I know it is not in There are no sure-fire formulas for your organization? And, who is better the nature of most librarians and info dealing with change. It can be unset- qualified than an info pro to explain to pros to be self-promoters, you must tling and it can be difficult. If, however, a CEO or other senior management the learn to be. No matter what industry you give yourself every edge and make advantages of one knowledge delivery you work in today, you must find a the most of every opportunity that system over another?” The answer is way to ensure that you are acknowl- presents itself, you will not only suc- “No one.” As a result, I believe librar- edged by senior management for the ceed, you will flourish. SLA ians and info pros have a unique contributions you make, especially to opportunity to enhance, or even ignite, high-profile successes such as landing

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 5 INFO NEWS

said, “Lois was an inspiration to many Updates on the information professional and SLA. in our chapter, the association and Dept. Deck New Mexico’s library community. I still remember feeling a little intimidated by her when I first started my career in New Mexico, but later learned that she was a warm and caring individual. I believe I tried to follow in her foot- Copyright Clearance Center has and is author of a forthcoming book steps where our chapter was con- expanded its licensing services to on noted scholar and Nobel Prize win- cerned. She will be greatly missed by include rights to more than 1,000 ner, Paul Dirac. our community.” SLA popular blogs. For registration, additional program, CCC is making rights to blog con- or vendor information, see units.sla. tent available through an agreement org/regconf/sarc4/index.html. SLA Dorothy Kasman with Newstex, a news and information Dorothy Kasman, retired corpo- aggregator. Newstex delivers real-time rate librarian, died October 31 at the news and commentary from thousands Mayflower Nursing Home in West of newswires, newspapers, magazines, Obituaries Yarmouth, Massachusetts. She was 89 financial and business sources, official years old. government feeds, and blogs. She was an honored member of The addition of blogs, including SLA, serving on several commit- hundreds that focus on business, tech- Lois Godfrey tees over the years. She received the nology, finance, healthcare, the law, Lois Godfrey, one of the Rio Grande Distinguished Member Award in 1988 and other topics, makes them available Chapter’s founding members and and was inducted into the SLA Hall of for CCC clients to share within their president in its third year, died Fame in 1991. She was a past chair of enterprises. For others uses, including November 26. the Business and Finance Division and academic uses, rights can be secured Born in March 1928, in Cambridge, a past treasurer for the organization. via CCC’s pay-per-use services on an Massachusetts, she died in Boulder, A native of Trenton, she earned as-needed basis. For bloggers, the Colorado, after a long struggle with a bachelor of arts degree from new licensing capability increases the Parkinson’s disease. Douglass College (now part of Rutgers potential of realizing royalty income for Ms. Godfrey attended the University University) in 1941 and an MLIS 1957. the use of their work. SLA of Michigan, and graduated from She received an MBA from New York Simmons College, Boston, with a University in 1970. degree in library science. She married From 1956 to 1958, she was the South Atlantic Meeting Tom Godfrey in 1950, and they moved librarian at the Textile Research Set for February 27-29 to Los Alamos, New Mexico, in 1954, Institute, in Princeton, N.J. She where their daughter was born in moved to New York City in 1958, 1955. She worked at the LANL library joining Coopers & Lybrand (now until her retirement, and co-authored PricewaterhouseCoopers), as chief The SLA South Atlantic Regional the Dictionary of Report Series Codes, librarian, a position she held for more Conference—“The Surreal Landscape: two editions. than 30 years. Information Professionals Mastering She is survived by her husband, Tom, Ms. Kasman is survived by nieces the Challenges of Time and Space”— and their daughter, Janet Elizabeth. and nephews. SLA will be held in St. Petersburg, Florida, Besides SLA, she was a volunteer February 27-29, 2008. with the League of Women Voters of Keynote speakers are SLA Los Alamos, and Trinity-on-the-Hill President-elect Steven Abram and Episcopal Church. Gram Farmelo, senior research fellow Gloria Zamora, a long-time leader at the Science Museum in London. of the Los Alamos Chapter recently Farmelo is an international consultant elected SLA president-elect for 2008, in the public dimensions of science

6 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 INFO NEWS

2007 SLA Salary Survey Info File

Includes Data from Europe Writing for Information Outlook Information Outlook welcomes queries from authors about articlesInfo of interest File to information professionals. For writer’s guidelines and a current editorial Writing for Information Outlook calendar, see www.sla.org/content/Shop/Informa- For the first time, the SLA Salary Survey salary calculator only includes data for Information Outlook welcomes queries from tion/writingforio/index.cfm or write to editor@sla. authors about articles of interest to information and Workplace Study contains salary Canada and the U.S. org. Please allow six to eight weeks for acceptance. professionals. For writer’s guidelines and a current information and other data from respon- editorial calendar, see www.sla.org/content/Shop/ Letters to the Editor Information/writingforio/index.cfm or write to dents in Europe, including the U.K. Workplace Study Comments on articles or opinions on any topic [email protected]. Please allow six to eight weeks for of interest to information professionals may be According to the 2007 survey A workplace study based on an addi- acceptance. submitted as letters to the editor. They should be results, the average salary increases for tional survey sent to U.S. and Canadian sent to [email protected], with a subject line of “Letter Letters to the Editor to Editor.” All letters should include the following: SLA members in the U.S. and Canada members’ human resource depart- Comments on articles or opinions on any topic writer’s name, SLA volunteer title (if applicable), of interest to information professionals may be have outpaced inflation yet again. ments is published with the salary sur- city and state, and phone number. (We won’t submitted as letters to the editor. They should be publish the phone number; but we may wish to call Based on salaries as of April 2007, for vey results. Highlights and trends: sent to [email protected], with a subject line of “Letter for veriﬁ cation.) Letters may be edited for brevity to Editor.” All letters should include the following: U.S.-based respondents the increase Outsourcing. The outsourcing of or clarity—or to conform to the publication’s style. writer’s name, SLA volunteer title (if applicable), Letter writers will have an opportunity to approve in salaries for 2007 over 2006 was 5.1 information functions has evened or city and state, and phone number. (We won’t extensive editing prior to publication. percent. This is 1.1 percent higher stabilized at just under 20 percent publish the phone number; but we may wish to call for veriﬁ cation.) Letters may be edited for brevity Permissions than the increase from 2005 to 2006. of responding companies. In 2007, or clarity—or to conform to the publication’s style. Authors may distribute their articles as photocop- Letter writers will have an opportunity to approve The average salary for U.S. members 18.8 percent of all respondents had ies or as postings to corporate intranet or personal extensive editing prior to publication. who answered the survey was US$ outsourced or had considered it, ver- Web sites—for educational purposes only—without advance permission. In all cases, the reprinted Permissions 69,446, compared with US$ 67,400 sus 21.6 percent in 2006 and 15.2 in or republished articles must include a complete Authors may distribute their articles as photocop- citation and also reference the URL www.sla. reported in 2006. 2005. Only 21.7 percent of the organi- ies or as postings to corporate intranet or personal org/content/Shop/Information/index.cfm. The average for Canadian members zations that have outsourced reported Web sites—for educational purposes only—without advance permission. In all cases, the reprinted For permission to reprint Information Outlook was CAN$ 67,171 compared with a reduction in library/information or republished articles must include a complete articles in other publications, write to editor@sla. citation and also reference the URL www.sla. CAN$ 65,522 in 2006. Salaries for center staff, a little lower than 2006 org. Include the issue in which the article was org/content/Shop/Information/index.cfm. Canadian members were 4.9 percent and 2005. Of the larger companies published, the title of the article, and a description of how the article would be used. higher on 1 April 2007 than a year ear- (more than 2000 employees) that had For permission to reprint Information Outlook articles in other publications, write to editor@sla. Subscriptions lier, while the CPI had increased just 2 outsourced, 28.6 percent reported org. Include the issue in which the article was Print subscriptions are available for US$ 125 published, the title of the article, and a description percent in the same period. staff reduction, also much lower than per year, which includes postage to addresses in of how the article would be used. The European data is separated into reported the previous year. the U.S. and other countries. To order a subscription, see www.sla.org/merchandise. Click “Publica- Subscriptions two categories: responses from U.K. Budgets. Forty percent of the tions” in the left column under “Categories,” then Print subscriptions are available for $125 per year, scroll down to “Information Outlook Subscription.” and other European SLA members. respondents indicated that their library/ which includes postage to addresses in the U.S. There is no discount to agencies. The average salary for U.K. respon- information center budget was set to and other countries. To order a subscription, see www.sla.org/merchandise. Click “Publications” in Bulk subscription orders may be sent by postal dents was £48,185, with a reported increase. Just over half (52.9 percent) the left column under “Categories,” then scroll mail to: Information Outlook Subscriptions, 331 down to “Information Outlook Subscription.” There increase of 7.9 percent over the previ- of all respondents expect an increase South Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. is no discount to agencies. ous year. For other European mem- in the size of their organization’s staff Enclose payment with the order to avoid delays in activation. bers, the average salary was €57,246, in 2008, but only one-fifth (21.5 per- Bulk subscription orders may be sent by postal mail to: Information Outlook Subscriptions, 331 Online subscriptions are included with membership an increase of 6.8 percent from 2006. cent) anticipated an increase in their South Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. and are not available to non-member subscribers. All four sets of data—U.S., Canada, library/information center staff. Enclose payment with the order to avoid delays in activation. U.K., other European countries—are Competencies. Job descriptions or Claims Claims for missing issues should be sent to Online subscriptions are included with membership reported in the local currency in the skill sets required for information pro- [email protected]. Claimants should include and are not available to non-member subscribers. published report; however, here is a fessionals have changed at 71.4 per- full name and address of the subscriber and volume and issue numbers of missing issues. Claims comparison of mean salaries converted cent of the responding organizations Provision of additional information—such as pur- Claims for missing issues should be sent to chase date of subscription, check number, invoice/ into U.S. dollars at the 1 April 2007 over the past five years. More than 80 [email protected]. Claimants should include account number—may reduce processing time. exchange rates: U.K., $94,480; other percent of those reporting a change full name and address of the subscriber and volume and issue numbers of missing issues. Membership European countries, $76,328, U.S., identified three skills sets as “very Provision of additional information—such as pur- Inquiries about SLA membership should be sent to chase date of subscription, check number, invoice/ $69,446; Canada, $58,410. important” or “important”: knowledge [email protected]. account number—may reduce processing time. management (84.4 percent), database To update your address or other account informa- Membership SLA Salary Calculator management (82.9 percent), and Web tion, to join SLA, or to renew your membership, go Inquiries about SLA membership should be sent to to www.sla.org/content/membership/index.cfm and The SLA salary calculator is an online content management (81.8 percent). [email protected]. select the appropriate item from the menu in the interactive tool to analyze salaries based left column. To update your address or other account informa- on multiple characteristics, rather than The 2007 SLA Salary Survey and tion, to join SLA, or to renew your membership, go the two-dimensional format in the print Workplace Study are now available for to www.sla.org/content/membership/index.cfm and select the appropriate item from the menu in the version of the report. The tool is avail- purchase from the SLA Store online at left column. able to purchasers of the report. The www.sla.org/merchandise. SLA

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 7 INFO SITES

PC Magazine: Our 100 Not for Web Tourist Listings: Favorite Blogs Okay, Tourists Can Look, Too www.pcmag.com/arti- cle2/0,2704,2192058,00.asp When was the last time you added a blog to your reading list? If inertia has set in, you’ll want to peruse this AndDept. Working Deck Mother magazine lists companies that are list, compiled by PC Magazine staff- making their own environmental impact statements. ers, for new ideas and perspectives. BY CAROLYN J. SOSNOWSKI, MLIS

NFT: Not for Tourists Annual Conference. www.notfortourists.com Although you could buy a print edition 2007 Best Green Companies of one of these travel guides, you’ll www.workingmother.com/ probably be able to find what you need web?service=vpage/1131 right here on the Web site...especially There have been a lot of stories in the since you can view and print the whole media about going green; here’s a book from your computer. Of course, resource from Working Mother. These You’ve heard of the Drudge Report, we encourage you to be green and and probably Ars Technica, but how copyright-friendly and download just about these? The Consumerist will help what you need…a map, restaurant you be a savvier shopper. Techie? Try descriptions, information about a land- Coolest Gadgets. Lifehacker offers tips mark attraction. And, it’s good to know for getting organized. Science Blog where to find a gas station, a super- brings you study results and news. market, and a bank…even if you are There’s even a blog devoted to cup- just visiting. Subscribe to the “On Our cakes. (Yes.) Plus, a comprehensive Radar” feed to keep up with the latest list of blogs from PC Magazine itself.

The “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks et al. 20 companies have been recognized As a sometime writer and editor, I for their efforts to run their businesses found this blog quite amusing (http:// in a more eco-friendly way (telecom- quotation-marks.blogspot.com). On muting employees, renewable energy occasion, I find myself taken aback certificates for customers, financial at bad grammar, incorrect word support of green projects and com- usage, and punctuation misuse on munity development). If you want to menus, on signs (.99¢, anyone?), support these initiatives, use this list and in books and newspapers. Now I to guide your purchasing. However, know I’m not alone. You can chuckle discoveries. The best news of all: there you can also follow the examples these through this blog, then head over is now a guide for Seattle, so you can companies are setting to inspire green to Apostrophe Abuse (www.apostro- plan your time in the city for the 2008 practices in your own organization. pheabuse.com) for further entertain- ment. On the positive side of things, Grammar Girl’s (http://grammar.quick- anddirtytips.com) podcasts will put CAROLYN J. SOSNOWSKI, MLIS, is SLA’s information you on the path to proper usage…we specialist. She has 10 years of experience in libraries, including could all learn something here. SLA more than four years in SLA’s Information Center. She can be reached at [email protected].

8 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 RECRUIT AND WIN

Planning on a “Click U Live!” seminar for your next meeting? Recruit new members and a 2007 replay is free.

Planning on attending the 2008 SLA Conference and INFO-EXPO in Seattle? Recruit new members and win a complimentary registration.

OTHER PRIZES INCLUDE… SLA Membership Renewal Each member you recruit gets you a chance to win a free membership renewal next year.

Membership in the President's Club All members who recruit at least one new member will receive a President's Club lapel pin.

AND MORE! For complete details and information about the 2007 Recruit-a-Member campaign, visit www.sla.org/recruit. FOCUS: MANAGEMENT Is Evidence-Based Management Right for You

CHANCES ARE IT WILL HELP YOUR ORGANIZATION— IF YOU HAVE THE TIME TO IMPLEMENT IT. ?

BY BILL FISHER AND DAV ROBERTSON

ecisions, decisions— and Canada, where evidence-based Truths and Total Nonsense, as well as we make countless practice has made greater inroads into recent articles in Harvard Business decisions every day, library and information practice than in Review and California Management and for most of us the United States. Review, Pfeffer and Sutton explain what having some basis The evidence-based umbrella that is needed for an organization to adopt forD a given decision is a good thing. The most special libraries fall under to one an evidence-based approach. idea behind evidence-based practice is degree or another is evidence-based According to Pfeffer and Sutton, evi- to help us establish that basis for mak- management. Even if we’re making a dence-based management requires a ing a decision. decision that involves the delivery of a change in attitude, a change in how a While a number of fields are using specific service or program to our cus- manager thinks about decision-making. some type of evidence-based practice, tomers, we’ll make that decision from a So for many organizations, creating a including criminology, education, social managerial perspective. The idea behind culture for evidence-based manage- work, and software engineering, the evidence-based management (and all ment to be accepted is the major concept got its start in the medical and evidence-based practice for that mat- challenge. Three typical management health-related fields some 15 years ago. ter) is to use the best available evidence practices—casual benchmarking, doing So our colleagues from the Biomedical to support our decisions, moving away what —are questioned by Pfeffer and and Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical from guesswork, habit, personal bias, Sutton. They propose six standards for and Health Technology divisions may sacred cows, or the most recent fad managers to consider under an evi- be more familiar with evidence-based touted in the management literature. dence-based management approach: practice than the rest of us. This is The most ardent proponents of evi- also the case with our colleagues who dence-based management are two pro- • Treat old ideas like old ideas. are members of the Medical Library fessors from Stanford’s business school, • Be suspicious of breakthrough ideas and Association, as well as information pro- Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton. In studies—they almost never happen. fessionals in Great Britain, Australia, their book, Hard Facts, Dangerous Half- • Celebrate communities of smart peo-

10 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 ple and collective brilliance, not lone their less competent counterparts. your operation. Remember, most of the geniuses or gurus. As an educator, she feels that “a environments where special libraries are • Emphasize the virtues and drawbacks focus on evidence use may also ulti- found don’t have to support those librar- (and uncertainties) of your research mately help to blur the boundaries ies, so presenting an evidence-based and proposed practices. between researchers, educators, and focus can help minimize questions of the • Use success and failure stories to managers, creating a lively commu- library’s value to the organization. illustrate practices supported by other nity with many feedback loops where Second, adopting an evidence-based evidence, not necessarily as valid information is systematically gathered, approach may be necessary if the par- evidence. evaluated, disseminated, implemented, ent organization uses evidence-based • Take a neutral approach to ideolo- reevaluated, and shared.” management or even if the librarian’s gies and theories. Base management manager is a proponent of evidence- practices on the best evidence, not Special Libraries and based management. It is not surprising what is in vogue. Evidence-Based Management at all that medical and other health- From an organizational perspective, it related libraries have taken the lead with Denise Rousseau, while she was pres- would be beneficial for special librar- evidence-based applications in a library ident of the Academy of Management in ians to apply the principles of evidence- environment since the medical/health 2005, also championed the benefits of based management to their work envi- care field is far ahead of other disciplines evidence-based management, indicating ronments for a number of reasons. in applying evidence-based practices. that it leads to higher-quality managerial First, since most special libraries are Third, the only thing most special decisions that are better implemented particularly vulnerable to reductions, librarians have in excess is work to do, so and yields outcomes more in line with downsizing, or even closure, demon- being able to identify and eliminate func- organizational goals. Rousseau feels that strating that your decision-making is tions that don’t really help one accom- those who use evidence and learn to use supported by evidence can only help to plish anything is extremely useful. As a it well have comparative advantage over substantiate the business-like nature of profession there are numerous things

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 11 FOCUS: MANAGEMENT

any library does because it is a library, sis on practical rather than theoreti- some access to this kind of information. but do all those really need to be done in cal knowledge. The gap between the For example, an examination of the every library in every organization? results of many research studies and program from the recently concluded However, a search for examples of evi- the information that practitioners say 2007 SLA annual conference identifies dence-based management in the special will be useful to them has been noted several such opportunities. Of particular library environment outside of medical in both management and librarian- relevance are the contributed papers libraries does not yield much that is ship. This may be a result of staff size sessions, which focused on customer promising. Only two relevant papers and workload, leading special librarians service issues, innovative uses of tech- about using evidence-based manage- to look for ideas they can implement nology, and management issues. (To ment in special libraries were discov- quickly and easily, often without taking see the contributed papers online, go ered: One dealt with the use of informa- the time to evaluate just how effective to www.sla.org/content/Events/confer- tion in decision-making in the banking the new idea might be. ence/ac2007/conference/papers.cfm.) industry in the UK, and the other was Finally, there is the idea that we don’t The New Zealand study found that the a meta-analysis of studies on the use of have the skills to critically appraise the second most-cited reason information information in decision-making in six dif- evidence we find. Again, even those professionals consult research, after ferent environments in the UK that were special librarians who have the ability to personal professional development, compared with one study from Canada analyze and evaluate the research they dealt with managerial activities, includ- and two from the United States. Both of can access probably don’t have the ing problem solving, decision-making, these studies are from 1998. time to do so. For those who may not planning, or evaluation—so there may This simply reinforces comments by have these skills (or have not used them be opportunities for evidence-based a number of authors who have looked recently), they can be learned/relearned management after all. at the use of evidence-based practice without a lot of difficulty, however, one in librarianship regarding our lack of an does need to have the time. Strategies for Implementation evidence base upon which to use an We should point out that these obsta- Even with these hurdles to surmount, evidence-based approach. cles are faced by librarians in many envi- we believe that most special librarians ronments, not just in special libraries. would benefit from adopting some form Obstacles for Special Libraries A study done in New Zealand found of evidence-based management. Let’s For special librarians, a couple of the that special librarians in government see what that might look like. other factors usually identified as inhibi- agencies were less likely than their Since the medical and healthcare tors to evidence-based practice ring true. academic counterparts to use research. fields have led the way in evidence- One of these is the lack of time many Additionally, it was found that the small- based practice, let’s look at three special librarians face due to staff size; er the library staff size, the less likely groups of strategies recommended for there are too many things that need to be the librarians were to use research. applying evidence-based management done for the staff available to do them. Presumably, these smaller libraries in the field of nursing for relevance to The irony here is the special librarian were special, governmental libraries. the field of librarianship. In a paper on may not have the time to find evidence It was also found that attending con- evidence-based management for nurse to help manage the library because he ferences correlated with increased executives, Lauren Williams puts forth or she is busy finding evidence for oth- research use. Even if you don’t have an three groupings of strategies: strategies ers in the organization to assist them in opportunity to keep up with the pub- to establish an evidence-based man- managing their operation. lished literature discussing the results agement culture, to create the capacity Another factor, again very prevalent of various research studies, attending to change to evidence-based manage- among special librarians, is an empha- a professional conference will provide ment, and to sustain that change.

BILL FISHER is a professor with the School of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University, where he teaches in the areas of management, special libraries, and business information resources. He has more than 25 years experience as an LIS educator and incorporates evidence-based practice into his courses. He is a past-president and a Fellow of SLA.

DAVENPORT “DAV” ROBERTSON is chief, Library and Information Services Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, where he recently refocused information services based on evidence obtained from a strategic needs assessment. He has managed special libraries for 32 years and he has served on the SLA Board of Directors and in other positions in SLA. A Fellow of SLA, he chairs the SLA Centennial Commission.

12 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 FOCUS: MANAGEMENT

Since most special libraries are based practice, the question becomes, What resources would enhance the vulnerable to reductions, downsizing, use of evidence-based management or even closure, demonstrating that in special libraries? Additionally, what factors should these resources have to decision-making is supported by increase their acceptance and use by evidence can only help to substantiate the special library community? Though not exhaustive, a list of factors might the business-like nature of the operation. include the following:

The first group of strategies focuses an individual manager in an organization • The source of evidence needs to be on establishing an organizational cul- can do, rather than what Management readily accessible, which in most ture where evidence-based manage- with a capital ‘M’ should do to institute instances means electronically avail- ment can flourish. Most of the recom- evidence-based management. Beyond able or at the very least a print-based mendations in the first group have a personal professional commitment to serial publication of some kind. to do with making it clear that the using the best evidence, the prescrip- • Both library and non-library environ- leaders of an organization—large or tion recommends discussions with col- ments should be included to help small—support evidence-based man- leagues, participation in data collection, us expand our horizons and adopt a agement and actively encourage it. The and sharing of evidence and analysis. broader view of what might be appli- second group of strategies then deals Also suggested are roles for research- cable to our home institution. with creating the capacity to change ers and associations, SLA in particular. • Some type of initial evaluation of the to evidence-based management, and One example of how the association information needs to have been made the recommendations with this group has responded is with its current call for so the special librarian can assess spell out some ways—such as man- research grant proposals that focus on the resource with confidence. This agement research forums and leader- evidence-based practice. includes articles from peer-reviewed ship development programs—to inte- The lack of time and organizational publications, Web sites, or publi- grate evidence-based management into support should not be taken lightly, but cations sponsored by a reputable practice. The final group of strategies as mentioned earlier for many librarians source. looks at sustaining the changes that are (in any environment) the research ori- • A standard format for reviews of evi- made. This group of recommendations entation of evidence-based practice is a dence-based literature needs to be includes some specific ways—such as major hurdle to overcome. The thing to used so the special librarian can quick- including evidence-based management keep in mind is the research does not ly determine the relevance and validity in performance plans—to ensure that need to be original, hypothesis-based of the review and its potential use. evidence-based management prac- research. While gathering original data tices will continue. This group also can be done (and sometimes quickly Now let’s look at some resources echoes recommendations from other and easily), the evidence can be iden- that information professionals can evidence-based management propo- tified from an analysis of previously turn to for help in applying evidence- nents to establish collaborative partner- gathered data. based management. ships between practitioners and the The goal becomes finding an appro- academic community and to create an priate book, article, or report on a topic 1. Pfeffer and Sutton’s evidence-based evidence-based management collab- of interest. In some instances, attend- Management Web site (www.evi- orative database. ing a conference session or workshop dence-basedmanagement.com) is While strategies are relevant to the could help identify evidence that can the de facto home for evidence-based practice of evidence-based management be used in decision-making. Once the management. It includes an exten- in any field, they are of particular interest research has been located, the empha- sive bibliography as well as frequently to special libraries. In 2001, Joanne Gard sis is on evaluating the research to updated columns, concrete examples Marshall and SLA’s Research Committee determine how useful it could be to of evidence-based management in put forth a prescription for applying evi- a given situation in your organization. use, and examples of evidence-based dence-based practice in special librar- In this scenario, you want to ask what management being taught (primarily ies. The committee’s recommendations evidence has been gathered, how it was in business schools). are similar to the strategies for imple- gathered, how it was analyzed and how 2. The Evidence Based Library and menting evidence-based management applicable it is to your situation. Information Practice e-journal (http:// among nursing executives, but on a ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index. more specific level. Resources for Special Libraries php/EBLIP/index) is the first place to That viewpoint concentrates on what Given the barriers to using evidence- look for analytical summaries of the

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 13 FOCUS: MANAGEMENT

“A focus on evidence use may also ultimately help to blur the boundaries between researchers, educators, and managers, creating a lively community with many feedback loops where information is systematically gathered, evaluated, disseminated, implemented, reevaluated, and shared.”

evidence-based literature in librarian- 4. Lindsay Glynn’s “A Critical Appraisal the topic of “flexibility.” It provides ship. It reflects our general finding Tool for Library and Information guidance within an evidence-based that the majority of evidence-based Research” in Library Hi Tech reviews framework, but it remains to be seen information in our field focuses on appraisal models in several fields and whether it will provide practical analy- operational issues—which can be devised a tool consisting of a list of sis relevant to special libraries. used by managers—but not on man- questions to ask about a research 6. Outsell Inc. (www.outsellinc.com) agement per se. More needs to be study to judge its validity, applicabil- does market research for the informa- published on evidence-based man- ity, and appropriateness. This kind tion industry and provides consulting agement in libraries. of appraisal tool would work well for services to special libraries and their 3. Libraries Using Evidence (www.new- quantitative studies of library functions organizations. It has accumulated castle.edu.au/service/library/gosford/ but would be difficult to apply to gen- a large database of survey results ebl) and especially its EBLIP Toolkit eral management studies that deal with from corporations and government (www.newcastle.edu.au/service/ qualitative and prescriptive topics. agencies that can be used by sub- library/gosford/ebl/toolkit) are full of 5. Graham Walton’s “Theory, Research scribers of their service to apply to well-organized information, but it is and Practice in Library Management,” local special libraries. Outsell analysts the Toolkit that is a straightforward a new column for Library Management, periodically produce reports sum- tool for carrying out and evaluating reviews a different area of library man- marizing the data on selected topics evidence-based research. agement each time, beginning with and recommend steps managers can

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14 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 FOCUS: MANAGEMENT

use to apply that evidence. They other fields, such as the What Works most rigorously obtained evidence is also specialize in performing needs Clearinghouse in education (www. worthless if applied to an organiza- assessments and strategic assess- whatworks.ed.gov), the Campbell tion without the informed judgment of ments. In a way, the Outsell database Collaboration in justice and social sci- those in the organization itself. and analyses serve as a collaborative ences (www.campbellcollaboration. Still, anyone who manages anything center for evidence-based manage- org), and the Cochrane Collaboration in a library setting can and should make ment for corporate and government in medicine (www.cochrane.org/ use of evidence-based management, information professionals, however, index.htm), especially for learning especially the aspect of it that says the information is proprietary. how it does critical appraisals and to question the conventional wisdom 7. The SLA Web site (www.sla.org) systematic reviews. and to base your decisions on the best includes the strategies identified by its available evidence. This is especially Research Committee for implementing No doubt, other relevant resources true for those of us in the corporate or evidence-based management www. will come to mind for most special government sector where libraries are sla.org/content/resources/research/ librarians. Of particular interest would being downsized and information pro- rsrchstatement.cfm), the SLA infor- be a resource that reinforces the subject fessionals have to develop new roles mation portal on LIS research (www. focus of the parent organization that for themselves. It is only by incorporat- sla.org/content/resources/infoportals/ supports the special library in question. ing the evidence-based management research.cfm), and a variety of resourc- principles into every aspect of our es to use for evidence-based practice Conclusion managerial roles that we will be able in special libraries. Other resources Any organization that seeks to incor- to convince higher management of our are dispersed among the newsletters, porate evidence-based management value and continue to contribute to our Web pages, and blogs of the SLA will find it a time-consuming and often respective organizations. SLA subject-oriented divisions and papers frustrating process. Additionally, what presented at the annual conference. works for one organization may not 8. Also available are various compila- work for another organization even tions of evidence-based practice in within the same industry. The best,

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INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 15 MANAGEMENT Applying Scientifically Based Research to a Peppermint

UNDERSTANDING SCIENTIFICALLY BASED RESEARCH IS USEFUL SKILL. THIS ARTICLE TAKES A LIGHT APPROACH TO EXPLAIN THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGNING A STUDY. Patty BY CYBÈLE ELAINE WERTS

ne evening when I was is whet your appetite a bit and get you called evidence-based research. For about 10, my dad was to think critically about whatever materi- example, you don’t want to recommend making rotisserie chicken, al is crossing your desk that’s being sold Joe Blow’s Web site on how to tie sailing always my favorite, along as research-based, evidence-based, or knots to your client, and then find out withO macaroni and cheese, my other scientifically based. Mr. Blow did not scientifically research favorite. When I asked him which brand In her book, Lauer cited National his knots. of mac and cheese was best, he didn’t Research Council that say that a study Scientifically based research is for just spout an opinion, he said that the has to: everyone. This approach to a subject thing to do was to figure it out. The way means that it was looked at in a logi- to figure it out, he said, was to do a 1. Pose significant questions that can cal manner, with comparison to well- blind taste test. So we did, discovering be investigated empirically. known work in the field, and reviewed that Prince beat Kraft by a nose. My 2. Link research to relevant theory. by experts. Whether you’re considering dad’s analytical turn of mind had some- 3. Use methods that permit direct inves- the best macaroni and cheese, the thing to do with being a research stat- tigation of the question. best reading program for your elemen- istician at Educational Testing Service, 4. Provide a coherent and explicit chain tary school, or the best knot to keep a the place that turns out the SATs. of reasoning. sailboat tightly moored, you’ll want to During one of my longer conference 5. Replicate and generalize across studies. approach it with an analytical mind. calls, I was reading Patricia Lauer’s 6. Disclose research to encourage pro- My plan here is to use something enter- A Policymaker’s Primer on Education fessional scrutiny and critique. taining to illustrate how it all works. That Research: How to Understand, Evaluate is, we’ll all learn a few things under the and Use It and snickering from my end To make it a bit tastier, let’s design a auspices of munching out on chocolate. of the phone line would have put me in study that will be scientifically based so quite the pickle. Now I like to read this Principles that it fits those guidelines, more or less. stuff, but I’m willing to bet that some To do this, I’ll take each of the guide- But first, some serious information: It’s of you find it a bit dry. Still, it’s criti- lines and expand on it by describing my a very broad subject, so this article is cal that you understand scientifically study. You can also read an expanded not intended to be even the slightest bit based research (SBR), which also is version of these questions from the encompassing. What it is intended to do

16 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 MANAGEMENT

Here’s flowers for you:

Hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram,

The marigold, that goes to bed wi’ the sun,

And with him rises weep- ing; these are flowers

Of middle summer, and I think they are given

To men of middle age.

—Shakespeare: The Winter’s Tale

National Research Council in the side- seen addressed before, although we very volatile and active component, bar for more details on each one. are hoping to expand on the scientific menthol. Botanical.com notes that, knowledge that does exist on the health “peppermint is good to assist in raising Study Title: Construct Validity and the and stimulant effects of both pepper- internal heat and inducing perspira- Interpretation of Different Hypotheses mint and chocolate. tion.” That certainly explains why you and Errors of Inference in the Effects Is the question a “significant” one? might be feeling “the sensation” when of Peppermint Patties on the Work That might be debated, but I’d say that eating a peppermint patty. Habits of Information Professionals—An keeping our motivation at optimal levels It’s not just the peppermint that’s Empirical Confirmatory Study. is critical to the success of our industry. likely to bring you to a state of delight, however. According to Ellen Kuwana 1. Pose significant questions that can 2. Link research to relevant theory. in her article, “Discovering the Sweet be investigated empirically. There is a fair bit of literature to support Mysteries of Chocolate”: “Eating choco- The advertising tagline for York this requirement, including research on late may be pleasurable because of a Peppermint Patties is, “Get the how peppermint is a stimulant, the so- unique interaction among a few of its Sensation!” I decided to test this dec- called urban myth about chocolate in components. Chocolate also contains laration with an audience of information general making people feel like they are phenylethylamine, a chemical related professionals, translating it broadly to in love and the effects of dark chocolate to amphetamines. Like amphetamines, mean that we will be more passionate in lowering and stabilizing blood pres- this chemical causes blood pressure and and inspired in our work. Putting that in sure. The theory that the combination of blood-sugar levels to rise, resulting in a a measurable goal, we might state that: these ingredients provides a stimulant feeling of alertness and contentment. “As a result of consuming between two effect sufficient to motivate a career Phenylethylamine has been called the and six peppermint patties each day person to initiate projects is the con- ‘love-drug’ because it quickens your for a total of six months, each mem- ceptual framework that we’ll be working pulse, as if you are in love. Caffeine in ber of the study will initiate and lead from throughout this project. chocolate may also cause feelings of one new information services-related Looking at peppermint first, we know alertness and a pounding heart.” project during this period.” This idea that the oil is prepared from the leaves Fortunately, in addition to the stimu- then is a hypothesis that we haven’t and the flowering tops that contain its lated hearts that have our informa-

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 17 MANAGEMENT

These will be distributed to our participants except for our control group, #6. Participants will respond to daily online surveys to track their progress on 25% health issues such as blood sugar and Percentage of Information weight, as well as work motivation and Specialists who self-identify progress. The survey design has been as peppermint patty lovers developed by the study author and has been externally evaluated to provide a 99.44% reliability and validity. There are some possible problems and limitations to the research method. These include data issues regarding self reporting, audience selection skew- ing having to do with using information professionals only from the SLA pool, linking success in initiating work to actual intake of the peppermint patties, and inability by participants to eat only the peppermint patties allowed. We are 15% currently in the process of developing Percentage of Information Specialists who ate alternate options to deal with these pos- more than their allotment of peppermint patties sible issues. A detailed page manual of the procedures, daily online survey, and Figure1. Breakout Study Participants issues addressed for this study is available upon request. tion specialists feeling more passionate study on the subject might linger long about their work, the particularly dark after the completion of the investigation. 4. Provide a coherent and explicit chocolate of which most peppermint We hope the participants won’t try to eat chain of reasoning. patties are made have been shown more than their allotment. Our belief is that the ingredients of the in several studies quite possibly to be peppermint patties will stimulate our good for you. This is because the raw 3. Use methods that permit direct information professionals just enough or minimally processed cocoa that is investigation of the question. so that they will be motivated to be more found in dark chocolate contains fla- We plan to recruit 300 information involved and proactive in their careers. vonoids similar to those found in green specialists and break them into six Late in his life, my father passed tea, antioxidants that have, in prelimi- groups, five of which will receive vari- on to me his secret statistical formula nary studies, been linked to decreased ous amounts and types of peppermint “UR=U8,” which I will use for the very blood pressure, improved circulation, patties and one that will be the con- first time in this study. He told me that improved digestion and stimulation of trol group. The information specialists the formula is best understood when the kidneys. In particular, the 2003 will be culled from the audience of spoken aloud. Using this principle, we study “Dark Chocolate Lowers Blood Information Outlook, the magazine of will be able to measure participants’ Pressure,” published in the Journal the Special Libraries Association where progress on the health front with great of the American Medical Association my articles most often are published, precision, as well as discern a direct showed a lowering of blood pressure although who knows, with any luck link between intake and occupation- for study participants who ate dark this one will make JAMA. We will also al success. We should also be able chocolate. Their systolic blood pressure screen applicants to make sure they to address some difference between dropped an average of five points and like chocolate and mint, and are not brands and possibly determine whether their diastolic reading dropped an aver- allergic to any of the ingredients. the percentage of peppermint oil and/or age of nearly two points. Peppermint patties were purchased cocoa had any specific effect. Overall, our information specialists anonymously from five companies: In order to rule out alternative and can look forward to not only the plea- York (Group #1), Richardson’s Candy rival explanations for our results, we will sure and effects of the peppermint pat- Kitchen (Group #2), Lake Champlain control for such errors in various ways, ties, but a possible overall improvement Chocolates (Group #3), Snowflake including asking participants not to eat in their health, although health club Chocolates (Group #4), and NECCO any other chocolate or mint products owners observed that the effects of this Haviland Thin Mints (Group #5). of any type during the study period,

18 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 MANAGEMENT

NRC’S SIX PRINCIPLES FOR A RESEARCH STUDY

POSE SIGNIFICANT QUESTIONS studies usually involve human subjects. (Alternatively, the same researcher can 1 THAT CAN BE INVESTIGATED Principle 3 however, does not focus on obtain the same results on two differ- EMPIRICALLY. a particular research method. Rather, it ent occasions.) Generalization refers to Empirical research involves investigation emphasizes that a report on a research how much the results can be replicated that uses observations to guide conclu- study should indicate the following: in different contexts and with different sions. Research questions that are sig- • The link between the research ques- populations. When the results of a study nificant do one or more of the following: tion and the method used and why can be replicated and generalized, the • Fill in the gaps in what we know the method is the most appropriate. results can be trusted more than results about a topic. • A detailed description of the method from studies without these characteris- • Seek to identify why something and procedure so that other research- tics. Usually, many research studies are occurs. ers can repeat the study. needed to produce a body of knowledge • Solve a practical problem. • Possible problems or limitations with that provides this information. • Test a new idea or hypothesis. the research method. • Expand on scientific knowledge from • As Principle 1 indicates, science DISCLOSE RESEARCH TO prior theories and research. involves the measurement of observa- 6 ENCOURAGE PROFESSIONAL tions. In social science research, this SCRUTINY AND CRITIQUE. LINK RESEARCH TO means that human behavior will be Through this principle, the National 2 RELEVANT THEORY. observed, measured and recorded. Research Council emphasizes that Theories vary in scope; the more well- The method used to measure observa- the accumulation of scientific knowl- known scientific theories tend to be tions is critical because errors in mea- edge depends on its dissemination to broad, such as Einstein's theory of rela- surement can influence the results. members of the scientific community tivity. Theories that are smaller in scope, • For this reason, research studies for professional critique. Researchers sometimes referred to as conceptual should report on the validity and reli- should submit their reports to jour- frameworks, guide most research stud- ability of the measuring instruments nals and publications that require peer ies, particularly in the social sciences that are used. review. Presentations on research at and education. Nonetheless, such professional conferences also provide theories provide the reason for the PROVIDE A COHERENT AND the opportunity for critique. To facili- research design and interpretation of 4 EXPLICIT CHAIN OF REASONING. tate scrutiny, researchers should keep the findings. For example, the theory Conclusions about the results of research accurate and accessible records of behind teacher professional develop- are based on inferential reasoning. This their investigations so they can pro- ment is that teacher learning influences means that researchers make logical vide information for review purposes. instruction, which in turn influences judgments based on the results of their For education research to advance, student achievement. This theory is rel- research and on conclusions from prior the community of education research- atively small in scope because it applies research. The logic of their judgments ers must enforce the norms of scien- only to teacher learning, in contrast to a depends on their research questions tific research when judging education theory such as Piaget's, which applies and the methods they used. An impor- research studies. to child and adolescent development. tant part of this logical reasoning is to Theories that are small in scope, how- rule out alternate or rival explanations, Reprinted with permission from Appendix B of A ever, can provide the rationale for sci- also referred to as threats to validity. To Policymaker's Primer on Education Research: How to Understand, Evaluate and Use It by Patricia Lauer (www. entific research. counter such threats, researchers need mcrel.org/PDF/SchoolImprovementReform/9713TG_ to indicate in their studies how they SchoolImprovement_Primer6-04.pdf) USE METHODS THAT PERMIT avoided or controlled for such errors. 3 DIRECT INVESTIGATION OF THE QUESTION. REPLICATE AND This principle means that the research 5 GENERALIZE ACROSS STUDIES. method should be appropriate to the Replication means that a researcher research question. The appropriateness who uses the same study method in the of one method over another is the sub- same situations or contexts as another ject of debate. This is particularly true researcher can make the same obser- in the social sciences where research vations and obtain the same results.

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 19 MANAGEMENT

be cautioned that they are specifically 170 excluded from being participants in the study. In fact, since the description of the study was only for illustration of the technique, it won’t be conducted at all. Readers need not worry about receiving boxes of peppermint patties in the mail—or daily online survey forms. 120 In the meantime, I’m developing my next study on macaroni and cheese to review my dad’s methods vis-à-vis whether he may have skewed the data through errors of inference due to errors of measurement. 70 Resources

40 National Research Council—See www. Number of Projects Successfully Initiated nationalacademies.org/nrc. 20 10 Evidence-Based Library and Information Practice Online Journal—EBLIP is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal Six Month Period of Study published quarterly by the University of Alberta Learning Services and sup- Figure 2. Extrapolated estimated increase in number of projects successfully initiated by information ported by an international team of Specialists within the six month period of the study. Note: each block = 10 projects editorial advisors. The purpose of the journal is to provide a forum for provide objective confirmation of their Associates Research (SUGAR) human librarians and other information pro- project’s status from their managers, subjects research board convened to fessionals to discover research that and receive special training on blood certify the study was conducted in good may contribute to decision making in sugar testing as well as data entry as it taste. The first-level literature used for professional practice. EBLIP publishes relates to the daily survey. the summary above is listed in the refer- original research and commentary on Some hypothetical extrapolated data ences below and additional references the topic of evidence based library and based on this statistical formula in an will be provided upon request. information practice, as well as reviews empirical confirmatory system is shown of previously published research (evi- in Figures 1 and 2. Conclusion dence summaries) on a wide number I hope this study on the effects of of topics. See http://ejournals.library. 5. Replicate and generalize peppermint patties has given you a ualberta.ca/index.php/EBLip. across studies. good sense of what scientifically based As there have been no studies in this research is. If not, you may need to specific area to date, this work will be re-read the article while eating a few groundbreaking. That said, it would patties to stimulate your brain activity. be easy to replicate, as both the Readers of this article must be also product (peppermint patties) and the audience (information specialists) are easily accessible. CYBÈLE ELAINE WERTS Cybèle Elaine Werts is an information specialist for a national non-profit educational organization and 6. Disclose research to encourage is co-editor of Education Libraries, the peer-reviewed journal of professional scrutiny and critique. the SLA Education Division. She can be reached at cybelew@aol. This study will be submitted to the com. Her articles, interviews, and podcasts can be found on her Journal of the American Medical Web site at www.supertechnogirl.com. The views expressed in this Association (JAMA) for review, as well as article are those of the author herself and do not represent her the American Herb Association and the employer, her clients, or any organization or affiliation. National Confectioners Association. In addition, the Society of Upper Graduate

20 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 Your patrons need the best review materials. An Annual Reviews site license guarantees it.

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Book Review: Evidence-Based Practice org/content/Shop/Information/infoon- for schools. See www.schoolsmovingup. for Information Professionals, edited line/2002/jul02/kex.cfm. net/cs/wested/view/e/47. by Andrew Booth and Anne Brice— The Information Research Web site is A Policymaker’s Primer on Education Online Study Modules—This research an open-access, international, scholarly Research: How to Understand, Evaluate module is a free tool for educators inter- journal, dedicated to making accessible and Use It, by Patricia A Lauer, a ested in better understanding scientifical- the results of research across a wide Joint effort of Mid-continent Research ly based research. The State Educational range of information-related disciplines. for Education and Learning and the Technology Directors Association has It is privately published and edited by Education Commission of the States, compiled a large collection of tools that T.D. Wilson. See http://informationr.net/ February 2004—The goal of this primer can be used to evaluate and conduct ir/reviews/revs142.html. is to help policymakers and others inter- research as well as secure funding to ested individuals answer three ques- conduct future research. See www.setda. Research Based Web-Design and Usability tions: 1. What does the research say? 2. org/web/guest/sbr. Guidelines—Written by the U.S. Is the research trustworthy? 3. How can Department of Health and Human the research be used to guide policy? Services, these guidelines were See www.ecs.org/html/educationIssues/ designed by experts using extensive Research/primer/foreword.asp. research efforts similar to the ones out- lined in this article. See www.usability. Webcast on Scientifically Based gov/pdfs/guidelines.html. Research—View a free archived webcast on scientifically based research “Evidence-Based Research: Its Role in to learn more about what this means Developing the DPHT Strategic Plan”, for you as a district or site administra- by Karen Kreizman Reczek, Information tor, decision maker or someone who Outlook, July 2002—See www.sla. seeks external resources and programs

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22 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 Are You Ready for SLA’s Board of Directors? Do You Know Someone Who Is?

The Nominating Committee has reported for duty and is at your Please forward the following information for people you think are service looking for the next leaders of SLA. The committee will meet ready and willing to serve the profession as SLA board: at the SLA Leadership Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, 23-26 January • Nominee’s name, address, phone number. 2008 to recommend a slate of nominees to the board to take offi ce in 2009. To do the best job, the committee needs help from the • The position recommended for each nominee. membership. Specifi cally, the Nominating Committee is directed to: • The nominee’s length of SLA membership. • Offi ces held in chapters, divisions, or at the association level by 1. Seek recommendations for nominees from suitable sources in the nominee. the association, especially from among chapter and division • The nominee’s membership in association-level committees. offi cers. • Other activities of the nominee with SLA (on chapter and division 2. Select a balanced slate of nominees, and upon their acceptance, committees, CE courses taught, awards received, articles 3. Present the slate to the Board of Directors. published, etc).

To ensure broad representation on the board, the Nominating Include other information that may help the committee. For example, Committee invites members to nominate themselves or recommend what it is about this person that makes her or him a great nominee for colleagues who might serve in the following positions: President- the election slate? What distinguishes the nominee among his or her Elect, Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect, Division Cabinet Chair-Elect, colleagues? and two Directors. Recommendations may be sent to any of the following by The committee is looking for 10 leaders, two candidates for each of 15 January 2008: the fi ve positions, for 2009. Chair Details about responsibilities for each of these positions can be found Richard Geiger (2006-2008), [email protected] at: www.sla.org/content/SLA/governance/bodsection/descriptions.cfm San Francisco Chronicle, 901 Mission Street , San Francisco, CA 94103 To ensure SLA continues to be relevant and infl uential in the information- and knowledge-based 21st century, it is critical for Committee Members the board to be composed of a diverse, enthusiastic, and visionary • Lynne McCay, chair-elect, [email protected] group of individuals committed to the profession. Members who have • Susan Fingerman, smfi [email protected] been active and successful contributors to chapters, divisions or • Suzi Hayes, [email protected] association-level committees are needed as candidates. • Christina de Castell, [email protected] There are many SLA members in the organization who can fi ll this • Linda Broussard, staff committee member, [email protected] need, although members of the Nominating Committee may not know all of them. Therefore, you are invited to submit names, including your Leaders, take the fi rst step. Name yourself or identify others who are own name if you wish to be considered. ready for the next step in their professional careers. Give back to SLA and identify those leaders you know are waiting in the wings to take All information submitted will be handled confi dentially. on these rewarding and fun leadership roles.

Serving on the SLA Board of Directors is guaranteed to be a challenging and rewarding experience. It will provide an opportunity to expand management and leadership abilities through service in an international professional association. Please give some serious thought to who might bring fresh ideas and energy to the board and send us your recommendations. YOU’RE THE EXPERT, SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW.

2008 Information Outlook Editorial Calendar

We’re always looking for new authors for Information Outlook. The editorial calendar below shows major topics we want to cover for each issue in 2008. It is only a starting point. We need more articles on more topics than we’ve listed below. If you want to write on a topic that isn’t on the calendar, or on a topic that isn’t listed for a particular issue, we want to hear from you. For example, articles on topics like marketing, searching, and technology will be welcome throughout the year. We want to hear all of your ideas. If our descriptions of the topics don’t ﬁ t your approach and you have a different idea, let us know.

March Web Searching (Possible topics: Meta directories, using online search engines, the best sites for Jan. 21 various content areas)

April SLA 2008 Seattle Preview Feb. 18 Digital Information Sources (Possible topics: Selection process, RFP writing, maximizing usage)

May SLA 2007 Denver Preview March 17 Career Development (Possible topics: Professional development, gaining expertise in content areas, résumé writing, interview tactics)

June Legal Issues (Possible topics: Copyright, licensing, ﬁ le sharing, contract negotiations April 21 Bonus distribution at SLA Annual Conference and INFO-EXPO)

July Management (Possible topics: Planning, budgeting, supervising a staff, purchasing) May 19

August Conference Papers Showcase June 23

September Copyright (Possible topics: Global considerations, permissions, new laws and regulations) July 21

October Web 2.0 (Possible topics: Next generation Web sites, social networking, XML, RSS, podcasting) Aug. 18

November Knowledge Management (Possible topics: KM systems, indexing information, low-budget KM) Sept. 22

December Web Searching (Possible topics: Meta directories, using online search engines, the best sites for Oct. 20 various content areas)

For information on how to submit an article to Information Outlook, see http://www.sla.org/content/Shop/Information/writingforio/index. cfm#needtoknow or contact [email protected].

24 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 SLA MEMBER PROFILE On the Cusp of Change

FROM ART TEACHER TO INFO PRO, HER CAREER HAS CHANGED—AND CHANGED WITH THE TIMES.

BY FORREST GLENN SPENCER

atricia O’Brien Libutti, a Division.” In June, the Association of retired member, has been College and Research Libraries cel- surprised by the acco- ebrated her achievements with the lades she received in the Education and Behavioral Sciences past year. Section Distinguished Education and PIn April, the SLA Education Division Behavioral Sciences Librarian Award. gave her the Anne Galler Award for The prize included a plaque and a Professional Excellence. The award cel- $1,000 cash prize donated by publisher ebrates an individual who “has dem- John Wiley & Sons. Libutti was honored onstrated professional excellence in for her contribution to the field of edu- the field of education librarianship or cation and behavioral sciences librari- library education and/or has provided anship, and the mentoring of librarians outstanding service to the Education in the field.

Patricia O'Brien Libutti Joined SLA: 1999 Job: Librarian Emeritus, Education/Social Sciences Employer: Rutgers University Libraries, New Brunswick, New Jersey

Experience in the profession: 18 years Education: MLS, Rutgers University; PhD., educational psychology, Temple University; MEd, art education, Tyler Art School, Temple University; BA art education, Seton Hill College.

First job: Art educator. Library Job: Part time, Ramapo State University, New Jersey, 1988 Biggest Challenge: In all library jobs, to learn and teach in the evolving social technology environment.

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 25 SLA MEMBER PROFILE

Now, Information Outlook is asking ist, she was a teacher and education that. At the time, I thought it would be questions for a profile of her career. researcher. She earned her bachelor’s a reasonable career path. I’ve always “This has been an adventure for me in art education from Seton Hill in 1966 been interested in the idea of how because I had not actually thought of and then her master’s of education in human beings develop their ideas, what these sorts of things occurring at this art education in 1970 from Tyler Art impact others have on them. That’s why point in my career,” Libutti said, refer- School at Temple University. She had I have focused—in my own mind and ring to the profile. “I really hadn’t. I planned to be an arts educator, but an my own interests—on the social struc- thought the same thing when I got these unfortunate event occurred. tures in libraries.” two awards: one from ALA and one SLA, “I had to put a great deal of work In 1978, Libutti earned her PhD in both after I had retired. I was surprised into print making,” she said, “and I educational psychology from Temple and very happy with the ARCL in partic- was toxically poisoned by the ingre- University but found the job market ular because they included money, so I dients that I used. And at a certain wanting. “Once I thought I got a PhD,” went and took a fly-fishing vacation.” point—young, really—I had to leave she said with a laugh, “this is a dream Libutti retired in September 2006. Her my first profession, which I was happy world. I would get a job into the univer- last employer was Rutgers University, in, being an educator and an artist. I sity or college. As I found out, I didn’t. where she served as social sciences/ couldn’t tolerate the materials, and I There were so many people like me who education librarian in the Alexander could not easily walk into a classroom. didn’t; the university jobs weren’t open.” Library. Today she’s an emerita at This was pre-OSHA,” she said, refer- She soon found work as a human rela- Rutgers. And even though she’s retired, ring to the Occupational Safety and tions specialist in Teaneck, New Jersey, she couldn’t quite put her career aside. Health Administration, which, among and then as a teacher and coordinator Libutti said she had made a brief foray other things, establishes guidelines for for gifted and talented students. toward writing a new book and making the use of toxins in the workplace. “To By the mid-1980’s, Libutti started a proposal for it, but then she realized it this day, I still have to be wary of certain considering librarianship as a new wasn’t the best path to pursue. things, but I managed to find my way career field. “I made that transition mid- The book, concerning quantitative into doing artwork on my own.” career. I spoke with numerous people analysis and the library, was to be titled In search of a new career, she decid- who have gotten doctorates and ended Observe, Reflect, Act: A Librarian’s ed to pursue her other interest in life, up in university libraries. It’s a very Guide to Quantitative Analysis. “I got psychology. “I was interested in human similar profile. I chose a field that was two other people to pick up on this,” creativity—I always have been—and very compatible.” She entered Rutgers she said, “to take the proposal and to the impact of the social environment on in 1987 and earned her MLS only nine move with it. I had the authors and individual creativity. I wanted to study months later. “I was intense and I took all these things set up but I realized I couldn’t continue in that direction; because once you are retired, certain things do happen.” Libutti said she might not be the repre- sentative of SLA’s retired members—or even know what that even means. “My guess is that you remain in a supporting role for the profession—that you’re willing to support the profession with your membership and your connection with information professionals.”

A Busy Career Taking a glance at her extensive résu- mé one may assume that she has been in the profession most of her adult life based upon the institutions she was employed by, her college degrees, presentations given, and the number of books she has written, edited, or contributed to. But Libutti was only in the information field for 18 years. Prior Libutti, left, receives the Ann Galler award from SLA Education Division chair Sharon Weiner, at the to becoming an information special- SLA conference in June.

26 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 SLA MEMBER PROFILE

Early information specialists could not have possibly imagined how to deal with the changes of the profession—especially the role of technology distribution of information. But they adapted very quickly and very well. advantage of every available technol- were not supported as individual prod- Network since 1997. But when she was ogy framework that I could, that I was ucts. They were being supported as a solo librarian with ThinkQuest, she interested in it.” products being looked at by consortia, realized she needed SLA. But one interest never left her: psy- corporations and industries—and they “I knew there were meetings in New chology. In fact, her interest in human supported all sorts of social structures York that year, and I went to the behavior shaped her career for the next in using these products. I had never conference,” Libutti recalled. “I got to 18 years. She entered the profession thought of that until I started examin- meet the board of directors and the at a time that the core and face of the ing it carefully. I started writing books Education Division and then started information field was in flux and librar- about the parallel structures of librar- enjoying meeting the people in New ians were redefining themselves and ians being introduced to new things and York City. I enjoyed what happened in their practices. expected to produce those new things New York. It’s one of the largest chap- “I have certainly seen a major change very quickly.” ters and one of the most innovative in librarians,” Libutti began, “because Libutti’s interest in was the interplay ones. I did that for a while until I went it was, at that time frame, it was the between what had been and what was back to academia. My involvement whole process that had changed. It was coming in librarianship. It began when slowed down a bit with the chapters psychological. People began to ques- she started part-time at Ramapo State because I changed locations but I didn’t tion what they were doing, how they did University and then while she was an stop with the divisions. I continued to it, the value of their role. I cannot tell adjunct assistant professor in educa- work with them.” you how many conference programs I tion and then an education librarian at She remains a member of sever- looked at both from SLA and ALA that Fordham University Graduate School of al chapters, divisions, and caucuses, talked about reinventing yourself or the Education. “That’s where I saw some and has held leadership roles in the role of the librarian in the future. These of the beginnings of these social struc- SLA New York Chapter and Education constant themes over a period of 20 tures that captured my imagination. Division, which she chaired in 2004. years were there. I questioned it and As I saw things coming into place and She said that her primary task as chair wrote about it, consistently, and it was the technology that was to be installed was to get an accurate picture of the exciting to be part of those changes.” in the library, which would be shared division’s membership and publish a across a system and institutions. That membership profile on its Web site. Changing Times was something I didn’t learn about in “We were interested because we Libutti said early information specialists my librarianship preparation, but it cer- knew we were losing members,” Libutti could not have possibly imagined how tainly made every bit of sense because said. “We were a very small division and to deal with the changes of the profes- it fit into everything else that I’ve been quite concerned about the stability of sion—especially the role of technology prepared for.” that. We were very interested in recruit- distribution of information. She remained at Fordham until 1998 ing members who would be willing to “It would happen across a wide array,” and then became a solo librarian at take on membership positions, which she said. “It would happen not only in ThinkQuest Inc. in Armonk, New York. had become extremely problematic. the daily work they did but the nature of The company nurtured children in pro- We were trying to solidify what we had products they were being asked to use. ducing educational Web sites. “I have but determine our direction as to what These things were changing across the to tell you, that was the best job I ever might be, given the membership we field, and I think [information profes- had,” Libutti said. “I saw those kids actually had. We wanted to know what sionals] went through serious confu- involved, and the people in the com- their interests were.” sion. But they adapted very quickly and pany were extremely forward-looking. very well. Their ideas were dynamic.” At Rutgers “This might of have been the first It was in 1999 that she sought out and In the last five years of her career as an occupational group—other than govern- joined SLA. At the time, she was already information specialist, Libutti worked ment and medicine—to adapt to tech- a member of ALA and had been chair of at the Rutgers Alexander Library as a nology as quickly as it did. Librarians the Education and Behavioral Sciences social sciences and education librarian. across the field were asked to adapt Section of ARCL from 1994-1995. She While she was there, she continued social structures as well as technology, has been active with ALA since 1991 her studies of social structures and because those technology initiatives and active in the National Education technological advancements within the

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 27 SLA MEMBER PROFILE

“The past 20 years was a tutorial developed by Rutgers Libutti has been recognized for her University from a template of another role in the profession as a mentor have demonstrated institution. I was involved in developing – an honor that took her by surprised. the adaptability the research and I did it in a qualita- “Apparently, a number of people felt tive, analytical way.” that I mentored them in their careers. of information Throughout her career, Libutti has It comes from interacting with people— professionals and written extensively on the information that’s most enjoyable and challeng- field. She also has moderated or par- ing—but it’s a kind of conductivity—you information is not ticipated in many conference presen- gave to people what you had but you going to go away tations, lectures, and demonstrations also learn an awful lot from them. So I on the role of technology, its use, and wouldn’t say I had an ‘identified’ group. just because the the social structures that support it. The kind of mentoring I did appar- Internet is here.” “I’ve always been a blabber mouth,” ently was much more on the pragmatic Libutti said. “I come from a real estate level.” There were two people who profession while learning a few new family—you can’t stop a salesman when mentored Libutti and helped shape skills herself. you see one. I really got a sincere happi- her career: David Carr at the School of “I actually adapted to some new ness out of talking about ideas with other Information and Library Science at the things before I left there,” she said. people and getting other people to write, University of North Carolina at Chapel “There was a decline in the interest working with them on developing struc- Hill, and Patricia Minuchin, PhD, at of faculty in having on-site classes tures in their writing—and this is where Temple University. as part of their curriculum, and they my books came from. I didn’t write all “David was one of the best guides I wanted me to see explore new alterna- those books myself. I really enjoy seeing have ever seen, a guide and permis- tives—and I did. I put up some virtual the pieces of the puzzle fit together, the sion giver,” Libutti said. “With him I classes. I put up a Web site, the Digital different ideas in a book complimenting took risks in doing things that I wouldn’t Scholars Notebook. I also did research each other or working with a person haven taken with other people, because on the effectiveness of tutorials. There getting their idea on paper.” most mentors have much more rigid

Researching Patent and Trademark Information

9 January 2008 Patent Information—Innovation and Discovery - Part 1

23 January 2008 Trademark Information—What’s in a Name? - Part 2

Presenter: Michael White, Research Services Librarian Queen’s University

www.sla.org/clickulive 0712

28 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 SLA MEMBER PROFILE

seen has been social and political. If a librarian is not informative along those FORREST GLENN SPENCER is a Virginia-based information lines or hasn’t had a tendency to think retrieval consultant, public relations distributor, and writer. He along those lines then that’s something can be reached at [email protected]. they may take the time to do—because all the work that they do is in a social environment. It might be the survival of this field and of their jobs.” SLA

Selected Bibliography conceptions of what they would consid- is in retirement mode. She has been er acceptable. And he did not. He was married for 40 years. Her husband Librarians as Learners, Librarians as liberating to explore and try ideas that is still working as a research scien- Teachers: The Diffusion of Internet perhaps would not have met others’ tist in chemistry, and they have one Expertise in the Academic Library by approval. I enjoyed working and taking child and three grandchildren. She will Patricia O'Brien Libutti (editor) some courses from him. He’s been a remain in the information profession in supporter since. some capacity. Digital Resources and Librarians: Case “Patricia Minuchin, on the other hand, “The past 20 years have demon- Studies in Innovation, Invention, and was perhaps my severest critic and prob- strated the adaptability of information Implementation by Patricia O'Brien ably helped me develop some strength in professionals and information is not Libutti (editor) being able to dispute people. I became going to go away just because the very good at knowing what it was I had Internet is here,” Libutti said. “There’s Teaching Information Retrieval and done being able to document things. I did going to be a continual need for critical Evaluation Skills to Education Students my dissertation [at Temple] and it took thinking about information. I suspect and Practitioners: A Casebook of some time. It was a tough dissertation.” that is the key area that librarians are Applications by Patricia O'Brien Libutti But that’s all in the past. Libutti now going to provide. So much that I have and Bonnie Gratch (editors)

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INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 29 INTERNATIONAL Reports from IFLA INFO PROS CONVERGED ON DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, FOR IFLA’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE. HERE ARE REPORTS FROM SOME OF THE SLA REPRESENTATIVES.

hree thousand information Conference attendees visited sev- tions. Patrice Landry was reelected as professionals, half of them eral libraries in the region, including chair and Leda Bultrini was elected as from Africa, gathered in the University of Zululand Library, the secretary. Plans were discussed for the Durban, South Africa, for Eleanor Bonnar Music Library at the 2008 meeting in Quebec City and the meetings,T workshops, and presenta- Howard College campus of the University 2009 meeting in Milan, and the strate- tions at the 73rd annual conference of KwaZulu-Natal, and the Durban gic plan was revised. of IFLA, the International Federation of University of Technology Library. The Working Group on Subject Access Library Associations and Institutions. A delegation of SLA members attend- by National Bibliographic Agencies met The delegates came from 118 coun- ed the South Africa conference. Some to discuss a list of tasks that had tries attended the week-long conven- provided reports on their activities: been prepared by Patrice Landry and tion. After the host country, the United Françoise Bourdon and presented by States, the U.K., China, and the Russian Landry at a program session. The group Federation sent the most conferees. CLASSIFICATION AND will work on a list of elements with a Highlights of the conference included INDEXING SECTION description/scope of each element, why announcement of a $1 million grant to Dorothy McGarry and Marcia Lei Zeng it is important, and so on. IFLA from the Bill and Melinda Gates A small group of the Multilingual Foundation for library advocacy. The fund- The section’s program included “Audio Thesauri Guidelines Working Group ing will support IFLA’s work to strengthen Description Text for Indexing Films,” also met to discuss the final version of awareness of the role libraries play in by James M. Turner and Suzanne the guidelines, will be released by the developing the information society. Mathieu; “User Tagging of Library end of the year. Also at the IFLA meeting, the Gates Resources: Toward a Framework for Details of activities of the FRSAR Foundation’s Global Libraries initiative System Evaluation,” by Jonathan Furner; group were reported at the Division IV presented its 2007 Access to Learning “Taxonomy Directed Folksonomy: program. The group had three meet- Award of $1 million to the Northern Integrating User Tagging and Controlled ings at the Durban conference. Major Territory Library, a regional public library Vocabularies for Australian Education outcomes include the entity-relation- system based in Darwin, Australia. The Networks,” by Sarah Hayman and Nick ship model for subject authority data: award honors the library’s approach to Lothian; and “Greater Subject Access to WORK has subject THEMA and THEMA bringing computer and Internet tech- Dewey Decimal Classification’s Notation, has appellation NOMEN. Here thema nology to remote indigenous communi- with Special Reference to Indonesia’s is the term used temporarily to refer to ties. Microsoft, a Global Libraries initia- Geography, Period and Language anything that can be the subject of a tive partner, will donate an additional Notations,” by L. Sulistyo-Basuki. work. Thema includes any FRBR entity. $224,000 in software and technology The Standing Committee of the sec- Nomen is a term used temporarily to training curriculum to upgrade the tion had two meetings at which it dis- refer to any alpha numeric, sound, organization’s 300 library computers. cussed current activities and held elec- or visual symbol or combination of

30 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 symbols by which a thema is known, Review Group, the FRBR Review Group, solidated ISBD, report of an IFLA/IPA referred to or addressed. This THEMA- a new Working Group on Metadata Steering Group meeting that had been NOMEN relationship is consistent with for Digital Objects, Names of Persons, held in Turin in March, and methods of what FRAD has proposed in its draft Anonymous Classics, and the Multilingual communication for working on the ISBD report, to separate what a thing is (the Dictionary of Cataloguing Terms and update planned for 2009. concept) from how it is known, referred Concepts (currently on hold). Plans Marcia Zeng reported on behalf of the to or addressed (its name/label). The were made for next year’s conference in IFLA Working Group on Digital Library group plans to have a draft final report Quebec City and the 2009 conference Guidelines which was established under ready for group discussions by the in Milan, and the strategic plan was IFLA President-elect Claudia Lux in end of 2007. A revised version will be revised. Anders Cato was elected chair early 2007. Zeng and Jeasun Lee from distributed for a world-wide review in and Ben Gu was reelected secretary. the Cataloguing Section will be writing early 2008. The Section’s program included the contents on metadata and subject “Consolidated ISBD: A Step Forward” access. The group will develop digital by Elena Escolano Rodríguez and library guidelines and best practices CATALOGING SECTION Dorothy McGarry; “Cooperative for use by libraries and other cultural Marcia Lei Zeng and Dorothy McGarry Cataloguing in South Africa with Special institutions around the world. The IFLA Reference to the Gauteng and Environs group is one of four working groups The Cataloging Section Standing Library Consortium (GAELIC),” by established at the conclusion of the Committee had a very active agenda. At Hester Marais; “Implementing Online UNESCO experts' meeting on the World its two meetings in Durban, it discussed Catalogues in African Academic Digital Library in December 2006. the various Section activities. Libraries,” by Mary Adwoa Arkorful; The Consolidated ISBD and the report “Fifth International Meeting of Experts of the fourth International Meeting of for an International Cataloguing Code,” MANAGEMENT AND Experts on an International Cataloguing by Barbara B. Tillett; and a report on MARKETING SECTION Code were presented at a meeting of Cataloguing Section activities by section Christie Koontz new IFLA publications. The fifth (and chair Judith Kuhagen. the last) of those meetings was held The ISBD Review Group and the The section held two programs at the in Pretoria for the cataloging experts FRBR Review Group each had separate conference. The growing interest in in the sub-Saharan African countries. additional meetings. Some of the topics actual case studies of applied marketing Additional revisions of the draft of the covered by the ISBD group included strategies is evidenced by the unusually principles document were recommend- discussion of having the GMD be man- large attendance. Presenters discussed ed and are being considered by all datory and possible locations, proce- the significance of customer research previous IME ICC participants. dures for an Examples Working Group and segmentation as well as product Reports were received on the ISBD to prepare a supplement to the con- and service development based upon

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 31 INTERNATIONAL

these marketing activities. The speakers ference are the best recruiting tools for from 1980 to 2006, using LISA data, were geographically diverse which led to new members. but enhancing this with personal knowl- better attendance by more conferees. The section has strengthened and edge of LIS researchers and considering Co-sponsored with Academic and matured through establishing a midyear historical and cultural factors. Recent Research Libraries, “Libraries in the meeting. The section’s midyear meeting is papers deal more with technology than Spotlight: Promotion and Marketing in Montpellier, France in February 2008. librarianship. She strongly believes that Strategies,” offered three papers to practitioners need to become more more than 350 attendees. LIBRARY THEORY AND involved with research. If libraries are The presenters were from the Bavarian RESEARCH SECTION to be an important force in creating State Library (Germany); National Library Marydee Ojala the information society, it is vital that of Singapore; and Liverpool John Moore research come from both academics University, Liverpool, U.K. The Library Theory and Research and those working in libraries. Info pros The second program, co-sponsored Section, having absorbed the Journals need collaborative research and intel- with the Metropolitan Libraries Section, Section, focused on research into central lectual companionship to put libraries “Libraries—Crucial Institutions in a library and information science concepts, on the agenda. Complex Society,” offered six papers within the context of the African region's to more than 550 people. The present- cultural and linguistic differences. GOVERNMENT LIBRARIES SECTION ers were from Loughborough University The session began with Wahid Gdoura Jerry W. Mansfield (U.K.); San Jose State (U.S.); University (Tunisia) giving an overview of the state of South Africa; Jamaica Library Service; of research in North Africa. LIS research Sawubona – That’s ‘Hello’ in Zulu, a Riga Central Library (Latvia); and reported in French and Arabic, the lan- greeting we heard often from our most Stockholm Public Library (Sweden). guages of North Africa, often does not hospitable and gracious South African The section is also the sponsor of the appear in standard sources. Arab authors, librarian hosts at the conference The IFLA International Marketing Award. The he said, are more interested in describing Government Libraries Section’s open winner was presented with $1,000 and than explaining. He believes it is neces- paper program included papers pre- airfare and lodging for IFLA. Olga Einasto sary to break free from the theoretical sented from representatives from four of Tartu University, Estonia, won first model of Western knowledge and pro- countries on the theme, Government place for her campaign for provision of duce learning that fits the Arab reality. Libraries: Approaches to Multi-Lingual library services to working parents and The next two papers, already pub- Collections and Services. The papers their children (childcare) SirsiDynix is lished in the official journal of the Library may be read at www.ifla.org/IV/ifla73/ this year’s award corporate sponsor. and Information Association of South Programme2007.htm. The sections latest publication is Africa, provided bibliometric analyses During the past two years the section also out. The Shanghai Pre-conference of African LIS literature. Omwoyo Bosire has invested much time in the prepa- Proceedings, Library Management and Onyancha (South Africa) reported on ration and writing of Guidelines for Marketing in a Multicultural World, IFLA his citation analysis of LIS published Libraries of Government Departments. Publications 125. Section member Jim papers by African researchers from The resulting draft has been a collab- Mullins, is the editor. 1986 to 2006. He used the ISI Web orative writing project between several The pre-conference session at Dakar, of Science and EBSCO's LISTA for his members of the section and it is our chaired by longtime member Rejean data and concluded that South Africa hope that the guidelines will serve as Savard. “Managing technologies and is the most productive country, with a model for libraries of government library automated systems in developing Nigeria second. departments or agencies around the countries: Open Source vs. Commercial In another bibliometric analysis, world as they seek examples of best Options,” attracted about 100 attend- Dennis Ocholla and Lyudmilla Ocholla practices, justification for their roles, ees. Papers will be edited and pub- (South Africa) examined records from advocacy issues, trends, and more. lished in early 2008. The conference ISI Web of Science and LISA for South A well attended public hearing on had few initial resources but gathered African authors from 1993 to 2006. the draft guidelines was held during the input and sponsors, and was in French Unlike Onyancha, they limited their anal- conference and comments and reac- and English. ysis to peer-reviewed literature and used tions from that hearing will be used to The section is planning to cooperate publication counts and analysis to deter- edit and refine the document prior to with Library Theory and Research at mine South African research productiv- being published by IFLA in 2008. IFLA’s conference in Quebec in 2008 ity. The amount of collaboration among For more information on the section, on the theme of “Library as Place.” researchers is particularly impressive. see its Web site at www.ifla.org/VII/s4/ This theme will continue to a pre-con- The final paper in the session, by index.htm. SLA ference IFLA 2009 in Milan. Section Kgomoso Moahi (Botswana), was an members feel the award and pre-con- analysis of LIS research in Botswana

32 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 Find the knowledge you’re looking for...

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CRITIQUE FROM BRANDING TOWARD VALUES

BY STEPHEN MARVIN

What’s a brand? A brand represents you and your information services in the minds of your target market. It is a collection of perceptions in the mind of the consumer. Managing a brand involves coordinating marketing, communications strategies, and activities in order to achieve the goals and objectives you have set for the brand—in other words, what you want people to think and remember about you and your information services. That’s the wisdom from Chris Olson, M.L.S., M.A.S., marketing consultant to information providers. After seeing a presentation during the IFLA Congress, I am becoming very anti-branding. A program on the successful promotion game-show program called “Ask A sents value(s) for people to perceive and advertising of perfume was filmed in Stupid Question.” Students would sub- and remember about an information the Bavarian Library—the fourth larg- mit a topic from which a group of librar- service or product...and for those value est library in the world. The production ians would develop a reply. There would perceptions to be interpreted the way company paid for all the expenses and be a corporate sponsor for this activity you intend them to be interpreted. paid the library for the use of its facilities. and a day was selected for the students “Managing a brand involves coor- The IFLA session showed how this event to show off the results of their research. dinating marketing and communica- exposed the library in a different way and This was a clever idea, but not appar- tions strategies and activities in order was a good branding technique to get ently well received by the audience. The to achieve the goals and objectives attention of area decision makers...but, evaluation of this segment of the pro- you have set for the brand—in other branding for whom? gram was awful. The presenter was very words, what you want people to think Certainly, not the library. It was more energetic, articulate, and interactive, and remember about you and your of a benefit to use the library as a brand but the concept behind “Ask A Stupid information services.” for the perfume. Only smart people wear Question” was at fault. For branding, it If establishing value(s) is a goal or this perfume? The funding to the library was great as an experiment, but failed objective, then the branding strategy only met the cost to provide the space, to deliver the message. The peers in the needs to address it, measure results, but did not meet the indirect costs for audience rejected it. and refine. A brand goal of value per- extra staff, guards and the fact the library Branding for the sake of branding ceptions is complicated by the fact that had to close during the shoot? What val- won’t work. Branding must be inclu- different target markets have different ues of the library were transmitted to the sive of the values of the service, atten- value definitions and measures. To effort of this branding? tion to detail of the professionals and make it interesting, values and value Another presentation during this seg- portrayal of quality. measures keep evolving and morphing ment had an example from the National Olson explained, “Ah. And therein as they are impacted by the experienc- Library of Singapore. It developed a lies the challenge...the brand repre- es of the people in the target market. Developing, executing and maintaining a brand strategy is not an easy, one- time task. And there is no recipe or STEPHEN MARVIN, Secretary, IFLA Academic and Research Libraries Section, answer that fits all. President (interim), SLA China (proposed), Chair, International Relations, SLA Philadelphia, Chair, Mentoring, SLA Business and Finance.

34 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 CALL FOR PAPERS SLA – Seattle 2008: “Breaking Rules – Building Bridges”

SLA Contributed Papers: An opportunity to share your knowledge!

Have you broken the rules of the status quo to make improvements in your workplace? Have you reached out and “built bridges” to another organization to improve your service? Have you learned valuable lessons that could help other information professionals? If so, here is your opportunity to engage in scholarship and share that knowledge with your peers. SLA is now accepting proposals for papers to be presented at its Annual Conference and INFO EXPO, 15-18 June 2008, in Seattle, with the theme “Breaking Rules – Building Bridges.” Accepted papers will also be published on the SLA Web site. Every SLA member is eligible to apply. The proposals will be evaluated by a panel of SLA members in a blind review, with the strongest selected for development into full papers due 1 May 2008. In addition, this year, the paper that best demonstrates the theme of the conference will receive an award at the annual business meeting. Topics of the papers should be related to library science, information management, research or other issues related to customer service, technology, or administration in special libraries. Proposals will be judged on their relevance to the conference theme “Breaking Rules – Building Bridges” or to the SLA tag line “Connecting People and Information,” as well on the strength of the idea, quality of writing, and potential member interest. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTANCE In addition to the quality and relevance of the proposed paper, it must meet these requirements: • At least one author is a member of SLA. • At least one author commits to present the paper at the annual conference. • The proposal has been received by the deadline. • The paper has not been published in or submitted to any other publication or conference planning group. • The author (and any co-authors) must be willing to sign a copyright assignment that will permit SLA to use the paper in various formats.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND SPECIFICATIONS For examples of papers from SLA’s 2007 Annual Conference in Denver, see www.sla.org/content/Events/conference/ac2007/ conference/papers.cfm. Full guidelines, including formatting instructions, are online at www.sla.org/seattle2008/callforpapers.

DEADLINES 14 December 2007 – Proposal due. Submit an abstract of your paper via e-mail to [email protected]. Abstracts should be 250-300 words in length, or roughly one page in 12-point text. 31 January 2008 – Notiﬁ cation. Twelve to 15 proposals will be chosen and all applicants will be notiﬁ ed of a decision. 1 May 2008 – Paper due. Authors submit their completed paper and copyright assignment to SLA. 15-18 June 2008 – Conference presentation. Authors will deliver a 15-minute presentation of their papers (along with three to four other authors) during a 90-minute Contributed Papers Session.

We look forward to your submissions and to hearing how you have broken rules and built bridges in the information profession! INFO TECH

• Google headed past 10,000 licensed Late 2007: A Few Weeks traditional publishers—yes 10K! How many of us can claim to have that That Shook Our World many current suppliers to our collections? Following Google experiments with 99 cent book rentals à la the iTunes per-song pricing model hints ItDept. wasn’t Deck just earthquakes and economic rumblings that at a monographic business model stirred things up. Big changes in technology will vibrate for a shift from the bookstore/library model long time to come. that has been stable for centuries BY STEPHEN ABRAM • Google continues to add new libraries all the time to Google BookSearch. We have already seen Wheee! Life is a roller coaster. In continuous economic expansion for the transition of periodical collections the northern hemispheres—late decades—by some estimates one of in the library space to an article-level 2006, I was traveling and managed the most peaceful and longest expan- economy. Can we expect to see to experience a 6.7 earthquake in sionist economies in modern history. books disaggregated too? Are we Hawaii and a huge snowstorm in Is this the end of that happy time that seeing the disintegration of the non- Buffalo. In autumn 2007, it was we are witnessing—war, pandemics, fiction book into a chapter and para- even more fun as I traveled for SLA depression?—emerging not with a graph level economy—potentially as president-elect. There were two bang but a whimper? integrated into the article results? I large earthquakes, scary and disas- I hope not. But we’ll see. World believe so. trous fires, Santa Ana winds—and economic drifts are not truly within our • Google announced (or it was actually all of this before returning home for control. We can only control our own leaked) its new OpenSocial develop- the start of the Canadian winter, not reaction to them. The world economy ment platform. Blue ribbon partners exactly unknown for its epic dreari- is not what really frightened me as the such as MySpace, Bebo, Amazon, ness! However, the weather reports colors of the leaves turned. No, for me, Engage.com, Friendster, hi5, Hyves, weren’t the scariest part of the news as a librarian with a passion for infor- imeem, LinkedIn, Ning, Oracle, for special librarians. mation, learning, and community—as Orkut, Plaxo, Salesforce.com, Six The economic story was headlining well as my associations—that wasn’t Apart, Tianji, Viadeo, and XING have the news. U.S. national debt was fore- what scared me and caused me to joined Google OpenSocial—the new cast to increase by trillions of dollars rethink my view of our prospects and “open” platform for development due to the high costs of war on many the window of opportunity we have for anywhere. This creates a proprietary/ fronts (and this was affecting the entire success in the new world order. I was open hybrid that challenges the very global economy) along with the sub- more concerned by two weeks’ worth architecture of the Web. prime mortgage meltdown causing the of news that, I think and feel, may • In addition, and in almost overlap- demise of several key financial leaders have changed the prospects of our ping announcements, Google intro- as well as contributing to the decline mutual future. duced the Open Handset Alliance, of the U.S. dollar against most world Consider this, aside from the earth a group of mobile and technology currencies. Tie this to oil heading to and the western economy shaking companies committed to improv- over $100 a barrel, and you get the in late October and early November ing the mobile experience, and message. I am writing this column over 2007, we saw: Google Android, the first truly open Halloween and the papers are scarier and comprehensive development than the costumes on the street! • Facebook getting a $750 million platform for mobile devices. Wow, For those of us who had tidily held equity investment from Microsoft all phones developing to a common our memories of the 80s recession and two equity capital firms. Valuing hybrid standard, and already they in the recesses of our minds, the this social network at more than have key phone manufacturers and old fears have started to return. We $15 billion indicates either another carriers joining Android and starting remember what happened to our sec- Internet bubble or the migration of development of applications. tor when fiscal crises at the national “smart” money into a new tier. • Then, all in the same period and and international levels trickled down • Facebook introduced “social ads” in during an overall stock market drop, into publicly financed institutions and addition to its F8 development plat- Google headed past $700 a share. interest-rate-sensitive private-sector form that allows any developer to inte- Someone thinks something is hap- enterprises. It wasn’t pretty. We’ve grate their ideas and applications into pening here. Internet rumors as I become quite used to a period of this intriguing social network space. write this claim that Google will intro-

36 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 INFO TECH

duce its own Google Phone as well phase of large informational hubs on or content were kings. Killer apps?! as acquire Sprint. I suspect these the Web and massive aggregations of Apps no longer rule, if they ever did. are just hot rumors, but nothing is content and services. What does this Relationships do. This is an entirely out of the range of possibility in the Internet and personal device hybrid new ecology. And not just the custom- current shift. world look like for information pros? er relationships we so lovingly tend. It’s • Some of these changes dwarfed • And the first U.S. Boomer to hit also our customers’ relationships with the finalization of the Murdoch 65 applied for her pension during each other and the expertise market. acquisition of Dow Jones and the this period! The playing field has expanded, and Wall Street Journal. Combining Dow Jones with the largest social network, Murdoch’s MySpace, certainly I was more concerned by two weeks’ worth of news that, creates a new ecology for business information for the largest genera- I think and feel, may have changed the prospects of our tion with disposable income, the mutual future. Millennials. • IBM announced that it is working on a portable avatar that could move between games and avatar-based The Progression we need to decide: “Are we ready to worlds and applications. With its Most of us in SLA have lived through more clearly de-cloak our expertise 400 developers working on Second the various stages of the Internet. We and participate—with radical trust and Life alone, this could be a formi- saw the killer application—e-mail— honestly, devoid of false modesty—in dable development. IBM’s acquiring drag our enterprises into the pre- the world of need?” Cognos was just a side story! The Web Internet, and communication Either way, the Canadian dollar has Gartner Group forecast a while ago improved as a result. We saw the next soared past the U.S. dollar for the that the avatar-based world would killer app—the Web—where the con- first time in decades. It’s time to shop dominate Internet experiences (not tent and e-commerce-based experi- on the road again, so I just bought a just games and virtual worlds) within ence fundamentally changed the way new leather jacket (actually 2!). It’s an a decade. we do work again. Now we are seeing ill wind that doesn’t bring someone • Thomson continues work in late the relationship-based, virtual social some happiness. 2007 for its major acquisition of network emerge. And it’s emerging Strap yourself in because 2008 is Reuters, which would create a com- in Facebook’s F8, Google’s Android, going to be a fine ride. We are the plete financial professional space and OpenSocial, and the other search stars in this new knowledge and rela- combined with its properties aimed folk’s developer SDK’s that will cause tionship-based economy. Remember at law, accounting, and medicine. the Web to evolve into an entirely dif- that and enjoy. SLA • Peter Kaufman has predicted that ferent experience. an iPod-size device will hold one The technology is finally catching up year’s worth of video (8,760 hours) with what we as information profes- by 2012; all the commercial music sionals value: the question, the user ever created by 2015; and all the experience, and the one-on-one inter- content ever created (in all media) action with clients. Are we ready for by 2020. Gordon Moore, of Moore’s this shift? Law fame, predicts that his law will We are about to see the biggest end at 2020—not so much because transformation of the Web experience of technology but because of need. since people thought e-mail, or search, This change will drive a new global

STEPHEN ABRAM, Stephen Abram, MLS, is vice president, innovation, for SirsiDynix and the 2008 president of SLA. He is chief strategist for the SirsiDynix Institute. He is an SLA Fellow, the past president of the Ontario Library Association, and the immediate past president of the Canadian Library Association. In June 2003, he was awarded SLA’s John Cotton Dana Award. He is the author of Out Front with Stephen Abram. This column contains his personal perspectives and does not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of SirsiDynix. You may contact him at [email protected].

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 37 ÐÍ"ÆÍ ±Í(«ÔÃÍ4Ã,ÃÛ

4Ã,Ã,§ÆÍ, ÍÙÐÍØÃÛÐ§ÍÃ«¦Í,,ÃØ,ÃÆÍÐ«ÍÝÛÝÝÛØ,Æ·Í NEW «Í«ÆÍ«Ù ÀÆ·Í&ÐÍ,ÍÙ«Ã < ,ÆÆÍ§Ø§Ð«ÃÛÍ«ÍÔÆÍ,§Í §ÙÍÍ§< Ô§Í«ÔÐ«±Ã§ÐÍÍÐÐ Æ~ ÐÃ, ÛÍ¦ «§ÆÍ«Í4««ÆÍ CERTIFICATE ,ÃÍ,<<ÆÆ4 ÍÐ«Í«ÔÃÍ<ÔÆÐ«¦ PROGRAM &Í, Æ«Í±ÔÃ<,ÆÍ«ÔÐ±Ã§ÐÍ,§ IN COPYRIGHT 4«ÚÍÐ«Í§ÐÃÍ 4Ã,ÃÆ·Í%ÆÐÍÔÆÍ Ð«Í ,Ã§Í¦«ÃÍ,4«ÔÐÍ«ÙÍÙÍ¦ MANAGEMENT

§ÍÔ±Í«ÃÍ!<§<,~Í«ÔÃÍÐ<Í§ «Ù Æ·<«¦ÌÐ<§<, 4««Æ Your job as an info pro is not only to find the best information for your clients. In many organizations, you are the only defense against costly infringement actions. 4.667” X 4.5 Once you locate the information, you must ensure you distribute it 108&--4$0.-*#3"3*"/4 without violating copyright restric- tions—and that your clients also 108&--4$0. stay within the law.

Three certificate tracks are available—taught by lawyer and IO columnist Lesley Ellen Harris. Only SLA members may register.

THE FIRST COURSE BEGINS 21 JANUARY.

See http://sla.learn.com/learncenter. asp?page=41 for more information.

38 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 38 INFO RIGHTS

trial designs, topography protection, The Legal Safeguards of Ideas: or copyright. The closest thing to pro- tecting an idea would be through an The “Orphans” of IP Protection agreement or contract that treats that idea as confidential information or as a trade secret. That is why enterprises may, in certain circumstances, ask Copyright can protect the expression of ideas, but everyone their employees and consultants to has rights to the ideas themselves. sign a confidentiality agreement upon BY LESLEY ELLEN HARRIS commencement of work with them. For such an agreement to be valid, the information being protected must be of a confidential nature (trivial It is a longstanding principle that right. For example, two people may information or public information will ideas are not protected by copyright independently make sketches of the not be protected); the information law. What copyright law protects is the same mountain, each sketch being must be defined in some manner; expression of these ideas. The under- protected by copyright and neither and the information must be com- lying reason for this is that ideas are of them violating the copyright in the municated in such a way, whether part of the public domain; and there- other one. implicit or explicit, to instill an obliga- fore, no one can have a monopoly in In the case of an idea for a new tion of confidence. an idea. This basic copyright principle business, the same principles apply. It is always best for a confidential applies no matter how novel or great The idea itself would not be protected, information arrangement to be set out an idea. however any “fixed” works such as a in writing so that both parties adher- Section 102 of the U.S. Copyright business plan, marketing documents, ing to it understand its terms and Act states the following: “In no case and Web site content, could be pro- conditions. The agreement should does copyright protection for an tected by copyright. If a competitor describe in sufficient detail the type of original work of authorship extend to copied your fixed works, you may information, the length of protection, any idea, procedure, process, sys- have a copyright infringement claim. if it is a limited one, any geographical tem, method of operation, concept, However, you would not have the right limitations on divulging the informa- principle, or discovery, regardless to prevent someone else from using tion, and any allowable uses of the of the form in which it is described, your idea for the same kind of busi- information. The more specific and explained, illustrated, or embodied in ness. limited the terms and conditions in such work.” the agreement, the more likely a court An 1879 U.S. court case, Baker v. Other Areas would uphold it. SLA Seldon, clearly states: “The founda- Along with ideas, titles, names, short tion of federal copyright law is that slogans, history, facts, news, and open expressions of ideas, not the similar items, are not protected by ideas themselves, give rise to pro- copyright law. Traditionally, ideas tected interests.” have been called the “orphans” of The leading copyright convention, intellectual property. Ideas, per se, are the Berne Convention, does not spe- not recognized as protectable subject cifically address the term “idea.” It matter of patents, trademarks, indus- merely describes works that can be protected as expressions.

Two Identical Works LESLEY ELLEN HARRIS is a copyright lawyer who works on legal, business, and strategic issues in the publishing, content, entertain- Since copyright law does not protect ment, Internet, and information industries. She is the editor of the an idea, anyone can follow an idea set print newsletter, The Copyright and New Media Law Newsletter. To out in a book or an instructional video, receive a sample copy of this newsletter, email contact@copyright- or create a work based on the same laws.com. She also is a professor at SLA’s Click University, where idea, without infringing on a copyright. she teaches a number of online courses on copyright, licensing Further, there can be copyright in and managing copyright and digital content for SLA members. For two works expressing the same idea details, see http://www.clickuniversity.com. since it is the original expression of the idea that is protected by copy-

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 39 INFO BUSINESS

If a Company Has Women Executives, All Female Employees Can Benefit

in organizations play a strong role in ensuring the diversity of thoughts and Building a network of colleagues and mentors can be good inputs of other women. for your career—even if you don’t seek the executive suite. Women as leaders continues to be

BY DEBBIE SCHACHTER an area of development in the corporate environment. People are often still resistant to women in leadership roles: “Study after study has affirmed that The status of women leaders in busi- in furthering their sphere of influ- people associate women and men with ness today is as much a concern for ence, and for those who would like to different traits and link men with more special librarians—the majority of develop better skills as managers, the of the traits that connote leadership.”3 whom are women—as for any woman presence of women in senior executive The sense often is that women are less working in a corporate environment. positions in the organizations within skilled or less innately able to lead than As a profession dominated by women, which we work should be of utmost men. That is misinformation for which gender has a great deal to do with importance. Research indicates the women need to take responsibility: “If how we are perceived generally within presence of women in executive levels women do not share their brand and our organizations, and how our roles of organizations shows a return on identity, they will be judged by prevail- are defined in business environments. equity. “Yet despite this correlation, ing stereotypical thinking.”4 Clearly the Special libraries and special librarians companies don’t seem to be doing work that women have been doing over generally have clear functions within enough to promote greater gender the past generation, and the work that their larger organizations, but the pre- diversity at the executive level. In fact, professional organizations such as SLA conceived impression of women’s abili- progress in this area has essentially do to develop competencies and pro- ties in the corporate environment does ground to a halt.”2 fessional standards, goes a long way to have an impact on our work and how From the special librarian’s perspec- taking on the marketing of the profes- we are able to contribute to the man- tive—and in particular those of us who sional and leadership skills of women. agement of our organizations. are women—what should the pres- Not everyone sees the changes Undoubtedly, there has been a great ence of women in the senior corporate in the corporate work environment deal of change in the roles and the hierarchy mean to us? One important for women as negative. Rather than perception of roles of women in busi- indicator is the organization’s percep- describing the impediment to women ness over our lifetime. The perception tion and value of women and, in gen- from rising in the corporate environ- of a glass ceiling for women, above eral, diversity of workforce. If diversity ment as a “glass ceiling” Alice Eagly which they cannot rise in corporate of staff is perceived as beneficial, and Linda Carli prefer to use the term hierarchies, still exists though, and the special librarians will have a role in the “labyrinth” to describe the path to reality is that women are not continu- corporate structure as one of innate senior roles: “For women who aspire to ing to rise in great numbers into the contributor. Plurality of ideas and lead- top leadership, routes exist but are full seats of CEOs or other executive ranks. ership styles are inherent in a diversi- of twists and turns, both unexpected “Despite years of progress by women fied workforce. and expected. Because all labyrinths in the workforce (they now occupy have a viable route to the center, it is more than 40 percent of all managerial Women’s Networks understood that goals are attainable.”5 positions in the United States); within Second, as part of a learning profes- Women still have more difficulty with the C-suite they remain as rare as sion, special librarians and library work-life balance, in receiving enough hens’ teeth.”1 managers can benefit greatly from support from the corporate suite to On the surface, the position of professional women’s networks and allow for time away for family respon- women in corporate hierarchies may mentorship opportunities, specifically sibilities. Not only legislation but also be of little concern to librarians. We with women in a variety of leadership corporate cultures that value women love our work and we know how we roles within our own organizations. lead to the development of human contribute to the success of the orga- In particular, in male-dominated resources policies that address these nization, but we may have little interest industries or corporations, business issues, helping to ensure more partici- in moving upward in the corporate networks help to retain women, and pation of women in leadership roles. ranks. For others who are interested women who have leadership roles For the special librarian who is not

40 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 INFO BUSINESS

seeking a position in the corporate suite, the presence of women lead- DEBBIE SCHACHTER has a master’s degree in library science ers within the organization still has an and a master’s degree in business administration. She is the asso- important effect. The development ciate executive director of the Jewish Family Service Agency in of formal business networks is an Vancouver, British Columbia, where she is responsible for financial example of how to benefit from the management, human resources, database and IT systems, and increasing knowledge of women peers grant application management. Schachter has more than 15 years’ and leaders within our organizations. experience in management and supervision, technology planning Networks can be difficult to organize and support, in a variety of nonprofit and for-profit settings. She and sustain, and they sometimes fail can be reached at [email protected]. to deliver as promised due to their lack of organizational support, lack of involvement of the right individuals, or true sharing of skills. If properly initi- tion of our contributions overall. SLA 4 Jacobs, Dianne. “Powerplay: ated, however, they can provide true 1 Eagly, Alice H., Carli, Linda. “Women Women, Leadership and the Getting value to the library manager through and the Labyrinth of Leadership.” of Power.” Ivey Business Journal, information exchange, skill develop- Harvard Business Review, 85(9), 71(7), September/October 2007, p3. ment, and problem solving with others. September 2007, p. 63. 5 Eagly, Alice H., Carli, Linda. “Women Organizations such as GE and Best 2 Pomeroy, Ann. “Cultivating Female and the Labyrinth of Leadership.” Buy have created networks to help Leaders.” HR Magazine, 52(2), Harvard Business Review, 85(9), with women’s advancement and devel- February 2007, p. 44. September 2007, p. 64. opment within their businesses, lead- 3 Eagly, Alice H., Carli, Linda. “Women ing to more women in senior roles and and the Labyrinth of Leadership.” better retention of valuable employees. Harvard Business Review, 85(9), Networks may also provide a pool for September 2007, p. 65. identifying women mentors within the organization. By developing relationships through professional networks, special librarians can also identify individuals who may be able to help And now on in your professional development par- To Do Item Microsoft ticularly in management and business Sharepoint roles. Rather than simply being social networks, these professional types of 2007! networks can assist in practical leadership and problem solving assistance. The reality of the “glass ceiling” or even the “labyrinth” metaphor limiting women’s access to executive roles in corporate environments should be an ongoing concern to special librarians. Women peers and leaders assist us in doing a better job at what we do – as managers with business and corporate environments. In practical ways, business networks can serve to assist women to develop the leadership skills that will have a positive effect on the organization’s bottom line, over time. Whether as a librarian you are interested in moving Affordable, scalable library into other management or corporate roles or not, the presence of peer sup- and research automation port networks and strong women role software that runs on Lotus models within the organization will be Notes and your intranet beneficial to our careers and the percep-

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 41 COMING EVENTS / AD INDEX

17-24 OTHER EVENTS Music Library Association Annual Meeting JUNE 15-18 Newport, Rhode Island http://www.trincoll.edu/mla2008/ SLA Annual Conference DECEMBER 18-20 Seattle, Washington 1-5 Special Library Conference 2008 www.sla.org/content/Events/conference/ Annual Course on International Law PETRONAS and the Librarians ac2008/index.cfm Librarianship Association of Malaysia For more information on these SLA International Association of Law Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia online seminars—and to register—go Libraries to www.sla.org/clickulive. Mumbai, India www.iall.org/iall2007 MARCH 2008 MAY 2008 DECEMBER 4 12-15 16-21 5 Certified Contents Rights Manager* 14th ACRL National Conference 2008 MLA Annual Meeting 90 Minutes to a Great Taxonomy, Part Software and Information Industry Association of College and Medical Library Association 1: Taxonomy Basics Association Research Libraries, Chicago Washington, D.C. Seattle www.mlanet.org/am/am2008 12 www.licenselogic.com www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlevents/seattle/ 90 Minutes to Beyond Taxonomy, Part *SLA member discount seattle.cfm 2: Taxonomy Advanced see www.sla.org/content/membership/ mbrbenefits/discounts.cfm 18-21 JUNE 2008 Electronic Resources and Libraries JANUARY 2008 4-6 2008 2-7 Online Information 2007* Atlanta Libraries in the Digital Age 9 London, UK www.electroniclibrarian.org/ocs/index. Dubrovnik and Mljet, Croatia Researching Patent and Trademark www.online-information.co.uk/index.html php/erl/2008 www.ffos.hr/lida Information, Part 1: Patents *SLA member discount see www.sla.org/content/membership/ 25-29 5-8 23 mbrbenefits/discounts.cfm PLA 12th National Conference NASIG 23rd Annual Conference Researching Patent and Trademark Public Library Association North American Serials Interest Information, Part 2: Trademarks 10-13 Minneapolis, MN, USA Group 10th International Conference on Asian www.placonference.org Phoenix Digital Libraries FEBRUARY 2008 Hanoi, Vietnam 27-28 12-16 http://icadl2007.vista.gov.vn IACRL Spring Conference 2008 10th International Conference on 20 Illinois Association of College and Enterprise Information Systems Introduction to Institutional Data 12-13 Research Libraries INSTICC Repositories 3rd International Digital Curation Bloomington, Illinois Barcelona, Spain Conference http://iacrl.net/2008%20Conference/ www.iceis.org Coalition for Networked Information 2008index.html MARCH Washington, D.C. www.dcc.ac.uk/events/dcc-2007 5 APRIL 2008 Preparing to Make a Business Case 13 Certified Contents Rights Manager* 1-3 Software and Information Industry IFLA International Newspaper APRIL Association Conference ADVERTISING INDEX Atlanta Singapore 9 www.licenselogic.com blogs.nlb.gov.sg/newspaper_conf08 ACM ...... C3 Electronic Collection Development, *SLA member discount American Chemical Society ...... 2 Part 1: E-library Collection Planning see www.sla.org/content/membership/ 14-16 Annual Reviews...... 21 mbrbenefits/discounts.cfm APLIC-I 41st Annual Conference IET/Inspec ...... 33 23 Association for Population/Family Title: Electronic Collection Planning Libraries & Information Notebooks Library Automation .. . 41 Development, Part 2: E-library JANUARY 2008 Centers International Powell's Technical Books ...... 38 Collection Strategies, Organization, New Orleans, LA, USA Safari Books Online ...... C1 and Maintenance 11-16 www.aplici.org/conferences/2008 Serials Solutions ...... 1 ALA Midwinter Meeting Thomson Scientific ...... C4 American Library Association 16-18 MAY Philadelphia Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians Annual Conference 7 23-26 Manitowoc, Wisconsin USA Tough Questions—Good Answers: SLA Leadership Summit www.wla.lib.wi.us/waal/conferences/2008 SLA PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Learning to Answer the Toughest Louisville, Kentucky Questions with Good Communications 21-22 2007 Salary Survey ...... 4 Messages International Copyright Symposium 2008 Annual Conference ...... 15 Amsterdam World Book Capital Board Nominations ...... 23 21 FEBRUARY 2008 Foundation Call for Papers ...... 35 Social Networking Tools: Hands-on Amsterdam, Netherlands Career Center ...... 38 Learning 11-12 CCRM ...... 43 First International Conference on Web 21-24 Search and Data Mining IATUL Conference 2008 Certificates Program ...... 14 For information on these and ACM SIGIR, SIGKDD, SIGMOD, and International Association of Click ala Carte ...... 22 other Click University courses and SIGWEB Technological University Libraries Click U Live! ...... 28 seminars—including new classes on Stanford, California Auckland, New Zealand Editorial Calendar...... 24 copyright—see www.clickuniversity. http://wsdm2008.org http://www.aut.ac.nz/iatul2008/ Leadership Summit ...... 29 com. Recruit & Win ...... 9

42 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N12 DECEMBER 2007 The CCRM curriculum is designed to help an organization properly manage their content rights.

Topics covered in the CCRM course include:

Ì Understanding vital copyright law components and concepts, including the fair use defense and orphan works Ì Evaluating and managing different types of content rights within licenses to help lower liability and costs Ì Developing, communicating, and maintaining a content rights management plan within your organization

Who Should Attend All professionals who purchase, manage or create content and are responsible for ensuring that it is used appropriately and that the content rights are maximized at all levels of the organization.

2007 Schedule of Cities/Dates

San Francisco, CA November 7 Los Angeles, CA November 8 Washington, DC December 4 Atlanta, GA December 13

LicenseLogic is the training company of the CCRM and consults in content rights management. In addition, LicenseLogic administers the SIIA-sponsored Certiﬁed Software Manager and Advanced Software Manager professional designations.

visit www.licenselogic.com for details INFO MANAGEMENT

being done in your building, don’t just Curiosity Killed the Cat, complain about the noise and inconve- nience, but find out why the changes But It Will Keep You Alive! are being made. If departments are being rearranged, you need to find out whether there are new services for you to offer or new staff to orient with the It’s your job to know things, so try to know as many things as benefits of your services. you can—especially what’s happening in your organization. An internal newsletter can be a great

BY JOHN R. LATHAM resource for finding new customers, and finding an excuse to meet with potential customers. This may just be sending someone a link to a resource, I enjoyed the Synergy General Session ters. As your services become less per- saying that you saw that they were at SLA’s Denver conference in June. sonal, you need to stamp the informa- interested in medieval pig roasts. Sadly There is something exciting about lis- tion center’s brand on everything that it is a fact that some staff do not know tening to leaders of one’s profession you send out. that they have a library or information answer topical questions and banter Think about setting up brainstorming services to use, so any form of promo- with each other. I particularly liked the sessions for your department once or tion is better than none. answer to the question about compe- twice a year to review current services You should extend your curiosity tencies needed for information profes- and think about new ones. With all the to finding out what your customers sionals where it was suggested that pressure to meet deadlines and keep up do with the information that you send adaptability and curiosity will be more with industry trends, it is almost impos- them. Without following up with one-off important than any specific, narrow sible to find time for strategic planning. evaluation forms, or occasional surveys, technical skill. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to work out that in this era of mind-boggling technological change, Make sure that you are not just reacting to change, but adaptability is a skill required for sur- initiating it. Challenge your staff to come up with new vival. Whether it is because of competition or new technology, companies services to offer or new ways of presenting current services. constantly have to reinvent themselves, and the adaptable ones survive. As another year approaches, take a look Curiosity should be second nature it is easy to assume that your custom- at the services you offer and at how to information professionals. If a sub- ers continue to be satisfied with your you offer them. ject comes up in general conversation services. Sometimes they will continue It is often the time of year for staff about which I know nothing or little, I to be satisfied because they do not evaluations, so you have a great oppor- shall not be satisfied until I can get to know that there are now alternatives. tunity to discuss this very subject with my laptop and find out about it. That’s One on one chats or simple surveys your supervisor and your staff. If you probably why I am known as a fund of can give you valuable insights into what have a training budget, encourage staff useless information. In the workplace, is done with the information, and may to select a course on a new compe- curiosity can be put to good use. lead to changes and improvements. tency rather than updating a currently Curiosity used wisely can keep you used one. You will be surprised how Tune In one step ahead of the competition, and acquiring a new skill gives a whole new Pay attention to what is going on around ensure your survival. SLA perspective to what you are doing. you at all times. If structural work is Being adaptable means that you embrace change. Make sure, however, that you are not just reacting to change, but initiating it. You can chal- JOHN R. LATHAM is the director of the SLA lenge your staff to come up with new Information Center. He can be reached at services to offer or new ways of pre- [email protected]. senting current services. This may just The Information Center is sponsored by be presentational by changing fonts or Dow Jones & Company, Inc. formats of research reports or newslet-

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