SLA Preview 2007: Up to the Challenge
SLA commits to new tools and techniques to ace old tests
By Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 5/15/2007
This year's SLA conference theme, “Climb to New Heights,” challenges the info pro to “accept challenges by creating innovative solutions,” says conference cochair Ty Webb. To meet that need, conference programming, which runs June 3–6 in Denver, includes SYNERGY sessions, which are based on the “unconference” concept that participants come up with the best results when engaged in discussion. WOW! Programs are those chosen by each division to reflect collaboration and encourage “outside-the-box” thinking.
Expect Al Gore, this year's Opening General Session keynote speaker (Sunday, June 3, 5:30–7:30 p.m.), to deliver challenging messages about the environment and technology that match the conference theme. Gore “has always been a person ahead of his time,” says SLA CEO Janice Lachance. “His dedication to good information has resulted in his visionary leadership on cutting-edge issues.”
SLA has accepted many challenges, as well, over the past year. Committed to an international focus, the association has expanded its presence in India and China. It launched a knowledge management division that attracted more than 500 members in just eight months. In addition, Click University, the association's online learning center, expanded its course offerings, online resources, and partnerships and now is authorized to award continuing education units.
The association is also looking ahead. Based on feedback from last year's Professional Value Task Force, SLA will engage a consulting firm to analyze the future of the information profession in order to determine how the association will grow.
Focus on the future doesn't mean ignoring past accomplishments. SLA was founded by John Cotton Dana in 1909, and a centennial commission has been established to begin work on activities surrounding the anniversary. Member suggestions already are being solicited (email your ideas to 100@sla.org).
Monday, June 4
7–8:30 a.m.
SLA Tech Zone: Podcasting—Make Noise the New Fashioned Way (#510, $35)
Those without division breakfast commitments or not yet ready for a full-day tutorial can learn from a Dow Jones developer; a relatively inexpensive way to get a practical introduction to podcasting.
9–10:30 a.m.
SYNERGY General Session
SLA notables Stephen Abram (SLA president-elect and VP of innovation at SirsiDynix), Eugenie Prime (formerly of Hewlett-Packard), and Clifford Lynch (executive director, Coalition for Networked Information) will be interviewed by Tom Hogan, CEO of Information Today, Inc., followed by questions from members of the audience.
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Going Local: Secrets to Finding Local Market Information
Become an ace in an area where the Internet isn't (yet) your prime competition. Learn how to unearth local contacts and resources in an unfamiliar venue. A case study will focus on Denver.
WOW! Winning the Game: Adopting Offensive Strategies for Organizational Success
What makes some info organizations thrive and others nosedive? Which strategies can be deployed better to ensure success? Emory University's Richard Luce applies Darwin's “survival of the fittest” theories for winning strategies.
1:30–3 p.m.
SYNERGY: The Only Constant in Digital Services Is Change
Need a primer on the latest, relevant digital services and web technologies? LJcolumnist Roy Tennant, until recently with the California Digital Library and now an OCLC senior program manager, will speak on whatever the preconference audience decides is most important. Visit sla.org to participate.
4–5:30 p.m.
Mashups and Remixes for Government Information
How to make the most out of our copious, copyright-free information. A vendor (maplight.org) and a practitioner (National Geographic Society's Karen Huffman) demonstrate combining resources with others to make better products.
9 p.m.–midnight
Science Fiction Open House
After you're done paying your dues at division and alumni gatherings, come prepared for pure escapism. This open house features sf authors, including Will McCarthy (The Collapsium, Bantam).
Tuesday, June 5
7–8:30 a.m.
Chairing Meetings: Getting Things Done and Having Fun
Wake your brain with coffee, then learn how to use all of its parts. Meetings can be both efficient and enjoyable. Consultants share the tried-and-true; reveal your own.
9–10:30 a.m.
Developing Tomorrow's Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management Professional
Two of the profession's hottest topics (and fastest growing SLA divisions) go under the microscope, as five educators take a critical look at how these topics are taught, the job outlook, internship opportunities, and more.
Dream Jobs of the Future
Get a dose of reality as two recruiters, an educator, and a vendor discuss where the profession is heading and needed skills.
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
WOW! Giving Meaning to the Term “Customer Engagement”
Prepare to be impressed by the latest trends in the consumer marketplace, brought to you by San Francisco's Swivel Media. Founder and CEO Erik Hauser looks at virtual worlds and other emerging tech environments. Can they serve a professional purpose?
Beyond Online
Competitive intelligence remains hot, and this session explores a timely and challenging facet of the discipline—gathering information at trade shows and conferences. Three practitioners share their expertise.
2:30–4 p.m.
Finding the Concept: Using Ontologies and Semantics
Become more than a searcher; understand how search is optimized through both semantic relationships and structured data. Knowing these basic concepts can help practitioners better communicate with IT pros.
WOW! Super Searcher Secrets:
What Today's Web Researcher Needs To Know
Independent info pro guru Mary Ellen Bates delivers the same session every year but with all new, compelling content. Always worthwhile.
7–10 p.m.
SLA Salutes! Awards and Leadership Reception (#715, $40)
This year's event includes a night at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team (playing the Houston Astros). Celebrate with food and drink in a special SLA section.
Wednesday, June 6
9–10:30 a.m.
SLA Closing General Session with Cartoonist Scott Adams
How can the creator of Dilbert be anything but hilarious? Adams spent years in the cubicle world and shares those experiences.
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Mining Social Network Sites
What you say in the online world doesn't go away, and those working in news environments especially should take note of these rich resources. A Denver Post librarian and a publishing executive weigh in.
1–2:30 p.m.
WOW! Does Visualization Make a Difference?
Geared toward those doing competitive intelligence, this session on visualization tools can help any professional present information. Representatives from Groxis and Oculus Info review the choices.
Grab the Millennial Gold!
Blogs, IM, gaming, and more. Learn what it takes to reach young adults and keep their attention. RSVP required; session limited to 30. Contact Emily Mardis (emily.mardis@lackland.af.mil, or 210-977-2804) no later than May 31.
| Author Information |
| Lynn Blumenstein is Senior Editor, Library Hotline |
