Palmetto Information Notes
Special Libraries Association
/ South Carolina Chapter
Volume 17, Number 3, Winter 2003
Contents
President's Message
by Dr. Stephen Bajjaly, School of Library and Information Science, USC
With winter (such as it is in South Carolina) fast drawing to a close, it is time to think of spring - and the chapter's annual awards meeting in Columbia on May 2nd at the State Library for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, followed shortly thereafter by the annual SLA conference, held this year in New York City June 7-12.
As you have no doubt heard, SLA is considering a name change and you have to be present in New York City to vote. Keynote speakers for the conference include Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCollough, Futurist Stewart Brand, and Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright. Complete information about the conference is available online at http://www.sla.org/content/Events/conference/2003annual/index.cfm.
At the recently-held Winter Meeting, the Association reviewed the many
initiatives underway besides the name change. These include:
· Hiring a new executive director. Recruitment is down to a final
list of candidates.
· Changes to the bylaws which will, among other things, make it
simpler to operate the chapter. I believe this is a welcome, positive
step that recognizes everyone associated with chapter management is volunteering
her or his time and that volunteers' time is better spent on other initiatives.
At the January meeting, Ms. Linda Broussard, Director of Leadership/Member Services, made an interesting presentation on the current SLA Membership. Statistics include:
· 80% female
· Live/work in 82 countries
· 70% + have 10+ years work experience
· 36 - 45 age is the largest category but many members are under
30 years old
· 2/3 work in corporate settings
The SLA "name change" is part of a broader "branding initiative" designed to make SLA appeal to a wider audience. There is a recognition that new LIS graduates won't replace the vast numbers of SLA members retiring in the next decade and that the association has a lot to offer.
To that end, we have several new members I would like to welcome to the
chapter:
· Harold Burnette
· Stewart Curry
· Abbey Gehman
· Geoff LoCicero
· Geneva Murphy
· Betty Phillips
· Shirley Robinson
· Olivia Wallace
We will soon be recruiting to fill a number of positions within the chapter. Please consider volunteering your time - we can use it!
Stephen T. Bajjaly
SC-SLA President