Information Outlook, March 2007

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INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 03 information 07 V 11 | N 03 outlook THE MAGAZINE OF THE SPECIAL LIBRARIES ASSOCIATION

info View info tech 5 what Makes Ideas 29 The New Normal: Memorable, Sticky, Association 1.5 Even Unforgettable? Stephen Abram Rebecca B. Vargha info rights info news 32 when the Negotiations 6 Lynn K. Smith, Former SLA Begin, Listen Carefully, Stay Interim Executive Director, on Point Dies at 42 Lesley Ellen Harris

info sites info business 9 If You’re Evaluating Wiki 35 working with Boards Software, Here’s a Spot That Effectively Is an Important Helps You Compare Management Role Carolyn J. Sosnowski Debbie Schachter

sla member profile 38 Coming Events 18 a Roundabout Route to Ad Index Minnesota Forrest Glenn Spencer Info Management 10 40 Library 2.0 in the Corporate Public Policy World: Marketing Becomes 24 SLA Seeks Study on EPA Collaboration Focus: The Future Library Cutbacks Jill Konieczko John T. Adams III 10 The Heretical Library Cover photo: Jim Byerly, Manager for the Future system librarian, Minnesota Steve O’Connor Department of Transportation

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 information outlook The Monthly Magazine of the Special Libraries Association Vol. 11, No. 03 March 2007

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

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INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 info view

What Makes Ideas Memorable, Sticky, Even Unforgettable?

Sally, and Sleepless in Seattle. Her high school journalism teacher Why have you stuck with SLA? We’re looking asked the students to write a lead for for stories about what makes membership a newspaper story. Their teacher said: important to you. “Kenneth L. Peters, the principal of BY REBECCA B. VARGHA, SLA PRESIDENT Beverly Hills High School, announced that the entire high school faculty will travel to Sacramento next Thursday for While preparing for the SLA Leadership legends resurface on occasion as ref- a meeting on new teaching methods. Summit several weeks ago, I was erence questions. One of my favorite The speakers will be anthropologist thinking about the lifecycle of ideas. Web sites for accurate information on Margaret Mead…” Certainly, there are more than a few urban legends is www.snopes.com. Ephron said the students wrote descriptions of what makes ideas SLA was very fortunate to have Chip leads that simply changed the order unforgettable, but I was seeking cre- Heath as one of our thought-provoking of the facts. The teacher gathered the ative direction as much as definition, keynote speakers for the Leadership assignments and said, “The lead to the especially in light of SLA’s upcoming Summit in Reno, Nevada, this year. story is ‘There will be no school next centennial year. The annual event is designed for and Thursday.’” As with every good idea, Fortunately, inspiration came from a open to all members. We meet as it takes individual effort and the “light- new book, Made to Stick: Why Some current and future leaders to share bulb moment” to move the idea into Ideas Survive and Others Die, by experiences, learn new skills, and the unforgettable category. two brothers, Chip and Dan Heath. conduct the business of our respec- I was captivated by this concept of Random House published their book tive units. The event was energizing, unforgettable ideas and made the logi- in January and it has quickly risen to successful and insightful. My sincere cal connection to SLA and our mem- the top 20 rankings for business titles thanks to Agnes Mattis, Robyn Frank, bership message. As a membership on Amazon.com Libby Trudell, and Anne Caputo from organization, how can we deliver the Chip is a faculty member at the the SLA Board of Directors. I also wish message about membership benefits? Graduate School of Business at to acknowledge the entire excellent Are there membership renewal and Stanford University. His research in SLA staff, especially Linda Broussard, recruitment stories that are compelling the field of organizational behavior Kristin Foldvik, Nancy Sansalone, and contagious in the best sense of the over the last 10 years investigates why Natalie Gozzard, Jeff Leach, and words? Where are our “sticky stories some ideas consistently stay with us. Akisha Edogun. that are simple, unexpected, concrete, Dan Heath is a consultant at Duke and unforgettable?” Corporate Education and a former More than Just Sticky Certainly they exist. The SLA board, researcher at the Harvard Business Admittedly, the Heath brothers were staff, and Centennial Commission are School. He is a teacher and textbook inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s best- in search of these stories from our publisher. (For an interview with Chip selling work, The Tipping Point. They members and mentors globally. Start Heath, see “How to Make Your Idea took the concept of “stickiness” thinking about SLA membership in Stick,” Information Outlook, November beyond its pedestrian meaning with memorable, unforgettable ways and 2006.) solid research. And it is this art of work with us to develop and deliver our The fascinating examples used in making ideas unforgettable that cap- “sticky message” about membership in the book range from successful adver- tured my imagination. this global association of ours. tising and product development to In a nutshell, sticky ideas are a mix Aesop’s fables—and to urban legends, of simplicity and the unexpected. They such as the incorrect statements that are concrete and credible. They con- the “Great Wall of China is the only vey emotions and are held together by man-made object visible from outer good stories. One of the most interest- space” or “you only use 10 percent ing stories shared by Chip and Dan of your brain.” Anyone who has ever Heath is narrated by journalist and worked a library reference desk knows screenwriter Nora Ephron. Her scripts first hand how these classic urban include Silkwood, When Harry Met

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 INFO NEWS

Lynn K. Smith, Former SLA Interim Executive Director, Dies at 42

grace and style. I loved her sparkling sense of humor.” “Lynn was a very talented and Updates on the information profession — and SLA. courageous lady. I can see Lynn struggling valiantly with a very positive attitude. I’m only sorry she was unable to prevail,” former SLA board member Hope N. Tillman wrote. Lynn K. Smith, SLA’s former inter- Ms. Smith left SLA in June 2004 to Past President Susan DiMattia im executive director and 14-year spend more time with her husband wrote, “It was always comforting employee, died January 31 after a and her two children. She also start- to know that she could be relied long battle with cancer. She was 42. ed a consultancy in non-profit man- on to provide the financial side of Ms. Smith rose rapidly on the SLA agement, LinKS Consultants, LLC. things with a calm and ease that staff. She joined the association in SLA CEO Janice Lachance gave others confidence. Particularly 1990 as director, financial services. described Ms. Smith as “both the immediately after my presidency in Two years later she was promoted to glue and the foundation of my first 1999-2000, when SLA went through assistant executive director, financial year as executive director. There is several transitions, Lynn was a stable services. In 1998, she became the no doubt in my mind that any suc- factor on staff—and an unquestion- deputy executive director. She served cess I have achieved at SLA is due in ably valuable asset to the board.” as interim executive director from very large part to Lynn’s comprehen- “I had the opportunity to work with March 2002 to July 2003. sive knowledge of the Association’s her through all of those 14 years and operations, culture, and history and see her development over that time,” her dedication to SLA members.” wrote former board member Bill Over the years, Ms. Smith was Fisher. “She was absolutely wonderful deeply involved in many changes at … the entire time I worked with her.” SLA, including its adoption of new Before joining SLA, Ms. Smith technology—moving from paper to was an accountant with the National computerized files—its move from Air Transportation Association Washington, D.C., to new headquar- and accountant/secretary of the ters in Alexandria, Virginia, and a corporation at Potomac Video realignment of staff. Communications. She also earned the Certified Survivors include her husband, Association Executive designa- Drew Smith; two children, Jonathan tion from the American Society of Woodbury and Alexandra Woodbury; Association Executives. her parents, George and Carol Kost; When they heard the news of Ms. her sister, Karen Stokes, and her Smith’s death, many of SLA’s leaders grandmother, Anna Kost. expressed their sadness. The family has asked that those who “This news broke my heart,” SLA wish to do so make memorial con- board member Agnes K. Mattis wrote tributions to the Alexandria Hospital in an e-mail to Lachance. “I got to Cancer Center, 4320 Seminary Road., know Lynn very well when I was on Alexandria, VA 22304. the Finance Committee. She was a Cards, photos, or other expressions great ‘Southern lady’, graceful, wise, of condolence may be sent to SLA and she had a quick sense of humor.” for forwarding to Ms. Smith’s family. Lynn K. Smith Past SLA President Cynthia Hill also Send them to: Drew Smith, c/o SLA, referred to Ms. Smith’s wit. “Lynn 331 S. Patrick St., Alexandria, VA was a high achiever,” Hill wrote, “so 22314. SLA very knowledgeable in everything that she did, and she did it with quiet

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INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007

Composite INFO SITES

If You’re Evaluating Wiki Software, Here’s a Spot That Helps You Compare

Etsy Or learn more about knowledge management, play some www.etsy.com tunes on your PC, do a little shopping—and see what Art I discovered this site too late for read- Garfunkel is reading. ers to use for the holidays, but it’s a find to bookmark for other gift-giving opportunities. Shop at Etsy for hand- By Carolyn J. Sosnowski, MLIS made items that you wish you had the time and/or talent to make yourself WikiMatrix Pandora (or, become a seller!). Each item for www.wikimatrix.com www.pandora.com sale is pictured and described, from Are you shopping for a wiki? Many of Music lovers will enjoy Pandora, jewelry to furniture to plants. Objects you will wind up using one of the more a “radio station” that plays songs are categorized by the sellers with up popular applications. But if you aren’t based on an artist or song you to fourteen tags, so it’s easy to use the sure where to begin your search, or if already like. The site creators have browse menus and search box to find you want to do an extensive compari- analyzed more than 400,000 songs the perfect gift. An advanced search son of what’s available, visit WikiMatrix. and mapped their qualities into a function is in development, but there Currently, the site lists more than 70 “music genome” that connect similar are many other ways to locate items-- wikis with well over 100 points of com- works. I was amazed at the selection the visual search-by-color tool, recom- parison (all explained on the site) in of songs that were chosen for me on mendations from others, and the list of categories like data storage, security, my first visit; I really did appreciate recent additions. As with so many sites special features, and statistics. Need not having to “change the station” to these days, there are forums where more help than that? Use the wizard keep listening to music that fits my users can interact. Use the forums to that matches your needs with software tastes. Create different stations (up to exchange selling ideas, report bugs, features. WikiMatrix offers guidelines one hundred) for your various music and get all kinds of help. Etsy is a for creating a wiki (have a reason, preferences, and rate what’s played community marketplace in your own develop content, find contributors) to for you. Visit Pandora’s Backstage to home. get you started. Once you are more find out more about the artists and comfortable with the whole project, you music, and link into the Community Worthy of Brief Mention, in the may want to ask for advice or discuss to see other members’ stations. From Curiosities Category: software in the online forums. the info pro perspective, I noted with Art Garfunkel’s Library, www.artgarfun- satisfaction that Pandora pays licens- kel.com/library/list11.html, is a chrono- KMWorld ing fees to keep the site legal. Link to logical list of all the books (nearly www.kmworld.com Amazon or iTunes to purchase what 1,000) the musician has read since A frequent request in my inbox and on you’re hearing. The free version has June 1968. It includes lots of books we discussion lists is for information about advertising; a $36 yearly subscription would consider classics. I wonder how application software. Here’s a multi- keeps your Web-based player ad- many he borrowed from the public layered site for resources on knowledge free. Please note: Pandora is current- library, and if he’s kept the ones he’s management. Go straight to the buyer’s ly only available in the U.S. because purchased or shared them with others? guide if you want to find products, but of licensing restrictions. What would your list look like? SLA the articles will help you tap into what knowledge management is and how to implement practices throughout your organization. The scope of the magazine goes beyond just KM to touch on a variety of related areas (intellectual property, digital assets, and enterprise Carolyn J. Sosnowski, MLIS, is SLA’s information specialist. She search, to name a few). Each month, a has 10 years of experience in libraries, including more than three years in new topical collection of whitepapers is SLA’s Information Center. She can be reached at [email protected]. posted. If you prefer a hardcopy, sign up for a free print subscription.

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 focus: The Future

10 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 The Heretical Library Manager for the Future

OFFICIALS IN AUSTRALIA SELECTED A NON-LIBRARIAN TO HEAD A MAJOR LIBRARY. HERE’S WHAT LIBRARIANS MUST DO TO KEEP THEIR LEADERSHIP ROLE.

By Steve O’Connor

hat does it mean has chosen to appoint a candidate to be a library without library experience. The appoin- Are You a Heretic? leader into the tee’s credentials are established in the future? This is the press release: Tell us what you’ve done to get your issue explored in “(The appointee) brings to the position information operation ready for the this paper. The lit- of State Librarian and Chief Executive future. Or just tell us what you think Werature of management is an expansive outstanding experience and skills in the about this article. one. It is also a growing literature. In areas of leadership and management in some ways, this reflects that we do not large international organizations. Add your comments to the new know much about the kind of manager “(The appointee) joins us from IBM, Information Outlook Exchange blog who is required in this modern world. where she most recently led some of at http://slablogger.typepad.com/ It is also the case that there are many the organization’s key corporate sectors. ioexchange. views of the characteristics of the effec- Prior to this, she held senior executive tive or desirable leader. roles at Kodak and Telstra, including The literature talks about the Next postings in both the U.S. and Asia. It is also clear that senior professionals Generation of managers dealing with The failure to appoint a professional in Australia were not even considered an increasingly fragmented environment librarian in a prominent cultural orga- for the position. The press release gives and challenges, which are unique with nization, which had always appointed a only scant clues as to the reasons for the no previous practice to base decisions librarian since professional qualifications appointment. They seem to be “lead- on. Uncertainty is a strong and constant had been put in place, is very significant. ership,” “management,” “international element of our future. Knowledge of the profession and its organizations,” and that the private sec- The appointment in June this year culture, traditions, tasks and ambitions tor seems important. Clearly, knowledge of the new State Librarian and chief have not been considered important in of the actual work of a librarian is not executive officer of the State Library of this case. There are enough other exam- considered important, but the manage- New South Wales is worthy of mention. ples of the failure to appoint librarians to ment and leadership of the organization With the retirement of the previous the most senior position to indicate that and its staff and other resources are incumbent, the Council of the Library this is not an isolated example. seen to be very important. Whether

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 11 focus: The Future

knowledge of the profession, its skills, part, defines our talents into what is the capability to encourage others directions, and debates is important is most socially acceptable. The brightest to work together and to work to an to some extent the difference between are seen to be those who have numeric agenda. It is a key leader attribute. In reality and perception. The reality would or literate intelligence. a world where change is a constant, say that it is or it is not important. This The work of Howard Gardner in distin- this is a vital leadership intelligence. situation at least can be argued and guishing intelligence capabilities changes 7. Intrapersonal. Self-knowledge. This debated. our perception of “brightness.” Gardner enables us to move beyond self-doubt. If, however it is a perception that wrote and researched extensively on It reflects knowledge or confidence to trust one’s own judgment or set of work or life experiences, rather than continuing to consult or to avoid mak- The world in which libraries are moving ing a decision. is not only changing but also changing As the Australian Alistair Mant indi- very significantly. The changes are going cates in his book Intelligent Leadership: “The effect of (existing educational sys- to be stronger into the near future. tems are) to over-educate and over- promote narrow people—those who are especially practiced in (for example) libraries have a problem at the most issues surrounding our understanding the logical/mathematical and linguistic senior levels in managing the modern of intelligence, creativity, and leader- capabilities while neglecting the compli- large organization, then there is a signifi- ship. He trained in social and educa- mentary capabilities of other potentially cant problem and issue to be dealt with. tional psychology. His studies pursued valuable people.” Perceptions are always more important the individual breakthroughs that led Mant draws heavily on the work of than reality. The perceptions of librarians to genuine change and creativity. “The Gardner to find a way of explaining as managers will always drive actions Theory of Multiple Intelligences” was how breakthroughs can occur in dif- and policy quicker than whatever the first published in 1983. In this work, he ferent fields of endeavor which can realities are. In this way, it is a difficult defines the seven types of intelligence fundamentally change the way in which issue to address and develop the profile capabilities as: the activity or the field are perceived for the future library leader. or how they operate. He, like Gardner, My story comes in three parts: 1. Linguistic. The sort shown, in the draws from the lives of people he has 1. The intelligences we need to pursue extreme, by poets. It is also the capa- researched, the approaches to their life’s our work and our lives. bility to write and express ideas, the work that illustrate the strengths of differ- 2. The understanding of those intelli- ability to work in a multi-lingual envi- ent types of intelligence. It is reassuring gences and their relative value. ronment. that the most successful people in terms 3. Finally, I will attempt to bring the 2. Logical/mathematical. Not only dis- of leadership or changing perceptions of threads together. played in logic and mathematics but industries do not have a standard set of in science generally. Society values qualifications. An Approach those who can balance budgets and, They often think differently; they see One of the characteristics of any organi- indeed, make money. things that others can only imagine. zation is the range of people who work 3. Spatial. The ability to hold in your head Albert Einstein once said: “I am enough in it and are associated with it. Apart a model of the organization of the world of an artist to draw freely on my imagi- from the organization’s unique culture, around you. It is also the ability to work nation. Imagination is more important their abilities are diverse; their outlooks in a space in three dimensions. When than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. and perspective on issues are remark- we talk of the “library without walls,” Imagination encircles the world.” able; their temperaments so varied. perhaps we need a different spatial Do we have the confidence to pursue In this respect, the diversity gives our sense. these heretical thoughts, which we push organizations great richness if only they 4. Musical. An intelligence of balance down because we are not confident that are able to exploit this wealth smartly. and rhythm. they could succeed? In most cases, this exploitation is not 5. Bodily/kinesthetic. The sort shown by, This paper seeks to draw parallels achieved because not all the talents say, dancers; the use of the whole across the library profession and how are recognized or fully appreciated. Our or parts of the body to fashion some narrow views and approaches can actu- views on the varied talents in our orga- product or performance. ally straightjacket the whole profession. nizations are affected by our upbring- 6. Interpersonal. The awareness of how At times of extreme change and chal- ing. The education system, for the most to get along with others. This is also lenge, entirely different perspectives and

12 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 skills are required. Intelligence is not an of uncertainty and change. As Mant achieve communication with the reader. Intelligence Quotient or IQ! (1999, p. 48) says: “Judgment is what With the pay-per-view model, publish- Other leadership works, such as Daniel you do when you don’t (and can’t) know ers can bypass the library and still Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence, draw what to do.” achieve the necessary revenue, and of heavily on Gardner’s work and especially The true essence of leadership is to course profit. There are other business on the interpersonal and intrapersonal change and shift systems. Leadership in models in publishing, including open intelligences. These intelligences are not this sense is to see the world differently access and “libraries as publishers.” A reached by the conventional education and to be able to influence others to recent consultancy in which CAVAL was programs, but good leaders learn to trust work with the leader to adopt the change involved found users very impressed their instincts in coming to decisions into normal operations. To do this is to with the sources they had available to and on how to implement them. Mant, recognize how the future library model them, but they had no idea that they on the other hand, argues for a broad- should be shaped to meet the informa- came through the library, rather than band approach to the intelligences or tion need of its community. There is osmosis. Business-model thinking is for- the emergence of multiple intelligences. a need to fundamentally understand eign to librarians who act instinctively to We need leadership programs that work the business models that libraries cur- provide free services rather than think- across sectors and are outside the con- rently operate in. The business model ing through what they should or could straints of the workshop environment. defines the range of services the library be providing. They also rarely withdraw A limited application or range of the intends to present to a clientele whose established services. This requires a dif- “intelligences” can create leaders who needs they understand. It also defines ferent kind of intelligence, as Gardner or can produce complicated mathematical the way in which libraries operate with Mant would hypothesize. analyses of why the organization should each other and the publishing or, more The thinking amongst many library work in one way or another but never broadly, the information industry. An groups, however, is still dealing with the really appreciate why it will not work from apposite example of this is the traditional ordinary and the mundane. The Society a people/staff perspective or even a cli- publishers’ subscription model. Here of College, National, and University ent perspective. the financial costs of publishing have Libraries executive board recently report- Mant describes “systems thinking” as a way of seeing the whole picture. This is the ability to see the connections and to understand the relationship between The Baby Boomer generation will work cause and effect, between inputs and longer than previous generations, outputs and the systems and sub-systems that operate and support each but in doing so, Boomers will find other. In one sense, it is the ability to themselves in work environments with understand complexity, to analyze it and understand how the connections at least three generations struggling work, how they can be taken apart to understand each other. This will and put back together again. It is also to understand the difference between be a difficult management exercise; the frog and the bicycle. The bicycle motivation of staff will be varied and can be taken apart and cleaned and put back together again as good as outlooks will be different. new. It can also be taken apart and put back together with additional parts to create a modified functionality. The been borne by subscriptions through ed on the top concerns exercising the same however cannot be said for the libraries. The more subscriptions, the minds of the university librarians in the poor frog. The dissection of some of the greater the revenue, the greater the United Kingdom. They were: components of the frog will leave the profit. Essentially the business model is whole rendered useless and incapable to enable the communication of informa- • Planning and strategy, including of reassembly. The poor frog will come tion from the author to the reader. The implementation. off second best by far! publisher provides the means while the • Space issues. In this process of systems thinking, library provides the funds. • Implementing self-issue and return there is the point of judgment. Having Publishers have not been content of service. examined the various issues how does late to stay with the one business model, • Digital deposit and repository develop- a good manager come to apply judg- but have created at least one new model ment. ment clearly and effectively in times where they still enable the author to

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 13 focus: The Future

It may be that they also have deeper to a “people-business form of think- ferent intelligences complementing and issues under consideration. It could be ing.” This includes a work environment supplementing each other rather than seen that these issues are evidence that will be “less rule-driven and where competing with each other. of the changing role of the library with problem solving and creativity skills Affecting these workplaces will be the the need for different types of space, attract a premium.” People will be the growth of various economies across the an emphasis on empowerment of the core asset and will need effective and globe. The growth of countries such as user to lessen pressure on reduced imaginative management. China and India with consistently high staff levels, and the need to move more Understanding how to achieve this annual growth rates will continue to strongly into the digital environment— will be that much more difficult for contrast strongly with the more estab- all tied together under the rubric of those working across generational lished economies with growth rates only planning issues. groups. The motivation of a Baby a quarter to a third of their competitors. What are the issues from other groups Boomer will be quite different from that The falling cost of telecommunications or sectors? What kind of skill sets are of a member of the Generation X or Y. and the impact of genuine broadband evidenced in the issues set down above? Each generation is motivated by the technologies will bring the low cost econ- There is little evidence of new thinking circumstances in which its members omies into serious competition for work. but a reinforcement of linear thinking. have grown up. The Baby Boomers are “The organization and structure of Western thought is linear, left to right much more motivated by financial suc- business globally … will create more thinking, while African thought is right to cess and security than the Generation complex supply chains, more diverse left. Chinese thinking is different again. X or Y members, who grew up in rela- workforces, and new challenges for ser- It could be characterized as thinking tive abundance and comfort. These vice delivery to both external and internal dominated by the logical and the linguis- younger people are motivated by the customers. The world in which execu- tic intelligences. This thinking clearly has need to find satisfaction in their work tives will operate in future will be more a place in the future of the profession and private pursuits. Understanding complex and less familiar,” the Boston and that of its managers. However, it motivations will again be critical. This Consulting Group wrote. cannot provide an exclusive or exhaus- will require more intrapersonal and As the aging Baby Boomers retire— tive approach. New thinking is required. Interpersonal intelligence. Listening, and retire soon—the knowledge base With new thinking, a new set of skills is hearing, and being there for people are will walk out the door. Boomers will not required. With this, an ability to let go of crucial aspects of these intelligences. be matched with corresponding num- old models, at least partially, is required. The Baby Boomer generation will work bers at the graduate entry point. There The world in which libraries are moving longer than previous generations, but in will be a significant imbalance with a tilt is not only changing but also changing doing so, Boomers will find themselves toward people at the end of their careers. very significantly. The changes are going in work environments with at least three In the next five years or so, many of the to be stronger into the near future. generations struggling to understand chief librarians will be able to retire. At Special librarians are especially well each other. This will be a difficult man- the same time, their deputies will also be placed to be close to their clients. In agement exercise; motivation of staff will in the same position. considering the changing nature of be varied and outlooks will be different. The Canadian 8Rs study indicates: the workforce, the Boston Consulting The Generation Xers are quite likely to “Issues of leadership training and Group brings together a broader view move into volunteer work because it development at all stages of librarians’ of the manager of the future. They interests them and are “materialistic careers have been relegated to the mar- see a movement from the early 2000s and transactionally motivated … (with) gins of human resource management through to 2020 in the substance of the … steadily rising numbers of long term in Canadian libraries. Budget cutbacks manager. The early part of this century departures … as people move abroad have resulted in the elimination or merg- saw the need for general management to advance their careers” (Boston ing of middle and senior positions as skills rather than deep expertise. They Consulting Group, 2006). However, the they become vacant, therefore limiting postulate that we are moving to a actual work environment will concen- the numbers of positions to provide lead- need for a higher order of communica- trate on maximizing the value of the staff ership grooming for mid-career librarians tion and collegiate management skills abilities and productivity. Other general as well as limiting the number of lead- with deep industry or subject expertise. characteristics, as identified by Boston ers who could act as their mentors.” Interestingly, they believe that managers Consulting, will be that the workplace (University of Alberta, 2003.) will hold their senior roles for substantial is global, with a re-emergence of the Equally, an understanding and insight periods. They characterize the move Asian economies as full forces; the cult into the uses of the Internet is a fast from the 1950s position of a “job for of the CEO will be replaced with that moving issue. Whether it be blogs, chat life” to a “leader/expert” in the 2020s. of the expert team; experts will be val- groups or new business uses of broad- Importantly, they see a movement from ued more than they are now. The best band, the potential impact on the library a traditional industrial mode of thinking work teams will have people with dif- and its leaders is probably the most

14 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 important environmental issue facing “intelligences.” Techniques such as sce- less today. The new library manager must libraries now. It is not necessarily a nario planning allow the library service understand not what business the library negative issue; but it is an issue that to remove itself from the tyranny of the is in but what business it can and should cannot go off the radar. The “digital present and to engage in a future that is be in. If the world is, as is widely acknowl- divide”—that is, the ability of people to disconnected from the present. edged, moving from a product emphasis access and, more importantly, to under- This will require a different commit- to a service emphasis, the impact on the stand the Internet in their lives—is a ment on the part of the library manager. economy is huge. Paul Saffo, the noted strong social inclusion policy issue. It is It emphasizes risk, even if it is an edu- futurist, asserts that the service economy crucial that library leadership is inclusive cated or considered risk. The greater risk is being focused through the Internet into of generations who were reared on the is to do nothing or simply to reaffirm the that of a subscription. Subscriptions to Internet and understand its fast chang- present mode of operation. The critical information are channeled through elec- ing uses. Services will need to adjust and difference between strategic thinking tronic media, especially personal devices. adjust quickly. and scenario planning is that strategic These devices, including the ubiqui- planning is, in many ways, incremental tous mobile phone/personal organizers, Change of Thinking thinking moving from year to year with- demand a two-way approach—unlike It is an interesting juxtaposition that out a significant adjusting or remodeling mass media, such as television, which there will be a significant movement of of the existing operation. This is extreme- is one-way communication. What effect senior staff out of the profession at the ly dangerous when the introduction of do the ideas of service subscription to same time when libraries need a real re- new forces into the operating mix can information and interactive media and examination of their roles and futures. and does change the fortunes of organi- the Internet have on the future shape Eric von Hippel said in Democratizing zations so very significantly. of libraries? The business model for the Innovation: “When I say that innova- It is better to control one’s future than library needs to be changed by its man- tion is being democratized, I mean that users of products and services—both firms and individuals—are increasingly As the aging Baby Boomers retire—and able to innovate for themselves … Users that innovate can develop exactly retire soon—the knowledge base will what they want, rather than relying on walk out the door. manufacturers to act as their (often very imperfect) agents. Moreover, individual users do not have to develop everything to be controlled by it. The huge influence agers and leaders or it will be changed they need on their own: they can benefit of the Internet has profoundly changed for us. The particular circumstances will from innovations developed and freely the library as a place to that of a library require differing responses because there shared by others.” “without a sense of place.” It has also are many challenges there are so many Von Hippel goes on to suggest that changed the way in which the library circumstances across the globe with so information communities will work in regards its collections from a physical many different sectors of libraries. very similar ways to innovation com- collection to a significantly electronic col- To achieve different views of the world munities, but at a less expensive level. lection; from the owned to the accessed. in which we operate, the new wave of These information communities will have The library manager who is in a position leaders will require quite different tools sharing characteristics enabling the easy to predict or foresee such changes can to assist them. One technique called transmission of ideas and service devel- easily position the organization and staff “scenario planning” or “future planning” opments. They will also form the back- to take advantage and benefit from such is excellent for applying different “intel- bone, using open source capability, of changes. The important thing is to be ligences” to the process of situating the knowledge management policies and able to have the skills to think analytically library into the future. It draws out the practices. He argues how individuals and in a way that is disconnected from logical and the visual, the kinetic and and organizations can freely reveal inno- the present. How do we imagine or have the numerical. Each holds equal sway. vations. Cheap and freely available com- an intelligence on “collections” or infor- The technique enables one to escape munication structures will be necessary mation without a sense of place. This is, the rigidity of previous experiences that to the achievement of what he calls the after all, where our users are. shape the way one thinks. The process “democratization of innovation.” The business model of the traditional enables the positing of different, even This new information landscape where library is based around a physical place: un-thought-of pictures of what could be. innovation can freely take place will a place to store the artifacts that have The visual intelligence is paramount in need special insights and skills if the been collected, a place where users or imaging what could be. library service is to flourish. Adopting a readers can come to enquire and seek A desired future is not necessarily a future orientation will require different information—a place that exists less and realizable future; it may not even be a

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 15 FOCUS: THE FUTURE

relevant future. The future is often not how close such a time period is, we understand or fully own. They will need to continuous with or in a linear relationship only need to look back three years and be openly prepared to acknowledge that to the present or the past. We do not remember how we did not feel certain they do not know all the trends but they have only one future; we have many and about the future then. Ironically, the will be highly effective in gathering the evi- we are, in our personal lives, constantly key to understanding the future is the dence and making judgments. Informed choosing between them. Organizations past. By looking to the near past and judgments. Inclusive judgments. are the same; they are not what they remembering how we saw the future They will have to work confidently with were; they will not be the same in the then, we realize that changes we thought uncertainty. They will have their various future. It is, in some senses, ironic that would take years to happen have in fact “future receptors” open and be fully the planners of the future library are occurred virtually overnight. using their different intelligences. They those who will not be using it. The plan- So the future is with us now. We will have to be hearing from a wide range ners are those who are due to retire leav- need to engage all our intelligences, of sources, including their staffs, that ing a legacy of their thinking for those however uncomfortable it may be. The which will be important to their future. of a different generation who will be better and more successful managers will They also may not have the chance to use the library. Choices are constantly draw these intelligences out from their implement the changes due to genera- being made, and often we do not allow staffs as well. Having a library system tional change. All this will require a robust ourselves to break out of previous pat- designed by Baby Boomers will be essen- approach to the future. The managers will terns that chain us to the present and tially designed Baby Boomers. It may not have to re-examine their own values; their to the past. work well for Generation X or Y people. ability to listen; their ability to keep an The needs of the Millennium Generation open mind; their ability to think heretical Drawing It Together will require different approaches to be thoughts; to think the unthinkable. These There are many excellent library lead- included again. Appreciating the different people will succeed in creating the excit- ers and managers in and rising in the perspectives and insights is critical for ing library for the future. profession. They are mostly aware of success. If we can listen to their drives the difficulties their library service will and needs, we can shape our services References confront in the short future. The issues of much more appropriately. We need not Boston Consulting Group, 2020 workforce planning will affect the ability only the intellectual views of the world Vision: The Manager of the 21st Century, to attract and retain good staff. In many through the linguistic and mathematical Innovation and Business Skills, Australia, ways, we are facing a chasm. On one skills traditional schooling has empha- 2006. side of the chasm are the early adopters sized, we also need the intrapersonal and Goleman, D., Emotional Intelligence, and on the other side there will be those the interpersonal aspects of our intel- Bloomsbury, London, 1998. using the mature operating environment, ligences—even the spatial facet. This will Mant, A., Intelligent Leadership, Allen which will be the product of the future enable us to hear of issues and directions and Unwin, Sydney, 1999. changes. Geoffrey Moore, in Crossing that are not overtly apparent. Moore, G., Crossing the Chasm, rev. the Chasm, wrote about the adoption of The library managers of the future will ed., Harper Business Essentials, New new technologies and IT services: “… be global in outlook and will be more York, NY, 2002. transition involves sloughing off familiar flexible than the manager of the past. Saffo, P., “Farewell information, it’s a entrepreneurial marketing habits and tak- They will work and partner with interna- media age”, Library Management, 2007. ing up new ones that at first feel strongly tional colleagues. This is an important University of Alberta, “Farewell infor- counter intuitive.” characteristic. mation, it’s a media age”, 8R’s: Canadian Building the bridge across the chasm They will need to be more receptive to Library Human Resource Study, University from one form of library service to another that which they do not know or under- of Alberta, Edmonton, 2003. will be no easy task. It will require many stand. They will have to be open to other Von Hippel, E., Democratizing intelligences, perspectives, and skills if it views of the future and prepared to plan Innovation, The MIT Press, Cambridge, is to happen. The innovators are often to for a new future which they may not Mass., 2006. SLA be found in the special library sector. The trick is to identify those innovators and to move them into a wider group, which Moore would call the early adopters. Even Steve O’Connor is the chief executive officer of CAVAL Collaborative at this stage, the chasm has not been Solutions in Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. The article is reprinted with crossed, but it has been approached and permission from Library Management, Volume 28, Number 1/2 2007. momentum has been gained. ISSN 0143-5124. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, We must not be caught out by the www.emeraldinsight.com. future! Plans for the future can be no longer than three years. To understand

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INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 17 SLA Member Profile

18 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 A Roundabout Route to Minnesota

Her first studies were in German literature, but then she fell in love with libraries.

By Forrest Glenn Spencer

ot many experienced eastern China. Qin Tang is one. study, to fall in love and marry; and library catalogers in Her life is the stuff movies are some- then, finally, to the U.S. to build a fam- St. Paul, Minnesota, times made of: the young woman ily and a career. started their lives in the whose thirst for knowledge takes her Tang’s story is one that could only flat, low-lying plains of on a personal and professional journey happen at a special time in history Jiangsu, a province in across the globe; first to Germany to when the world shifted its political and N economic boundaries, and when an opportunity came to go beyond the Qin Tang limitations she knew; it’s a personal Joined SLA: 2000 tale about two cultures and how one woman took an extraordinary journey Job: Technical Services Librarian, to secure an ordinary life. Minnesota Dept. of Transportation Qin Tang is technical services librar- Experience: 13 years ian at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT). It’s a Education: MLS, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1994; demanding job but one at which she is MA, German Literature and Linguistics, University of proficient and experienced. Tang has Heidelberg, Germany, 1991; BA, German Literature and worked very hard to reach this point Linguistics, Beijing Foreign Studies University, China, 1985 in life. First job: Library Page at Madison Public Library, Madison, Wisconsin When she came to the U.S. in 1991 at the age of 27, her knowledge Biggest challenge: “Personally, it’s juggling work and family life with two children and comprehension of the English and finding time to do the things I enjoy doing the most, reading and writing. language was nominal, but the one Professionally, it’s working with the rest of the library staff in constantly justifying institution that changed her life was to management the need for quality cataloging and communicating the value of the the public library. Her desire for knowl- library in the organization.” edge and to master English to access To View Her Columns: www.spiritoflifebiblechurch.org/On_My_Mind_by_Qin_Tang_ the available information in our own f93553912.html education helped her fuel her choice

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 19 SLA Member Profile

“I had never been a library user before communicate more effectively. Before long, she found a job at the Madison in China. like the idea of working with Public Library, checking in books. books and being surrounded by books. I “I had never been a library user before in China,” Tang said. “I like the started enjoying reading and going to the idea of working with books and being library regularly before I went to work at surrounded by books. I started enjoying reading and going to the library the library. So I thought going to library regularly before I went to work at the school, getting a degree is the way to go.” library. So I thought going to library school, getting a degree is the way to go.” Tang pursued her MLS in the summer of 1993. Three years after arriving in the U.S., to enter the information profession. German literature and linguistics from Tang had an MLS from the University Libraries were not a natural part of her the University of Heidelberg. of Wisconsin-Madison. At the univer- life in China. Tang recalls the Cultural It was there she met the man who sity, she was employed part-time as a Revolution more than 30 years ago later became her husband, a Chinese library services assistant, working on when use of a public library was lim- native who was also at the same a retrospective conversion project and ited to a few adults with special per- school. In 1991, he had an opportunity cataloging life sciences materials in mission. But China started to change for work at the University of Wisconsin- German and English. from an enclosed society to one that Madison, so they moved to the U.S. It After she earned her MLS, she got was to be integrated with the world was in Madison that she began going as job as an assistant catalog librar- through commerce and language, a to the public library to refresh her ian at the Loyola University of Chicago crucial element for the Chinese to do English, a language she had learned Law School library. Later, she was business globally. in high school but had all but forgotten hired by the law firm Ross & Hardies “I went to the Beijing Foreign Studies after years studying German. After a in Chicago as a technical services University,” Tang said. “It was the best year of hard effort, Tang was able to librarian, responsible for acquisitions, of its kind—mainly a university where people learn foreign languages like Romanian, Arabic, all sorts. The biggest departments were the English and European languages. I graduated with a BA in German literature and linguistics in July 1985. “At the time, China had started opening more to the world and people started wanting to study foreign languages. The Chinese Central Television (CCTV) network started offering English, French, and Japanese language programs. They wanted to offer a German language course. I then got a perma- nent job at CCTV, but one year later I was offered a government scholarship to study in Germany.” The scholarship was part of a German academic exchange that allowed her to live and study in Germany. She left China for Heidelberg in 1986. Tang was supposed to return to CCTV after a year of studies, but her scholarship was renewed and she stayed longer to finish the master’s degree, which she did in 1991, a master’s in

20 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 350 CDs and DVDs. Through her job at Mn/DOT, she became a member of SLA and of the Transportation Division; she became connected with the transportation information professional community through her supervisor, SLA member Jerry Baldwin. “I first met Qin when she was a contract cataloger for our local OCLC affiliate, MINITEX, doing some arrear- age cataloging of our materials under a grant,” Baldwin said. “I was very impressed with her insightful questions while working on the materials. Her zeal to learn all she could about what was to her a completely new field con- vinced me she was the only person to fill the job when our previous technical services librarian resigned. We’re very lucky to have someone with her intelligence and talent.” Tang’s job at the library includes Qin Tang and her Mn/DOT supervisor, SLA member Jerry Baldwin. original and copy cataloging, process- ing, and updating serial holdings, maintaining databases, and reference service. She’s part of a staff of seven; a centralized library in a department classification, and cataloging of the from simple statistical requests—such of nearly 5,000 employees with a state law library materials and serials and as how many miles of roads are there in road network that includes more than database maintenance. a specific county—to requests for com- 132,000 miles of public roads, 12,000 In July 1999, Tang’s family moved prehensive information the use of retro- road bridges, and nearly 1,000 miles to Minnesota. After her second child fitted dowel bars to rehabilitate concrete of Interstate highway. Tang joined SLA was born at the end of that year, she pavements, or the effect of freeze-thaw in 2000, at the encouragement of started to look for an opportunity to cycles on soils and aggregates. Baldwin, one of the leaders in the go back to work as an information The 5,500-square foot library has transportation community. professional. 18,000 cataloged books and reports, “He’s encouraging and supportive,” “MINITEX—a regional library infor- 30,000 microfiche reports, 400 peri- Tang said, referring to Baldwin. “Our mation network—was looking for a odical titles, 1,000 videotapes, and transportation librarian community is a contract cataloger. MINITEX provides services for libraries in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota, and at the time, they had a cataloging “When I came to the U.S. in 1991, I had contract with Mn/DOT Library. So I to learn English, which was my first was hired by MINITEX to work on the Mn/DOT Library project. I worked at foreign language in high school. But after MINITEX for a few months and I was studying German for almost 10 years, hired full time later by Mn/DOT in May 2000.” I forgot all my English. I had to read children’s and preschool books in the Library Services The Mn/DOT library provides services beginning to refresh my English skills. to transportation professionals in state Now 15 years later, English feels like a and local government agencies, as well as the public. Questions handled native language to me.” by reference staff at the library run

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 21 SLA Member Profile

small community and the people know she would like to base her cataloging China. In her first column, she wrote each other. He is always supportive. style on the records we contribute to that she still has a deep connection to I have benefited from his knowledge the OCLC database. She didn’t need her native country but considers her- and leadership.” my permission for this, but I was self very much a resident of Woodbury, She has given a presentation to the impressed by her professional cour- Minnesota, and a citizen of the world. SLA Transportation Division on cata- tesy and flattered that she so admired “When I came to the U.S. in 1991, loging electronic documents, attend- our work. Qin developed very fast into I had to learn English,” she began, “which was my first foreign language in high school. But after studying “Libraries were once thought of as German for almost 10 years, I forgot all my English. I had to read children’s buildings with physical collections and preschool books in the beginning but now libraries have evolved into to refresh my English skills. Now 15 years later, English feels like a native a decentralized network, providing language to me.” services and resources not limited to For Tang, the power of language and the value of information has become what we have.” the core of her work ethic and a passion. She has come to love her adopted country with its relatively free and easy access to information and the ed local and regional conferences, one of the best transportation catalog- knowledge contained within the books, and contributes to the TRANLIB ers in the country—and there’s just maps, and gigabytes of documents discussion list. “It’s a multi-collab- a handful—and I have learned from available to those who seek it out. orative effort,” she added about the her work. What more could a proxy- And for those entering the profession Transportation Division. teacher want?” she has one piece of advice: “Do what “Libraries change mainly due to Gallwey said that when he comes you love. If you pick a profession, you the changes in technologies,” Tang across a record created by her in have to love it to stay at it. Sometimes said. “Libraries were once thought OCLC he rejoices because he knows people do things they don’t really like; of as buildings with physical collec- it’ll be just about perfect. ”In fact you have to love what you do.” It’s a tions but now libraries have evolved my only complaint is that with all her passion that can take you from the east into a decentralized network, providing other duties, she doesn’t get to do coast of China to the upper Midwest of services and resources not limited to more cataloging.” America, with a happy ending. SLA what we have. We have access to a Tang continues to expand her pro- network of databases so we can professional pursuits in other venues. Last vide services that are not limited by year she began writing a column in her our own collection. It’s still full service community newspaper, the Woodbury but with some self service. People who Bulletin. She said that as a devoted are computer savvy may be able to do public library user and an information things on their own; but sometimes, professional, one of her main goals there’s so much on the Internet that for the newspaper column is to pro- it’s overwhelming: how to do find the mote library use in the community, to right information; retrieve the docu- become an advocate for education and ments you want; how do you iden- reading and learning, and to promote tify the resources you need that are increasingly electronic and how do you preserve that information?” John Gallwey, a technical services and outreach librarian at the Harmer E. Forrest Glenn Spencer is a Virginia-based independent Davis Transportation Library, University information professional, editor, and writer. He is a deep back- of California, Berkeley, remembers his ground researcher for political media companies and non-profit introduction to Tang in 2000. “She organizations. He is also editor of The Google Government Report. introduced herself by e-mail shortly He can be reached at [email protected]. after joining Minnesota DOT. She was then a novice cataloger and said that

22 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 WEBCHOIR Pg. 23

Forrest Glenn Spencer is a Virginia-based independent information professional, editor, and writer. He is a deep back- ground researcher for political media companies and non-profit organizations. He is also editor of The Google Government Report. He can be reached at [email protected].

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 23 Public Policy

24 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 SLA Seeks Study on EPA Library Cutbacks

Letter to Senate committee reinforces concern about closed libraries and lost access to environmental information, archived since 1971.

By John T. Adams III

lans to slash services chair Barbara Boxer (D-California), SLA hearing on EPA cutbacks, Lachance at the Environmental CEO Janice R. Lachance said, “We are encouraged Boxer to press agency offi- Protection Agency’s 27 particularly concerned about the effects cials on whether they have conducted libraries could threaten the proposed closures will have, and formal research on the effect the reduc- public health and safety are having, on the ability to access data tion of services might have on public by hindering environ- and information necessary to scientists, health and safety. Pmental research. policy makers and corporate entities to She also suggested the panel ask With that warning, SLA has urged operate in the public good.” environmental officials if they have the Senate Environment and Public She added, “We have heard from sought the opinion of the U.S. Justice Works Committee to review the EPA’s intentions carefully and to encourage the agency to develop a realistic plan “We are particularly concerned about and budget to provide continued public access to EPA data. the effects the proposed closures will The EPA aims to trim $2 million—or have, and are having, on the ability to 80 percent—from its library network budget. In 2006, it closed libraries access data and information necessary to in Chicago, Dallas, and Kansas City scientists, policy makers, and corporate and cut access to other collections, including the chemical pollution and entities to operate in the public good.” toxic substances library in Washington, D.C. The EPA headquarters library also closed to the public. It “transitioned to many SLA members in the scientific Department about possible legal rami- a repository,” the agency reported on its and medical community who have told fications surrounding the digitizing and Web site. (http://epa.gov/natlibra/hqirc/ us the closure of the EPA libraries will future use of official EPA documents in index.html) impact their work directly.” legal proceedings. In a February 5 letter to committee Writing on the eve of the committee “While the loss of some libraries may

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 25 Public Policy

be inevitable, our primary concern is the Johnson told the Senate committee ing reference questions and conducting loss of access to the crucial information hearing that the agency plans to retain database searches, EPA librarians are contained in these libraries, which could “a strong network of physical libraries.” estimated to have saved over 214,566 have devastating long-term impacts on “Our vision,” he said, “is to be the hours of EPA staff time, resulting in a public health and safety,” Lachance premier model for the next genera- cost-savings to the agency of slightly wrote. (www.sla.org/content/SLA/press- tion of federal libraries by enhancing over $7.5 million.” room/pressrelease/07pr/pr2704.cfm) the electronic tools and resources that The study estimated that the total people use to look for information, while value of the EPA library service exceeds First to Protest continuing to provide traditional library $22 million. SLA was the first library association to services. Let me also assure you that The report also cited the value librar- dispute the library closings in February unique EPA material has been retained, ians add to the library. 2006. It has urged its members to catalogued, and is available to EPA and “Library patrons do not always come contact their congressional represen- the public.” with well-formed questions or clearly tatives to protest. (http://www.sla.org/ Johnson said he has asked his staff articulated requests for specific infor- content/SLA/pressroom/pressrelease/ “to conduct an assessment of where we mation resources,” the report said. 2006prelease/pr2605.cfm) are and to evaluate our overall library “Rather, research is frequently a joint In opening remarks prepared for the modernization effort.” venture between the patron and the Senate hearing, Boxer said, “Closure (Details of the February 6 Senate com- librarian. As the librarian helps the of the libraries hurts Americans’ right mittee hearing, including an archived patron discover a variety of aspects to know about important information webcast and transcripts of prepared state- about the research topic, the original regarding the health and environmental ments, are at http://epw.senate.gov/pub- question gradually sharpens into the hazards of pollution in their communi- lic/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings. right set of questions and their answers. ties.” Hearing&Hearing_ID=78a52250-802a- Utilizing the ‘reference interview’ pro- Further, she said, “Despite letters 23ad-4274-59a54b06a447.) cess, librarians interact with patrons to from 18 members of the Senate and a Established in 1971, the EPA librar- translate ambiguous and problematic public outcry, the fate of EPA’s libraries ies house 504,000 books and reports, requests (e.g. Do you have information remains uncertain.” 3,500 journal titles, 25,000 maps, on drinking water?) into viable research During the hearing, Boxer mentioned and 3.6 million information objects on topics (e.g. Our well water has had a several organizations that oppose the microfilm, according to a consultant’s reddish color since the last bad storm).” library closures, including SLA. report prepared for the EPA in 2004. (For the full report, see www.epa.gov/ Supporters of the cutbacks cite cost The report by Stratus Consulting— natlibra/epa260r04001.pdf.) savings, increased digital access, and “Business Case for Information Potential cost savings aren’t all that’s low public use of the EPA libraries. Services: EPA’s Regional Libraries and in dispute. So are reports of low use. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Centers”—said that “between answer- An article in the Seattle Post-

“While the loss of some libraries may be inevitable, our primary concern is the loss of access to the crucial information contained in these libraries, which could have devastating long-term impacts on public health and safety.”

26 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 Intelligencer cited government documents that said EPA librarians filled more than 20,000 requests for quick John T. Adams III is director of publications at SLA references and more than 20,000 addi- and editor and publisher of Information Outlook. Carolyn tional requests for extended research J. Sosnowski, SLA’s information specialist, contributed in fiscal year 2005. More than 32,000 research. The article includes some material that was requests came to the three libraries that distributed in an SLA press release February 6. were closed last year, the newspaper said. (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/ local/300615_epalibraries22.html)

Comments on Closings The cuts have drawn sharp comments ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/interfer- the American Library Association. from information professionals, scien- ence/epa-library-closings.html) “What I’m hearing,” Jacobs conclud- tists, and environmental activists. More harsh words came from ed, “is EPA wants to talk with stakehold- Late last year—after the mid-term Public Employees for Environmental ers (libraries, scientists...) but they’re elections had given the Democratic Responsibility. In a press release, going ahead with their plans. This was Party control of the U.S. House and Executive Director Jeff Ruch said, classic doublespeak.... EPA has already Senate—a group of House Democrats called the cuts the “epitome of penny committed to closing libraries, digitizing asked the EPA to stop its efforts to wise and pound foolish.” documents, consolidating collections destroy or otherwise dispose of library “Access to information is one of in three repositories, cutting funding documents. the best tools we have for protect- for journal subscriptions, etc. So what The government watchdog organiza- ing the environment,” added Ruch. good will it do for them to go and talk tion OMB Watch reported January 9 “By contrast, closing the Environmental with stakeholders? Librarians have been that “EPA officials have assured the Protection Agency libraries actually VERY vocal, both at this meeting and lawmakers that plans to close additional threatens to subtract from the sum total over the last year, that what the stake- libraries have been placed on hold of human knowledge.” holders NEED is libraries, services, and pending congressional review.” The Minneapolis Star Tribune editori- collections throughout the U.S.” (www. OMB Watch also noted: “The agency alized in September: “This seems to be freegovinfo.info/taxonomy/term/31) has defended its plan with explanations just another exercise in arrogance by A January 3 report by the Library that the closures are part of a mod- an agency in an executive branch that of Congress Congressional Research ernization effort to digitize information seems too often to relish it. Certainly Service noted other questions. and make it available online. Critics EPA invites skepticism by choosing, “Among the primary concerns are counter that digitization efforts are lim- in a period when its performance is which materials would be selected for ited and much information will be lost. under scrutiny and its credibility shakier retention by the agency, dispersal to Scientists have vehemently opposed than usual, to make public resources other libraries, or disposal,” the CRS the library closures, saying much of more cumbersome to use—and its own report said. “Whereas EPA’s library the information being locked in storage record more difficult to review.” restructuring plan provides guidelines or destroyed isn’t yet and may never In a January 6 editorial, the Fort for these decisions, it does not include be available online.” (www.ombwatch. Wayne, Indiana, Journal Gazette joined a mechanism to oversee how they are org/article/articleview/3673) the discussion. “Citizens are not only applied, or a means through which the Also late last year, a report by the losing access to documents, they public could comment on collections Union of Concerned Scientists said, are losing access to the … librarians decisions. “Officials claim the closings are part of a who served as a valuable resource for “Questions have been raised as to modernization plan, and that all library untrained researchers by helping them whether some materials that may be of materials will eventually be available navigate the innumerable documents to value to certain users could be perma- online.” find relevant information. The closure nently discarded and no longer available However, the group asserted, “no of the libraries hampers residents’ abil- in any format. Of the collections that are comprehensive assessment of informa- ity to take steps to protect themselves retained, it is uncertain which materials tion needs has been undertaken—mak- against environmental dangers,” the will be converted to electronic format and ing it likely that some unique informa- newspaper said. made available through the Internet, or tion will be lost—and no funding exists James R. Jacobs, reporting in the Free physically archived. EPA also has noted to carry out the time-consuming and Government Information blog, summa- that it may not be able to digitize copy- expensive process of making docu- rized a January 20 briefing with an EPA righted materials.” (www.fas.org/sgp/crs/ ments available electronically.” (www. official at the Washington, D.C., office of secrecy/RS22533.pdf) SLA

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 27 28 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 Info Tech

The New Normal: Association 1.5

here, and it’s impossible for seamless switches to happen overnight, even if Here are five things you should be working on it were desirable. Then again, I doubt this year. Only five. many units are still running popular Gopher or Archie sites. By Stephen Abram I do see the advantages in blogs as a channel for member communication and some should appeal to our I am writing this column having just association culture in particular. First, attended the SLA Leadership Summit The New Normal blogs allow for storage of our conversa- in Reno, Nevada. As always, one I believe there are just five big things tions and postings in a way that makes leaves impressed with our leadership that every SLA unit should be trying them reusable and re-discoverable. and all the innovations being tried by this year. Not 10, not 100, just five The comments features, when turned members in chapters, divisions, cau- this year. And I don’t mean full-fledged on, allow for threaded discussions cuses, committees, conference plan- blowouts where everything is launched on a posting as well as for conversa- ning, and SLA staff. It’s pretty excit- everywhere 24/7. That’s just too much. tions among members beyond e-lists ing but it always begs the question: I just mean that these are five of the and meetings. The ability to aggre- “What’s Next?” best candidates for changing and gate these into our workflow through improving the ways our association Bloglines and other services seamless- The Old Normal works—for the better. ly integrates SLA into our daily lives. The ancient SLA normal was great— SLA is all about networking, learning, And, it gets SLA members’ viewpoints just like classical Greek and Roman and influence. All of these next five out into the blogosphere better that the civilizations were wonderful. SLA net- technologies can be used in support of walled gardens of discussion lists and worked, talked, attended programs, these key mandates to serve our mem- educated key influencers, and more. bers well. Also, they’re the responsibil- Librarians hopped on the appropriate ity of members to learn on their own, technologies quickly in the service of not for the association to mandate or I don’t advocate the end of information and our users. shove down our throats. However, SLA, The New Normal at SLA is that virtu- the association, can provide the frame- newsletters, bulletins, mailing ally every division and chapter has the work for success and offer the technol- foundation of a Web site, a discussion ogies and ecosystems for our members lists, and electronic discus- list and an electronic bulletin. Many and units to experiment and incubate units have advanced versions of these, the new ideas. It took us a while to sion lists in favor of blogs, as and some have even more pilots and build the virtual association framework exciting innovations to serve their and offer the basics for all units to suc- some blogophiles have. members and audiences. When we ceed. Maybe we can get out ahead of first set the goals of the virtual associa- the curve this round. tion to supplement and enhance the The new normal would add to the value of membership for all members, strong foundation of the virtual associa- internally oriented bulletins. who would have guessed it would take tion. My five top choices of technolo- Of course, you can get blogging soft- almost a decade to become “normal”? gies to add are blogs, wikis, podcasts, ware free from many places, but SLA That’s the nature of the adoption curve webcasts, and social networking. Let’s offers free blog hosting for any unit. espoused by Geoffrey Moore. If we brainstorm a little, shall we? Check out Janice Lachance’s CEO want to proceed to the next steps in blog, InfoX, as an example of one at: our future evolution, we had better Blogs http://slablogger.typepad.com/infox/. start now. I don’t advocate the end of newsletters, There’s a whole list of SLA hosted Many units, members, and inter- bulletins, mailing lists, and electronic blogs here: www.sla.org/content/com- national headquarters are leading the discussion lists in favor of blogs, as munity/blogs/index.cfm. I truly love my way. We can learn from each other! some blogophiles have. Too many blog. (If your unit wants to use SLA’s folks have investments in the learning blogging platform on TypePad, send an

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 29 Info Tech

tutional memory (policies, minutes, programs, ideas, and more) to archive These are truly the early days of how social networking tools and persist beyond each board or committee membership. Have you will play out and affect our professional lives and institutions. considered assigning your archivist to populate and train your team? A It would be wise to experiment with them in our associations to free podcast and webcast is Meredith Farkas’ “Wiki: The Ultimate Tool learn more about them. for Online Collaboration” (www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/seminar_page. php?sid=66). And, by the way, the Rocky Mountain Chapter has created a wiki for the SLA annual conference in Denver. It’s at http://lib.colostate. e-mail to [email protected]. He’ll send Yes, we have a search engine of edu/publicwiki/index.php?title=Special_ you details on how to get started.) sorts on the SLA Web site and we do Libraries_Association. have communities of practice software. Have you built a tagging system of Wikis Each of these serves its purposes, but social bookmarks for your chapter or Again, one of the insights I repeatedly each leaves a lot to be desired. division? Check out Digg, del.icio.us, get at SLA international meetings is Have you considered a wiki? We’ve Unalog, Connotea, and the rest and the poor way we collect and retain our certainly had some experience with see where your imagination takes you. institutional memories. What are the collaborative annual conference wikis Volunteer to start a social content site hot program ideas? What are the good and some units, like the Leadership for your unit. Try a “12 Weeks to a tools for special librarians? Where are and Management Division, have them Better Bookmark List” program on your the documents for our unit, and where set up (http://lmdsla.pbwiki.com). discussion list. Make it a fun learning can I find HQ’s models and guides? Wikis are a way to get your insti- experience.

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Podcasts At the Leadership Summit, I hit the Sony Factory Outlet and bought a Stephen Abram, MLS, is vice president, innovation, for recording microphone for my iPod SirsiDynix, chief strategist for the SirsiDynix Institute, and the Video. It was about $49.95 U.S. Not president-elect of SLA. He is an SLA Fellow, the past presi- so much—certainly affordable for most dent of the Ontario Library Association, and the past president units. Now all you need to do is borrow of the Canadian Library Association. In June 2003, he was an iPod from a member or their kid! awarded SLA’s John Cotton Dana Award. This column contains Now let’s open our imaginations. his personal perspectives and does not necessarily represent What could it mean to record CD the opinions or positions of SirsiDynix. His blog is Stephen’s quality MP3 files of anything we pro- Lighthouse, http://stephensligthouse.sirsidynix.com. You may duce—interviews, panel discussions, contact him at [email protected]. meetings, debates, programs? Post an MP3 to your blog and you have a podcast. Simple as that. Upload it to iTunes and you have our viewpoints out there in the debates as we create might even meet a few new potential out there in the world. the future. It’s also a great learning new SLA members in the next genera- Yes, there will be issues. Then experience. The experience of learning tion! again, if we don’t try we’ll only be is arguably best in person. However, it It’s a great renaissance out there. imagining them rather than making just isn’t practical or even possible for We can’t be left behind in the e-mail decisions from real experience. Let’s every member to be at every event. In Dark Ages! We can’t rest on our laurels see what we can do with this. SLA has the past, we couldn’t change that fact. now that we have such great infra- quite few podcasts at Click University, Now we can. structure available at a cost effective and I’ve made a few this year. It’s a rate. We can sustain our knowledge real learning experience and, again, Social Networking and archives; we can put our intra- we’re only limited by our imaginations Networking is the numero uno ben- member communication on steroids; with how we might invent SLA 1.5 efit I get from SLA. I know it’s in the we can influence the whole Web ecol- with tools like this. top three benefits for most of us. I ogy. Let’s do it. SLA Learn about podcasting through know many members have Facebook Greg Schwartz’s free beginner’s guide and MySpace sites set up for work, to podcasting (http://www.sirsidynixin- and some chapters and divisions are stitute.com/seminar_page.php?sid=62 experimenting already. (Check out SLA and http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/ Kentucky and our SLA IT Division folks seminar_page.php?sid=63). We can in Facebook). really find our “voice” as advocates These are truly the early days of how with this technology. these social networking tools will play out and affect our professional lives Webcasts and institutions. It would be wise to These seem to be getting easier by experiment with them in our associa- the minute. Learning to how to scre- tions to learn more about them. I am encast is easier than it looks. (Check not recommending that Facebook out Paul Pival’s SirsiDynix podcast and is the best one, although it shows webcast about screencasting at www. great potential for SLA groups since sirsidynixinstitute.com/seminar_page. it opened up beyond the education php?sid=71. domain. MySpace isn’t just for teens YouTube has changed the way we anymore. Bebo is more popular in the will view broadcasting (does anyone U.K., Europe, and Australia and New still use that word) forever. I’ve got Zealand. quite a few streaming media events Given the number of invites I get, of my speeches on the Web, courtesy corporate users seem to be having of camera phones, student chap- a great time in Plaxo and LinkedIn. ters, library schools, and professional Academics are trying Academici and events. Cool. Google’s Orkut is dominating in Brazil. It makes what we say persist. It wid- It appears that there is lots of potential ens our voice and increases the voices for learning in these spaces, too. We

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 31 INFO RIGHTS

When the Negotiations Begin, Listen Carefully, Stay on Point

talk. Some individuals may be uncomfortable negotiating at all. If you are Last month we discussed how to prepare for the bargaining unable to get answers from the other session. Here are some tips for closing the deal. party, perhaps changing the subject might be a good idea. For instance, By Lesley Ellen Harris if the other party is an artist, talking about the latest art exhibit might be a good way to get her or him to open up, Part I dealt with ways you could for clarification so there are no misun- and then negotiations can proceed. prepare yourself prior to entering derstandings. Also, you should be sure Never assume anything at any point. into negotiations for a digital license that you understand exactly what it is If you are unsure about what you just (Information Outlook, February 2007). you are hearing. Do not read some- heard, ask the other person to repeat This article provides tips on the actual thing into what you are hearing and do it. If something appears to be missing, negotiations and a checklist of points not fill in gaps. Likewise, be careful not ask why. It bears repeating—do not fill to help fine tune your negotiation skills. to miss anything that could turn out to in gaps or read items into a statement be crucial. that are not there. For example, if the During the Negotiations Ask questions that require more than other party says he wants to monitor Listen carefully and actively. The other “yes” or “no” answers. Information how his copyright-protected materials party could provide you with informa- professionals are well acquainted are used, ask for clarification on how tion you can use to your advantage. If with this technique. Ask open-ended this is to be done and what sort of time you are unsure about something, ask questions to get the other person to and costs are involved.

32 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 INFO RIGHTS

Tips for Negotiating 1. Understand your patrons’ needs. 6. Plan your negotiations. 13. Take notes. 2. Negotiation is not an “I-win-you-lose” 7. Know the other party. 14. Be on track with your needs. affair. 8. Listen carefully and actively. 15. Watch body language. 3. Be prepared by having all the informa- 9. Ask proactive questions. 16. Clear up any misunderstandings tion you need. 10. Never assume anything. promptly. 4. Write down your goals. 11. Be assertive—not aggressive. 17. Know when to take a break. 5. Know what you can give up. 12. Communicate clearly and neutrally. 18. Know when to walk away.

Be assertive—not aggressive. You continue under an aura of trust. It is importantly, take some time to think have a right to expect cooperation in possible that innocent misunderstand- over the deal before closing it. negotiations. You have a right to ask ings can destroy that aura of trust for items on your “want” and “need” and finish your negotiations before Final Suggestion list. But you do not have a right to they even get off the ground. Do not Lastly, know when to walk away—and bully. Do not be too dogmatic about let misunderstandings get in the way do it. Do not be afraid to walk away your position—you are there to of negotiations. Admitting that there from the negotiations if the negotiations negotiate. was a misunderstanding is not a sign are going nowhere. If you are not reach- Communicate clearly and neutrally. of weakness. Be honest. Do not bluff ing your goals, then further negotiations You are there as a representative of unless you definitely mean it. If your are a waste of your time and theirs. your library and do not have a personal negotiations include discussions of Sometimes minds just cannot meet in stake in this negotiation. Neither does licensing terms and conditions with the middle. Your time would be far bet- the party on the other side (usually). which you are unfamiliar, take time to ter spent looking for another supplier Do not compromise your own values consult a lawyer or colleagues. that may meet your needs. SLA and beliefs during the process. You Know when to take a break. Take are negotiating over a product, not a some time during negotiations if things personality. Do not use doubletalk or appear to be getting too heated. Take veiled allusions in an attempt to stymie time if you have just been given a great the other party. deal of information to absorb. Take time if you need to consult with some- Keep on Track one else. Ideas can come to you in the Take notes. This is very important, middle of negotiations that you need particularly when the written agree- to have approval for before you act on ment is presented for your approval. them. The other party may toss out If something is missing or misrepre- something on an unrelated matter that sented, then it is far easier to refer to gives you some additional insight. Most your notes and bring it to the attention of the other party. Also, frequently check the notes you made while preparing for the negotiations. Make sure you are on track with Lesley Ellen Harris is a copyright lawyer/consultant who works your goals, and needs. on legal, business, and strategic issues in the publishing, content, If the negotiation takes place in entertainment, Internet, and information industries. She is the editor person, watch the other person’s, and of the print newsletter, The Copyright and New Media Law Newsletter, your own, body language. If on the now in its 11th year. If you would like a sample copy of this newsletter, phone, “listen” for intonations, and if e-mail [email protected]. She is a professor at SLA’s Click by fax or e-mail, look for any helpful University, where she teaches a number of online courses on copyright, signs in the language used to com- licensing, and managing copyright and digital content for SLA mem- municate. bers. You may now register for the winter/spring 2007 courses at: Clear up any misunderstandings www.clickuniversity.com, search for Harris Online Schedule. promptly. Negotiations commence and

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34 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 INFO BUSINESS

Innovation and Design and Design for Innovation

tion attempts fail to meet their financial goals,’ read the invitation to the Institute Innovation may lead to new designs, but good of Design symposium…Now, I suppose design also can lead to positive change. you could do worse than failing 24 out of every 25 tries, but this sounds sus- By Debbie Schachter piciously like Albert Einstein’s famous definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again but expecting I first started thinking about the as a new trend in fostering, developing a different result.” (www.designobserv- idea of design in library products or and reaping the benefits of innovative er.com/archives/008049.html) services when I happened upon an change. Whether the pairing of design meth- article about the hugely successful People talk about “innovation” as if ods to innovation generally can achieve design region of Lombardy, in Italy. it’s a fad; but it seems to be inherent greater success rates than in the past (“Innovating Through Design,” Roberto in human nature to constantly want is why trends become trends, after all. Verganti, Harvard Business Review, to innovate or continue to evolve the Only the passage of time will determine December 2006). processes and functions that affect our whether this will be effective. Lombardy is the region in which the daily lives. This doesn’t mean just devel- So if design as innovation is just a famous Alessi creations are developed, oping a new, or better, or advanced trend, what can we determine from by new methods of thinking about prod- product or service. In the library world, where we are in this curve? The fre- uct design. This new way of designing even if your products or services don’t quency of linking design and innovation consumer and household products is themselves change, chances are you’re in the business and management press accomplished through looking at every- changing how the work is done behind shows the trend is in full steam. But is day objects with new eyes, examining the scenes. Processes change over their purpose and then using design to time, new tools make the work take less create a product that is more than just time, new methods of delivery provide It is innovation for innovation’s utilitarian in form. the information sooner or in the format For me, design has always been an that the user prefers—these are all sake that is the danger. But at artistic endeavor that is interesting, but innovations even if many of them are not something I considered particularly hidden from the customer’s view. the same time, it seems to be applicable to special library work, much It is innovation for innovation’s sake less to the management of such librar- that is the danger. But at the same obvious from experience that ies. The interesting thing about design, time, it seems to be obvious from expe- though—which makes the design pro- rience that there must be many failures there must be many failures for cess applicable to all environments—is for every successful innovation. Even it is the people factor that determines if the innovation itself is successful, it every successful innovation. the success of the design, whether may not be successful with consum- the design be of a tea cup or of a tele- ers because it is ahead of its time or phone. the product itself is unappealing. Is the Successful design looks at how pairing of design and innovation just a it so negative to use design concepts to people use products, what consumers new meaningless coupling to disguise assist with innovation? Perhaps this will are asking for, in addition to under- the old trend of trial and error? give info pros some thoughts for chang- standing and anticipating changing Michael Bierut in “Innovation is the ing how do their daily work and update cultural norms or expectations. At the New Black” is very cynical about link- the products and services they provide same time, innovation is something with ing the terms ‘design’ with ‘innovation’: to users? which both management and libraries “I was surprised to learn, however, that The realty today is that our organiza- seek to connect themselves. Here too, although innovation is always good, tions expect each department to identify people are an important factor in under- it isn’t always effective. ‘We all know how it contributes to organizational standing needs and trends and in help- that reliable methods of innovation are innovation. This is why it is important ing to foster innovation. Innovation and becoming important to business as they for info pros to be aware of these trends design have now become firmly linked realize that 96 percent of all innova- and be ready to play our part, or at

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 35 INFO BUSINESS

least, to be able to communicate with different strengths various members the trendsetters in our organizations. bring, or communicate well enough The status quo is not an option in most to share the tacit knowledge…” Debbie Schachter organizations, regardless of how we feel has a master’s degree about the value of the new trend. Sources of Innovation in library science and a Some interesting observa- Not only does innovation occur out- master’s degree in busi- tions from the management side of the mainstream of organizations, ness administration. She expert Rosabeth Moss Kanter’s possibly from unexpected quarters, is the associate executive article “Innovation: The Classic or through the overlapping of differ- director of the Jewish Family Service Agency Traps” (Harvard Business Review, ent industries; but the importance of in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she is November 2006) should be stan- place and situation for developing and responsible for financial management, human dard reading for all managers. She sharing innovative thought within the resources, database and IT systems, and points out that with each wave of organization also is important. “In addi- grant application management. Schachter has innovation trends (she said has tion to formal meetings, companies can more than 15 years’ experience in manage- experienced four and that they seem facilitate information conversations—as ment and supervision, technology planning to occur every six years), there are Steelcase did by building a design cen- and support, in a variety of nonprofit and valuable lessons to be learned. Of ter that would force people to bump for-profit settings. She can be reached at particular interest to library manag- into one another—or identify the people [email protected]. ers are the values of good commu- who lead informal cross-unit networks nication and the interrelationships and encourage their efforts at making between employees, linking to the connections,” Kanter wrote. Librarians ies course I co-taught this past year, concepts of knowledge manage- have long been pushing executives to students identified the importance of ment: “Groups that are convened view the library as this type of center the model special library to be at the without attention to interpersonal for sharing ideas and developing cross- crossroads of employee movement and skills find it difficult to embrace col- department communication. In one connection in the organization. lective goals, take advantage of the of the projects for the special librar- Not only is it important that libraries provide the information resources required by those who develop product and service innovations in organizations, special libraries are models for design as an innovation trend. It all comes down to people. It’s communication skills, interpersonal behaviors, leadership skills, and development of staff members who work under your leadership. “Companies that cultivate leadership skills are more likely to net successful innovations,” Kanter, said in her HBR article. Although there are clear business trends at work, being on board for innovative change through the library services is an important role of the information professional. Re-examining library products and services on design principles—seeing from the user’s perspective to explore your own innovative developments—should be part of your contribution towards organizational innovation. Modeling the behaviors of the learning organization through information sharing and knowledge capture is another way to foster innovation in your library and your organization. SLA

36 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 Debbie Schachter has a master’s degree in library science and a master’s degree in business administration. She is the associate executive director of the Jewish Family Service Agency in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she is responsible for financial management, human resources, database and IT systems, and grant application management. Schachter has more than 15 years’ experience in management and supervision, technology planning and support, in a variety of nonprofit and for-profit settings. She can be reached at [email protected].

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 37 Coming events / ad index

Other Events 16-19 AIIM Expo June 3-6 March Philadelphia, Pennsylvania www.aiimexpo.com/aiimexpo2007/v42/index. SLA Annual Conference For more information on these SLA 11-13 cvn Denver, Colorado online seminars—and to register—go Association of Information and www.sla.org to www.sla.org/clickulive. Dissemination Centers Spring Meeting 18-22 Orlando, Florida Association of Independent Information March www.asidic.org/meetings/spring07.htm Professionals 21st Annual Conference Minneapolis, Minnesota 7 11-13 www.aiip.org/Conference/2007/index.html RSS Feeds: The Future of European Association of May 28-June 1 Information Delivery, Part 1 Information Services (EUSIDIC) 26-30 Canadian Health Libraries 21 Roskilde, Denmark Art Libraries Society of North Association Conference RSS Feeds: The Future of www.eusidic.net America 35th Annual Conference Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Information Delivery, Part 2 Atlanta, Georgia www.chla-absc.ca/2007/index_e.htm 22-26 www.arlis-se.org/atlanta2007 April American Society for Information May 28-June 2 Science and Technology April 30-May 3 Libraries in the Digital Age 11 Information Architecture Summit Society of Competitive Intelligence Dubrovnik and Mljet, Croatia Building a Content Management Las Vegas, Nevada Professionals International www.ffos.hr/lida Strategy: Part 1, The Business www.iasummit.org/2007 Annual Conference Side of the Equation New York City JUNE April 26 23-25 www.scipstore.org/07annual/index.php Building a Content Management Information Ethics Roundtable 2007 12-16 Strategy: Part 2, Tools Tucson, Arizona 9th International Conference on and Specifications http://library.hunter.cuny.edu/tdoyle/ier2007. May Enterprise Information Systems (ICEIS) htm Institute for Systems and May 1-3 Technologies of Information, 25-27 Perfect Information Conference Control and Communication and 9 Buying and Selling eContent Bath, U.K. Universidade da Madeira Twelve Tips for the One-Person Library Information Today www.perfectinfo.com/learningevents.htm Funchal, Madeira, Portugal 23 Scottsdale, Arizona www.iceis.org What’s on the Horizon: A Look at www.buy-sell-econtent.com 6-11 Where Our Profession Is Heading 4th International Evidence 14-15 26-28 Based Library and Information North American Symposium on August Association for Population/ Practice Conference Knowledge Organization Family Planning Libraries & Chapel Hill-Durham, North Carolina International Society for 14 Information Centers International www.eblip4.unc.edu Knowledge Organization Moving to Knowledge Services: 40th Annual Conference Toronto, Ontario, Canada Managing the Change and Identifying New York City 4-11 www.slais.ubc.ca/users/iskona/events.html Advocates and Champions www.aplici.org/conferences/2007/index.html 4th International Evidence 22 Based Library and Information Financial Management of March 29-April 1 Practice Conference Information Projects Association of College and Research School of LIS at UNC-Chapel Hill Libraries 13th National Conference and UNC Institute on Aging September Baltimore, Maryland Chapel Hill-Durham, North Carolina www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlevents/baltimore/ www.eblip4.unc.edu Advertising Index 12 baltimore.htm Surveying as a Planning Tool, Part 1 5-10 26 April Patent Information Users 10K Wizard...... 2 Surveying as a Planning Tool, Part 2 Group Annual Conference ACM...... 17 11-12 Costa Mesa, California American Chemical Society . . . C2 October The Academic Librarian: www.piug.org/2007/an07meet.php Chemical Abstracts Services. . . 8 Dinosaur or Phoenix? CISTI...... 1 9 The Chinese University of Hong Kong 8-12 Dialog...... C4 Web Searching: Advanced 16th International World Hong Kong Emerald Group Publishing. . . . 34 Techniques for Google and Beyond Wide Web Conference www.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/conference/aldp2007/ Global Insight...... 7 23 info/index.htm Banff, Alberta, Canada Project Profile: The Hub of Clear http://www2007.org/ Greenwood Publishing Group. . . C3 Project Communication 11-14 Nature Photonics...... 30 Museums and the Web 15-16 Notebooks Library Automation . . 39 November Archives & Museum Informatics Enterprise Search Summit 2007 Web Choir...... 23 San Francisco, California Information Today 7 www.archimuse.com/mw2007 New York City SLA Products and Services Managing Digitization Projects: www.enterprisesearchsummit.com Lessons Learned—Best 2006 SLA Presidents Club. . . . 28 Practices Developed, Part 1 16-18 18-23 2007 Annual Conference . . . . . 4 14 Computers in Libraries 2007 Medical Library Association Managing Digitization Projects: Information Today Annual Meeting Click U! - Competitive Lessons Learned—Best Arlington, Virginia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Intelligence...... 37 Practices Developed, Part 2 www.infotoday.com/cil2007/default.shtml www.mlanet.org/am/index.html Click U! Live...... 32 Information Outlook Editorial December 16-18 23-26 Calendar ...... 39 European Information Canadian Library Association 61st 5 Society Conference Annual Conference and Trade Show 90 Minutes to a Great Taxonomy, Hämeenlinna, Finland St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada Part 1: Taxonomy Basics www.hameenliitto.fi/eisco2007/index.php www.cla.ca/conference/2007/index.html 12 90 Minutes to Beyond Taxonomy, Part II: Taxonomy Advanced

38 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 2007 Information Outlook Editorial Calendar You’re the expert, share what you know. We’re always looking for new authors for Information Outlook. That’s one way we get new ideas, learn new ways of doing things. The editorial calendar below shows major topics we want to cover for each issue in 2006. Please note: The editorial calendar 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 for articles. Also, our descriptions of the topics may not ﬁ t your approach. If you have a different idea for a topic, let us know. Issue Cover Article Copy Due • SLA 2007 Denver Preview May March 16, 2007 • Career Development — Possible topics: Professional development, gaining expertise in content areas, résumé writing, interview tactics Legal Issues — Possible topics: Copyright, June April 20, 2007 licensing, ﬁ le sharing, contract negotiations. Management — Possible topics: Planning, July May 18, 2007 budgeting, supervising a staff, purchasing

August Conference Papers Showcase June 22, 2007

September Copyright — Possible topics: Global July 20, 2007 considerations, permissions, new laws and regulations

Web 2.0 — Possible topics: Next generation Aug. 24, 2007 October Web sites, social networking, XML, RSS, podcasting

November Knowledge Management — Possible topics: Sept. 21, 2007 KM systems, indexing information, low- budget KM

December Special Issue: Leadership Oct. 19, 2007

INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 39

edcalendar.indd 1 2/13/2007 11:46:41 AM INFO MANAGEMENT

Library 2.0 in the Corporate World: Marketing Becomes Collaboration

asked a handful of library clients (whose tech savvy ran the gamut from pro to, New technologies can expand your library’s reach and uh, none) to help us in the design phase. usefulness—and get your clients involved. Because they were able to help us see things through their eyes, the collaborative By Jill Konieczko effort led to a better result. My husband, David, is a librarian at a law firm. When we debate the merits of Several years ago, I gave a presenta- new tools in exciting ways to better meet Library 2.0 applications in a special library tion on library marketing to a group of clients’ needs by engaging them. environment, he reminds me that tech- librarians in the Washington, D.C. area. nology doesn’t replace good service; it I am passionate about this topic, so I More than Academia should complement the need, not create was dismayed to watch one attendee Much of the Library 2.0 literature I’ve a new need, for the client. For example, in the front row, his eyes squinted, lips come across offers calls to action that in our library, we offer monthly brown pursed, arms and legs crossed tightly. seem more applicable for academic, bags, based on topics suggested by our I assumed that he didn’t share the love school, and public libraries. After read- library clients via an online survey. After for library marketing. At the conclusion, ing these articles and blogs, I wondered the brown bags, we make all handouts when I took questions, my would-be- where we could apply Library 2.0 available via the library’s intranet. We also heckler shot up his arm and said: “You concepts and applications in a special submit a wrap-up to the company news- can do all the marketing you want, but library environment, especially one in letter, and, often, we offer one-on-one or no one will use the library if you’re not which there’s a mix of digital immigrants departmental reviews. providing good library services.” and natives, and a bit of technophobia, Often, we equate library marketing Point taken. as we have here in our organization. My with logos and brochures, but I see Particularly in the “new media world,” conclusion is that there are many ways Library 2.0 as an amazing way to market where information is seemingly just a information professionals in news, legal, the library through meaningful conversa- point-and-click away, meaningful library corporate, and government libraries can tion and collaboration with our clients. marketing techniques are those that apply Library 2.0 tactics to provide better emphasize relevance, not just claim services—and this is the beginning of a 1 Prensky, Marc: “Digital natives, best services. I think a lot of us who whole new way to market our skills and digital immigrants,” from On the gravitate towards special librarianship services. Horizon from NCB University Press do so because we’re service-oriented For example, we can use library blogs Vol. 9, No. 5, October 2001 (available information junkies—but I would hazard to push information to our clients. We at www.marcprensky.com/writing/ a guess that many of us, especially those can employ wikis to help organize infor- Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Nativ of us who fall in the “digital immigrant”1 mation such as company policies and es,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20- demographic, still, just maybe, begrudge procedures. In one project, we worked %20Part1.pdf). technology. with Nation and World section reporters 2 For more on Web 2.0, read (or In the Web 2.0 world2, user-generated to develop profiles of U.S. Congressional re-read) “What is Web 2.0,” authored information grows as the network of its incumbents and challengers. We devel- by Tim O’Reilly, and available on the users grows. Web 2.0 includes services oped a wiki to share information. While Internet at http://www.oreillynet.com/ such as Flickr, Wikipedia, and blogs, developing the user interface for our pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/ which are user-centered: the users gen- digital assets management system, we what-is-web-20.html. erate, organize, share, and grow the content, regardless of medium. Library 2.0 is an offshoot of those concepts, providing ready, flexible access to information, Jill Konieczko is director of the library at U.S. News & World where library professionals work with Report. The regular columnist, John Latham, director of the SLA their clients—using RSS feeds, wikis, Information Center, will return in April. The Information Center is and tagging—in such a way that they sponsored by Factiva, from Dow Jones. become partners with common goals. Library 2.0 challenges us to use these

40 INFORMATION OUTLOOK V11 N03 MARCH 2007 psi ad 2/1/07 2:38 PM Page 1

Power, Security, and the Rule of Law

The Imperial Presidency and the Consequences of 9/11 Lawyers React to the Global War on Terrorism Two Volumes Edited by James R. Silkenat and Mark R. Shulman Foreword by Barry Kamins, Bettina B. Plevan, E. Leo Milonas, and Evan A. Davis

A series of reports compiled by the New York City Bar Association, the nation’s largest and most influential municipal bar, gives readers a clearer sense of what the rule of law really means to Americans. These materials represent an impressive variety of hard-hitting reports, letters, and briefs addressing legal issues arising out of the global war on terror. Greenwood February 2007 • 520 pages • 0-275-99440-6Pg. • 978-0-275-99440-2 • $150.00

Countering Terrorism and Insurgency in the 21st Century International Perspectives Three Volumes Edited by James J. F. Forest

Analyzes the most significant dimensions of combating terrorism and insurgency, including considerations of strategic and tactical issues (hard power, soft power, and counterintelligence); the need to thwart sources and facilitators (weak governments, ill-conceived foreign policy, and trafficking in drugs, guns, and humans); and the incorporation of lessons learned thus far from combating terrorism around the globe.

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Strategic Intelligence Five Volumes Edited by Loch K. Johnson

This comprehensive set details how the sixteen major U.S. intelligence agencies operate, collect information, analyze their findings, and disseminate intelligence to policymakers. It addresses counterintelligence, covert action, and the challenge of maintaining accountability within this hidden side of America’s government and offers comparisons with the approaches to intelligence adopted by other nations around the world.

2007 • 1,824 pages • 0-275-98942-9 • 978-0-275-98942-2 • $450.00

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