2000/01 Candidates for SLA Office.

Stephen K. Abram for President-elect

Stephen K. Abram, M.L.S. is Vice President, Micromedia Limited / IHS Canada (1994-present).

Past Employment: Carswell, Thomson Professional Publishing: publisher, electronic information (1992-1994); Thomson Electronic Publishing: senior product manager, electronic information (1991); Hay Management Consultants / The Hay Group: director, information & marketing resources and director, administration (1989-1991); director, information resources (1985-1989); Coopers & Lybrand / Currie Coopers & Lybrand (Auditing, Taxation, Consulting): head librarian, national information centre (1980-1985).

Education: M.L.S. Paculty of Library & Information Science, University of Toronto (1980); B.A. (hon.) University of Toronto (anthropology) (1978).

SLA Member Since: 1980

SLA Chapter Activities: Toronto Chapter: public relations committee chair (1999-2000); past president (1991-1992); president (1990-1991); president-elect (1989-1990); assorted positions including PR, nominations, continuing education (1988-1995).

SLA Division Activities: Library Management Division: bylaws chair (1999-2000); nominations committee chair (1993-1994); chair-elect, chair, past-chair (1991-1993); Business & Finance Division: roundtable (1990); directory committee (1985).

SLA Association Level Activities: Committee on committees member (1999-2000); board of directors (1996-1999); strategic planning committee chair (1997-1998); public relations committee chair (1995-1996); President's Visioning Committee member (1992-1994); Presidents International Inter-Association Task Force to Enhance the Image of the Information Professional member (1988-1990).

Other Professional Activities: Internet World Canada, and Computers in Libraries Conferences, Internet Librarian, ASIS, Internet Librarian International (1990-2000).

Selected Publications: "Pushing the Pay Envelope, Y2K Compensation Strategies", Information Outlook, Oct. 1999 "Content and Technology", Information Today, Nov. 1999; "The Strategy Game at SLA", Information Outlook, Feb. 1998 (Issue Guest Editor); "The Best Library Event I Ever Saw". MLS Marketing Library Services, July/August 1999; "Shift Happens", OLA Access, Winter 1998/1999 and NASIG Proceedings Fall 1999; "Post-Information Age. Positioning for Special Librarians: Is Knowledge Management the Answer?", Information Outlook, June 1997.

Awards & Honors: Fellow, Special Libraries Association (1995); SLA Library Management Division Management Leadership Award (1999); Canadian Special Librarian of the Year (1998).

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today and do you, as a candidate for the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing these issues?

Our key issues are (1) positioning the key role our members play in the success of their employers and the knowledge economy, and (2) preparing the membership for increased expectations of employers. It is essential for SLA to develop a comprehensive marketing/communications plan and to implement it effectively. For increased success, our members must be provided with the tools, the context, and the power to effectively position themselves with key decision-makers in the environments where our members practice our profession. This means, to me, we must review our too-traditional public relations activities. In a broader context we need to develop a coordinated and assertive plan for marketing SLA and communicating the value and role of special librarians. That would necessarily mean professionally reviewing our 'brand name' and integrating this with a reinvigorated professional development plan that enables members to recognize SLA as their first choice for continuous learning.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides service to its members?

The time is now to take our valuable, virtual SLA infrastructure and turn it outward, positioning our members, and SLA, as leaders in the knowledge economy. I have been a strong proponent of SLA as an incubator, where our members experience emerging or recent technologies and practice their implementation and use in a non-threatening environment. Members are consequently empowered to take such competencies back to their organizations in the context of their deep understanding of information behaviours. When I proposed the term 'Virtual Association' to describe our strategy, I hoped that the strategy would provide a focus for the development of an association that extended beyond headquarters and also broke the boundaries of networking only at annual conferences and chapter events. The strategy - 7/24/365 - has evolved through excellent financial management and planning, without our Association having to discontinue or diminish any of our traditional and valued print offerings.

Where to you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

As every century turns, history finds the fools of the moment. At the turn of this millennium we can identify them easily by their rallying cry--"I can find information I need on the web for free." Some of them lead our organizations and some are our clients. As fools are recognized for what they are, and as their decisions are made public through the mistakes they make in basing decisions on low-quality or false information, we will find our knowledge and competencies in high demand. SLA knowledge professionals help our clients 'turn information into knowledge and put knowledge to work'. We are being handed a great millennial gift of information chaos that will ensure that our profession will prosper and ensure the success of our enterprises. We must have the courage and belief in our profession to take this gift and allow our profession to soar.

Hope N. Tillman for President-elect

Hope N. Tillman is Director of Libraries at Babson College, Babson Park, Massachusetts (1991- present)

Past Employment: Tufts University Arts and Sciences Library: assistant director for public services and access (1990-1991); head of reference services (1989-1990); Rider University Library: coordinator of information services (1982-1989); reference librarian (1971-1982); Trenton Public Library: branch librarian (1968-1969); Free Library of Philadelphia: library trainee (1965-1966) Fels Institute of Local and State Government at the University of Pennsylvania: special librarian (1963-1964).

Education: M.B.A., Rider University School of Business Administration(1979); M.L.S., Rutgers Graduate School of Library Service (1966); B.A., English, University of Pennsylvania (1964). Also attended Goucher College and Middlebury College.

SLA Member Since: 1974

SLA Chapter Activities: Boston Chapter: president (1993-1994); president-elect (1992-1993); program committee (1990-1992); nominating committee chair (1995-1996); awards committee chair (1995-1997); discussion list manager, 1993-present). Princeton-Trenton Chapter: twentieth anniversary committee chair (1987); director (1985-1986); president (1984-1985); president-elect (1983-1984); networking committee chair (1982-1983); hospitality committee chair (1980-1981, 1982-1983); bulletin business manager (1981-1982); nominating committee chair (1978-1979).

SLA Division Activities: Information Technology Division: chair (1998-1999); chair-dect (1997-1998); networking section chair (1992-1993); liaison from SLA Networking Committee (1991-1992); discussion list manager (1993-present). Education Division: chair (1988-1989); chair-elect (1987-1988); Education Libraries editor (1986-1990). Information Futurists Caucus: discussion list manager (1996-present). Business & Finance, Education, Information Technology, Library Management Divisions: member; Information Futurists Caucus: member.

SLA Association-Level Activities: Board of directors (1994-1997); strategic planning committee member (1994-1996); strategic planning committee chair (1995-1996); networking committee chair (1990-1993).

Other Professional Activities: President, WEBNet (West of Boston, MA) Library Consortium (1993-1994, 1997-1998); Member of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Statewide Technology Committee; Served on Executive Board of the Metrowest Massachusetts Regional Library System (1998-1999).*

Awards and Honors: SLA Business & Finance Division Disclosure Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business Librarianship (1994); SLA Education Division Award for Excellence (1992).

Publications (selected): Evaluating Quality on the Net, (1995-1999), Internet Tools of the Profession: A Guide for Special Librarians. Washington, D.C.: Special Libraries Association, 1st edition, 1995, 2nd edition 1997.

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today and how do you, as a candidate for the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing those issues?

The most critical issue facing SLA today is ensuring the relevance of the Association to a membership whose profession is undergoing continuing fast-paced evolution. Change will continue. As President, I intend to keep watching and listening to members in order to provide responsive leadership. We need to balance association unit needs with the best interests of the membership as a whole. As information professionals grow and assume new roles and careers, we need to adjust to their new needs and provide relevant services. I feel strongly that we need to continue to build bridges and partner with other professional organizations as well. Finally, I support the efforts of the Board to look at our governance structure to make sure bureaucracy doesn't get in the way of our initiatives as we move forward. I want to participate in SLA's development as a flexible, responsive, dynamic organization.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides services to its members?

Technology is a tool, and we need to use it to members' advantage. The virtualization of the association is not an end in itself; it is designed to make us more responsive and enhance face to face activities. Early results include the discussion lists, chat services, and members' only section of the SLA web site. I see technology as an enabler of two-way communication, increasing the ability of association leaders at all levels to interact regularly with one another and the entire membership, not bounded by time and place. it can provide a way for those who cannot attend annual or local meetings to stay in touch or get involved. Technology can be used to provide customized professional development opportunities to meet member needs. We need to encourage and support members to embrace technology whether or not they have access from their workplace. Technology is only a tool and will help us only if members use it.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

SLA members belong among those charting the course for the future of the information professions in the new millenium. We bear little resemblance to librarians at the beginning of the twentieth century, and we will continue to evolve. We will continue to provide services to best meet content needs of customers. More of us will not work within a library building. Services will continue to move out of the library and to the most convenient locations for customers. Some aspects of our jobs will be virtual and some face to face. We must track and anticipate organizational needs, and provide answers without waiting for specific requests. What will endure in our profession is our role in adding value to our organizations by our ability to evaluate information and create knowledge. I truly expect we will continue to enjoy our profession and be able to celebrate our increased value.

Richard G. Geiger for Treasurer

Richard G. Geiger is Library Director for The San Francisco Chronicle, (1984- present).

Past Employment: San Jose Mercury News: library manager (1980-84); The San Francisco Chronicle: librarian (1976-80); San Francisco National Historical Park Library: librarian (1975-76).

SLA Member Since: 1974

Education: M.L.I.S. University of California, Los Angeles (1975), B.A. (environmental biology) and B.A. (art) University of California, Santa Barbara (1970).

SLA Chapter Activities: San Francisco Bay Region Chapter: president (1991-92); awards committee chair (1992-93); nominating committee chair (1993-94); strategic planning committee chair (1995-96); advertising committee chair (1979-80).

SLA Division Activities: News Division: chair (1989-90); annual conference program chair (1988-89); awards committee chair (1990-91); treasurer (1986-88); public relations committee chair (1983-84).

SLA Association-level Activities: board of directors (1993-96); strategic planning committee chair (1994-95); public relations committee chair (1992-93).

Other Professional Activities: Region II, Core Planning Group, Library of California (1999-present ); Internet Librarian conference, organizing/review committee (1997- ); BayNet board of directors (1996- ); California State Library Networking Task Force Steering Committee (1990-92); Associates of the National Maritime Museum Library president (1989-92).

Awards & Honors: San Francisco Bay Region Chapter Award for Professional Achievement, (1996); News Division Agnes Henebry Award (1994); News Division Ralph J. Shoemaker Award (1989).

Publications: "Copyright Corner: Reprints and Permissions," Information Outlook, May 1998. "Newspaper Database Pricing and Revenues," Seybold Publishing Conference, 1996. "Digital Photo Archiving," Digital '96 conference. Contributor, Media Libraries: A Management Handbook (1993). "Library's Role in the Age of the Electronic Darkroom," SLA Annual Conference 1990. "Managing the News Library," SLA, Annual Conference, 1990. "Coping with Change," Online, '87 conference, 1987.

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today and how do you, as a candidate for the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing those issues?

SLA must continue to develop a global strategy for our organization. As our member organizations become more and more international in facilities and focus, the Association needs to respond in kind. We need to chart a new course for SLA on this new global landscape. But there will be a number or challenges. The "digital divide" within the United States, between information "haves" and "have nots" is magnified several times in the world information marketplace. Will SLA have a strategy to serve the full range of possible members, or will it serve only the information elite? We need to consider the pros and cons of the various positions on this issue. It is my hope that we will be able to offer at least some services to the widest range of possible members and not close off avenues for greater communication, education and understanding.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides services to its members?

Thankfully, our increased need for quick communication and information sharing has been paired with the development of the Internet. Within SLA we have used this new technology to better serve members, and potential members. SLA's web site is an excellent first step to provide access to information about our profession. It also provides a proving ground and model that we can build on as we strive towards excellence. The use of chat as an avenue for communication in our organization will lead us to audio and video conferencing over the Net, as more and more members gain access to more powerful computers and electronic pipelines. Tools on the Web and electronic forms of publication will allow SLA to consider less expensive ways to service members and avoid increasing dues to levels that are unacceptable to potential members. A cafeteria style of member benefits could work in certain categories of membership, providing electronic access to needed information, and avoiding expensive print versions.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

The information profession, like virtually all other professions, is in a state of continual change. The old librarian stereotypes do not ring true today and soon, will seem as antiquated as the horse and buggy. The image of a librarian in a library is fading away as the amount of material available electronically continues to mount. Information professionals are moving out into the organization, working in teams and doing what needs to be done. They certainly are not sitting in a room waiting for a call. Members are spending their time training and coaching our increasingly "end-user" searchers. They are working as information consultants at the ground level of organizational planning. They are creating and contracting electronic research tools on the organizational intranet. They are managing their organization's digital assets for maximum benefit. And they are continually changing their roles in this fast-changing world. No position in the organization is beyond their purview.

Agnes K. Mattis for Treasurer

Agnes K. Mattis is the Head of the Corporate Library for the international law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New York, NY (1998-)

Past Employment: Santander Investment Securities: library manager (1996-1998); Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.: head librarian (1982-1995); Ernst & Whinney: reference librarian (1980-1982); Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette: reference librarian (1977-1980)

SLA Member Since: 1979

Education: M.L.S. Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, (1978); B.A. York College (CUNY), New York, (1975)

SLA Chapter Activities: New York Chapter: past president (1994-1995); president (1992-1994); secretary (1991-1992); treasurer (1997-1999) Ways & Means committee chair (1999-2000); employment committee chair (1995-1996); nominating committee chair (1996-1997); membership committee chair (1990-1991); Northeast Regional Conference Steering Committee member (1992-1994); Northeast Regional Conference Fundraising committee chair (1992-1994).

SLA Division Activities: Business and Finance Division: Seattle Conference chair and program planner (1996-1997); chair-elect (1995-1996); awards committee chair (1997-1998); nominating committee chair (1998-1999). Legal; Library Management; and Museum, Arts and Humanities Division: member.

SLA Association-level Activities: Finance committee member (1996-1999); conference planning committee member (Boston Conference) (1994-1996).

Other Professional Activities: Conflicts Administrators Group member (1998-present); Law Librarians Association of Greater New York (LLAGNY) member (1998-present).

Awards & Honors: New York Chapter Distinguished Service Award (1995).

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today an how do you as a candidate for the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing those issues?

As I see it the critical issues are Globalization and Remaining Relevant. SLA must continue to reach across borders with programming and services to attract and keep members outside of North America. At the same time the association must be viewed as the preeminent organization for information professionals. A name change will not be enough. Change must happen at every aspect of service from programming, professional development, research and public relations. This is certainly a tail order. As Treasurer I will work with the association staff and the Board of Directors to continue the 5 year financial planning process, providing a strong financial setting for SLA within the framework of a non profit organization.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides services to its members?

Technology is what drove the concept of the Virtual Association. As members and information professionals we must support and encourage the continuing efforts of SLA to provide us with cutting edge technology based services. The association has come far from simply having a Web site to the point where so many services are available at the click of a mouse, membership information, Who's Who, conference information, chat rooms just to name a few. Technology has made the association more responsive to members needs and more able to change in a constantly changing environment.

We must continue the plan for the virtual association. It will make SLA's services more valuable to members especially those outside the borders of North America. Most of our members are ready for the newest technology today. SLA must provide services for these members while encouraging all members to be at the very edge technology.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

Where no man has gone before--and at warp speed. As each technology developed there were those who predicted the end of the librarian. When research was begun on computers, some predicted the end of books and the end of the librarian. When organizations put a computer on every desk and desktop access to research some said there would be no need for the information professional. With the Internet available on every desk and in every home there are those who say the librarian will go the way of the dinosaur. But so far none of these predictions have happened. The role of the information professional has evolved. We have gone from providing information, to synthesizing information, to analyzing information.

Our roles will continue to evolve in the new century. We are now managing the information in addition to providing, synthesizing and analyzing. I believe the 21st century will see more of us changing the information into knowledge and managing the knowledge. I believe that we will become creators of content. Whatever happens I know it will happen at a faster rate than ever before and all of our skills and experience will be challenged.

Daille Pettit for Chapter Cabinet Chair-elect

Daille Pettit is Director, Information Services, American Hotel & Motel Association, Washington, DC (1996-present).

Past Employment: American Hotel & Motel Association: manager, information center (1994-1996); senior information specialist (1990-1994); Helen F. Kellogg Library, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: librarian (part-time), (1988-1990); American Embassy, Tokyo, Japan: embassy community liaison officer (1986-1988); Sacred Heart University, Tokyo, Japan: cataloging librarian, (1985-1986); Joint Library of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Library: library clerk, (1985).

SLA Member Since: 1991.

Education: M.L.S., University of Maryland, College Park, MD (1984); BA. (English), University of Wisconsin, Madison (1967).

SLA Chapter Activities: Washington, DC Chapter: past-president (1999-2000); president (1998-1999); first vice president (1997-1998); professional development chair (1995-1996); membership chair (1993-1995); international projects committee member (1998-present).

SLA Division Activities: Social Sciences Division: government relations chair (1995-1997); Association Information Services Caucus: founding member; presenter SLA convention, Minneapolis (1999); Library Management Division: member

Other Professional Activities (selected): American Library Association member (1984-present); Beta Phi Mu Iota Chapter president (1997); Ladies Guild of Santo Domingo president (1989-1990); Association of Professional Librarians, Tokyo, president (1986-1988); Tokyo Community Counseling Service board of directors (1986-1988); American Orientation Program of the Fulbright Commission of Japan co-chair (1986-1988). A wards & Honors: AH&MA employee of the month (1992); Beta Phi Mu member (1985): Phi Beta Kappa (1967); Phi Kappa Phi (1967); scholastic honoraria.

Publications: In-house newsletters, books, and research projects.

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today and how do you, as a candidate for the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing those issues?

To me, the most critical issue facing SLA is the pace of change affecting our profession and society in general. SLA needs to be a change agent in some ways, but also be responsive to the needs of the membership and not lose sight of basic professional values while dealing with change. Other important issues include promoting the value of our profession, providing personal growth and professional development, and mentoring the next generation.

As chapter cabinet chair-elect, I will have an opportunity to deal directly with the entire membership through the chapter leaders. I intend to listen to members' concerns and formulate policies based ultimately on members' needs. My goal is to articulate the direction the association is taking based on where the members want it to go! As a creative problem solver, I offer to the membership an open mind and a genuine interest in responding to member concerns.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides service to its members?

Technology can be a tremendous boon and a great tool when used to accomplish a goal, task, or service. I do not believe that technology itself should be the ultimate goal of the association. Although creating the "virtual association" should improve services to the members, I plan on monitoring the direction SLA takes to ensure that technology (and the money spent on it) does not become leadership's number one priority.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

I do not believe that our profession is going to disappear. Our motto, "putting knowledge to work," is as true today as it was 90 years ago and undoubtedly will be 90 years from now If anything the skills of interpreting, dissecting, and providing valid information will continue to be needed because of the surfeit of data flowing from many sources, including the web. What the information profession may be forced to do is to "reinvent" itself, We cannot always do things the same way or on the other hand, think that we have all the answers because we have adopted the most up-to-date technology. We need to have open minds, think creatively, and anticipate - not react to - the future.

Ethel M. Salonen for Chapter Cabinet Chair-elect

Ethel M. Salonen is the Director for Public Sector Sales, Primark Financial Information Division (1998-present).

Past Employment: Knight-Ridder Information Inc.: director, U.S. academic sales (1995-1997); director, New England sales (1993-1995); Dialog Information Services, Inc.: senior account executive (1989-1993); Arthur D. Little, Inc.: manager, research and life sciences libraries (1987- 1989); manager, research library (1985-1989); information specialist, research library (1980-1985); University of California at Riverside: reference librarian, physical sciences library (1978- 1980).

Education: MS. (library science), C.W. Post College, Long Island University (1978); M.A. (liberal studies-applied sciences), State University of New York at Stony Brook (1977); B.A. (earth and space sciences), State University of New York at Stony Brook (1974).

SLA Member Since: 1978

SLA Chapter Activities: Boston Chapter: logistics committee member (1999-2000); logistics committee co-chair (1990-1993); nominating committee chair (1991); president (1987-1990); Sci-Tech Committee chair (1986-1987); logistics committee chair (1984-1986); program committee member (1983-1987, 1990-1993).

SLA Division Activities: Information Technology Division: government relations committee chair (1990-1992).

SLA Association-Level Activities: 2000 conference planning committee deputy chair (1998-2000); nominating committee chair and chair-elect (1996-1998); board of directors (1993-1996); H.W Wilson Company award committee member (1996-1997); San Antonio Conference planning committee member (1989-1991).

Other Professional Activities: New England Online Users Group (NENON) advisor (1995-present); New England Online Users Group president (1992-1995).

Awards & Honors: Knight-Ridder Information, Inc. Sales Awards; Arthur D. Little, Inc Director's Excellence Award; University of California at Riverside University Librarian's Service Award; Beta Phi Mu

Publications: Authored a number of training sessions while at Knight-Ridder Information, Inc. Presented "Using Dialog Throughout the Product Life Cycle" at the 1991 and 1995 Dialog Updates and the 1997 Tokyo Update.

What is the most critical Issue(s) facing SLA today and how do you, as a candidate for the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing those issues?

SLA is an organization undergoing massive transition. The prime issue for the Association is to serve the diverse needs of its member base including membership retention, allocating resources to programs that further the profession, integrating technology advancements into the day-to-day activities of running the association, marketing the value of librarians to all organizations, serving the needs of a global membership, and accomplishing all of this under strict financial guidelines. Another key issue for SLA is to assure its' recognition as a leader within the association community. My role as Chair, Chapter Cabinet, would include working with the global Chapter leaders in identifying ways in which the Association can meet their goals in supporting the needs of their Chapter members. As a voting member of the Board, I must take a global perspective on how the Association will meet the challenges that accompany the above mentioned issues.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides services to its members?

SLA in the past 24 months has done an incredible job listening to the needs of the membership and has changed the way it does business. We are becoming a truly "virtual" association with a service-oriented website, a web-based Annual conference-planning program, and attention to utilizing advanced technology. The Annual conference has been greatly enhanced by the use of advance technology. The Association has successfully identified new technology companies as additional exhibitors and sponsors for our conferences and unit programs. Members can now update their profiles on the website. Unit leaders will soon have the opportunity to access their member lists and access up-to-date address labels for program and newsletter mailings. The leadership discussion list, the Candidates' chat room, the Executive Director's chat room, and unit web sites are examples of the Association embracing technology and applying them to everyday member services.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

There are incredible opportunities for our profession in the years to come. The internet economy has enhanced our value. Librarians know how to identify, evaluate, manage, and deliver content. We know how to utilize technology to further the information mandates of the organizations we represent. We utilize networking skills to further our careers and identify new methods of practice in delivering information within our organizations. Many of us attend conferences that are aligned with our organizations to understand how our customers use the information we deliver. We will continue to seek and work with mentors and mentees and will continue to attend Chapter, Division, and regional programs to hear our colleagues discuss their achievements. Although some information centers have closed, resulting in an information "solution" that is aligned with desktop delivery, our profession has responded by moving forward and working with management to ensure it is done right!

Corinne Campbell for Division Cabinet Chair-elect

Corinne Campbell has been employed by The Boeing Company since 1966, and has managed the Libraries for the Puget Sound area from 1979 to 1981 and from 1983 to the present.

Education: B.A. in English with honors from Washington State University, Masters in Librarianship from the University of Washington.

SLA Member Since: 1966

SLA Chapter Activities: Pacific Northwest Chapter: past-president and past program chair and has served on many chapter committees.

SLA Division Activities: Library Management Division: chair, chair-elect, past chair

SLA Association-level Activities: Chair of the 1997 Seattle Conference, and was deputy program chair of the 1981 Atlanta Conference.

Other Professional Activities: member of the Conference Board Information Services Advisory Council (ISAC) and the Industrial Technical Information Managers Group (ITIMG); member of the Washington Library Network Executive Council (1977-1979). Presentations given at a variety of conferences, including SLA conferences, the Conference Board ISAC, ITIMG, the American Society for Information Science (ASIS), the Association of Information and Dissemination Centers (ASIDIC), and the Online/CD-ROM Conference. She has been both a visiting lecturer and guest speaker at the University of Washington Graduate School of Library and Information Science and the University of British Columbia School of Library, Archival and Information Studies. She has been a loaned executive from The Boeing Company to United Way and served for three years on the board of New Beginnings, a shelter for battered women and was president of that board for two years. Board of Trustees of the Northwest Chamber Orchestra: member, board secretary, v ice president, and chair of the marketing committee (1985-present).

Publications: "Reaching the Promised Land," an Interview with Eugenie Prime, Information Outlook (1997)., "Managing Information as a Strategic Asset: Corporate Intranet Development and the Role of the Company Library" white paper for the Conference Board ISAC (1998).

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today and how do you, as a candidate for the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing those issues?

In my view, the essential and continuing role of SLA-whether at the Association, division or chapter level-is professional development. This is accomplished through the traditional venues of conference sessions, continuing education courses, substantive local chapter meetings, and a vibrant professional journal, Information Outlook. Increasingly, professional development also includes the use of distance learning and the exchange of information through listserv discussions and e-mail. One role of the Board is to encourage the Association staff to be aware of member development needs and to provide needed opportunities, to encourage divisions in their educational efforts, and to make it easier for members to find and use these opportunities. We must ensure that the Association budget accommodates this emphasis. It also includes making members aware of new opportunities to use their core competencies and skills to help their organizations manage information and knowledge.

How do your see technology affecting the way SLA provides services to its members?

I believe that SLA has done a good job in communicating electronically with its members. The web site and the various listservs make communication easier and provide up-to-date information. Most chapters and divisions also have well-developed sites and listservs. There are, however, two risks in this approach. One is that the SLA member may become overwhelmed with the vast number of these "communication opportunities," and may suffer from the proverbial information overload. The other is that we still live in an age of unequal access to the web and e-mail. Therefore, my cautionary view is that, for the near term, we need multimedia communication, i.e., electronic and traditional.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

As we enter the new millennium we are entering an exciting time for information professionals. For the first time in many years, we are seeing articles that discuss the shortage of librarians. Our strong service orientation and traditional library and information center services are highly valued. In addition, the role of the web, the emergence of knowledge management initiatives, and the need for information management in non-library areas offer new opportunities. Increasingly, information specialists are teaming with customers on a variety of projects, including competitive intelligence and new business opportunities. Skills such as thesaurus development, the development and understanding of classification schemes or taxonomies, the need for metadata, and our understanding of search engines and information retrieval are creating a renewed demand and respect for our professional skills.

Susan M. Klopper for Division Cabinet Chair-elect

Susan M. Klopper is manager, Andersen Business Research Center, Arthur Andersen LLP, Atlanta, Georgia (1985- present).

Education: M.L.S. Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, Connecticut (1984); Master of Education, Southern Connecticut State University New Haven, Connecticut (1982); B.A. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, North Carolina (1977).

Past Employment: corporate business librarian, Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia (1984-1985).

SLA Member Since: 1983

SLA Chapter Activities: Georgia Chapter: president (1986-1987); program planner, (1985-1986).

SLA Division Activities Library Management Division: program planner, 1997 Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington. Business & Finance Division: chair, (1994-1995)

chair-elect and program planner 1994 Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

SLA Association-level Activities: chair, conference planning committee, Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota (1999); Participated on a panel, "Networking for Shy People" (1999).

Other Professional Activities: American Association of Law Libraries, member (1983-present); Atlanta Law Library Association, member (1983-present). Presentations at the following: New York Business Information Conference (1999); Online World Conference (1999); Clark Atlanta University Graduate Library. School (1999); Online World Conference (1998).

Publications: "Web-Based Searching: Finding a New Search Rhythm, Online, September/October 1999; "Sailing on the AccountantSea: Accounting Research Sources, Database, June/July 1998; "Testing, Stretching, Pushing and Pulling the Dialog Web," Online, September/October 1997; "Profound for the Internet: M.A.I.D. to Order for Professional Searchers and End-Users," Online, July/August 1997;"

Awards & Honors: Library Management Division Management Leadership Award (1998); SLA Public Relations Award for International Special Librarians Day (1998).

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today and how do you, as a candidate far the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing these issues?

SLA is in the middle of a profession redefining itself. Challenges from internal ranks of information professionals stretching beyond "traditional" roles, library school students focused on exploring new niches, and competitors from outside the field have fragmented the value of our skills and competencies and led others up the corporate ladder. Also distressing are the number of librarians who have successfully moved up that ladder but no longer perceive a fit in the association. SLA contributed to developing and nurturing their competencies and networks but is perceived as unable to support growth into this next dimension. All of these challenges provide "out-of-the-box" opportunities for SLA to redefine itself. The Board is aware of these challenges and is on the brink of catapulting SLA into the new century. I can't think of a more exciting time to sit on the board and take part in this process. I have a demonstrated commitment to SLA, in particular division programming. I look forward to contributing to the synergy of making exciting changes happen for the newly defined information profession.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides service to its members?

By using technology to reach more people and attract new alliances and partnerships, SLA can redefine itself and modify external and and internal perceptions. Technology is a tool for enhancing personal interactive opportunities, such as improving presentation experiences and establishing access to conference programming via the SLA web. It provides powerful opportunities to reach and educate students and practitioners across all disciplines and create new membership models. Features such as teleconferencing, online chats, and long distance learning can be used to reach larger audiences and provide important global learning, sharing, and networking opportunities. It is in fulfilling its potential as an enabler of people sharing and learning that technology will best benefit the association and its members.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

Ours is a profession of bright, imaginative, and passionate individuals. I can not imagine a time when our skills are more needed and in such high demand. Combined with a strong service ethic, the ability to enable trust, and match both people with information and people with people, we are on the brink of shedding our skins and emerging as information drivers and leaders. I see three events coming together to make this happen: We stop hiding behind our image and take more risks. Second, SLA reinvents itself and aggressively targets and re-recruits information professionals who have successfully redefined themselves. This represents a powerful, untapped community of mentors, teachers, and promoters; we need to embrace them before other professions and associations do. And third, we completely transform our image in the eyes of the business community. As members of the profession, we all share the responsibility to work within our organizations, our library schools, and our association to cut with the lip-ser vice and lead our profession, kicking and screaming if need be, into the next millennium.

Lucy B. Lettis for Director

Lucy B. Lettis is Director, Business Information Services, Arthur Andersen LLP, New York, NY (1995-present). She was promoted to Principal in 1999--first information professional at Principal level in firm's history.

Past Employment: American International Group: New York, NY manager, corporate information center (1990-1995) Pall Corporation, East Hills, NY: marketing research manager (1989-90), manager of library services (1985-89); Adelphi University Library, Garden City, NY: automation technologist (1983-85), special assistant, dean of libraries office (1982-83).

SLA Member Since: 1985

Education: M.S., Library & Information Science, Palmer School of Library & Information Science Long Island University (1982); B.A., summa cum laude, English Literature, C.W. Post Center, Long Island University (1980); Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ, Major: organ and choral music; Minor: voice (1971-1973).

SLA Chapter Activities: New York Chapter: past- president (1997-98); president (1996-97); president-elect (1995-96); Insurance and Employee Benefits Group chair (1992-93, chair-elect, 1991-92). Long Island Chapter: business manager (1992-93, 1993-94).

SLA Division Activities: Insurance & Employee Benefits Division: treasurer (1994-96); government relations committee chair (1992-94); nominating committee member (1991-92).

SLA Association-level Activities: Chair, Steering Committee, Global 2000: SLA's Second Worldwide Conference on Special Librarianship to be held October 2000 in Brighton, England, International Relations Committee: member (1997-2000).

Professional Activities: White House Conference on Library & Information Services, Facilitator, National Information Policies Group, 1991; member, International Advisory Board, Encyclopedia of Library & Information Science 2nd edition, Marcel Dekker, publication pending; SCIP (Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals) member (1987-91, 1998-present); IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations) member since 1998.

Publications: Spotlighted Interviewee. Information Outlook, Special Libraries Association, October 1999; Spotlighted Interviewee. Corporate Library Update, Cahners Business Information, August 1999; "Harnessing the Power of the Corporate Librarian." Talk presented at the SLA Annual Conference, Minneapolis MN, June 1999.

Awards & Honors The SLA/Dow Jones Leadership Award (1999); Sequoia Award for Outstanding Mentoring, presented by Arthur Andersen (1998).

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today and how do you, as a candidate for the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing those issues?

Among the many issues we face today I see three major challenges, the most critical being the image of our profession. I am dedicated to shaping others' perceptions of our value as catalysts in the knowledge economy. Ironically, the very emphasis on effective information services delivery in today's economy creates a new challenge for SLA: Other knowledge-related affiliations are competing with SLA to recruit information professionals into their ranks. Membership in multiple associations is invaluable for cross-fertilization and networking. But I want SLA to be viewed as THE dominant professional group in the information industry, the entity that decision-makers with issues pertaining to information and the creation of knowledge--even those who are not knowledgeable about our industry--immediately think of. Finally SLA must expend every effort to operate on a global basis. As a Board member, I will work toward forming global alliances and will focus on initiatives designed to expand our international reach a nd influence.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides service to its members?

As we globalize, distance learning programs will become increasingly critical to engaging and providing services to our members. Efforts to draw together virtual gatherings of information professionals through functional or topic-oriented chat sessions, seminars, and virtual conferences will proliferate. As a Board member, I will work toward implementing technologies designed to maximize global collaboration and information sharing. For example, I'd like to see SLA establish a best practices database. Users would have access to detailed information about successful information services programs, activities, and management models. The database would serve as a knowledge repository for public, private, corporate, and non-for-profit organizations throughout the world. Technology will be the means through which we increase information partnerships, best practice initiatives, and global project coordination.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

A prominent information industry executive has said, "The first thing you should know about your information future is that the walls are coming down." Familiar paradigms and provider/consumer distinctions will no longer exist. Demand for instantaneous, "just-for-you" customization of business-critical information will accelerate while our value as trainers and consultants to our organizations will increase. But we should not pretend certainty about what the future will be as we attempt to predict what it may be. I want our profession to go where WE decide to take it. We've got to be prepared to shift direction, keep our flexibility, turn when necessary on that thin and narrow dime.

Gail Stahl for Director

Gail Stahl is the Atlanta Director of Information and Research, The Boston Consulting Group, Atlanta, GA.

Past Employment: Shorter College: librarian (1996-97); Lamalie Amrop: researcher (1994-95); Mead Data Central: information professional support consultant (1992-94); Institute of Paper Science and Technology: database manager (1989-92); Contel Corporation: corporate librarian, (1988-89); The Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry: information resources coordinator (1986-1988); Kurt Salmon Associates: librarian (1980-86); Smith Barney, Harris Upham: branch assistant (1976-79); Mudge Rose Guthrie & Alexander: paralegal (1974-75); King and Spalding: law librarian (1973).

Education: M.L.S., Emory University (1987); B.A., (Spanish/library education), University of Georgia (1973); additional workshops and seminars in database management and search tools; SLA continuing education courses.

SLA Member Since: 1982

SLA Chapter Activities: Georgia Chapter: mentor, Clark-Atlanta Library School Student (1994-97); nominating committee (1995); corporate liaison (1992-93); treasurer (1990-92); bulletin editor (1988-89); scholarship awards committee chair (1989-90); Task Force on Electronic Communications (1988-89).

SLA Division Activities: Library Management Division: business manager, Library Management Quarterly (1997-98); awards committee member (1998-99); nominating committee chair (1997-98); fund development committee chair (1996-97); Knight-Ridder leadership fund committee chair (1996-97); chair (1995-96); strategic planning chair (1994-95); Atlanta conference planner (1993-94); bulletin editor (1991-93).

SLA Association Level Activities: Networking committee chair (1998-2000); networking committee member (1997-98); Special Libraries article referee (1989-93).

Other Professional Activities: Internet Librarian International 1999 and Internet Librarian 1998 speaker; fundraising committee member for SLA South Atlantic Regional Conference (1998-99); TAPPI Information Management Committee program co-chair (1991-92); Georgia Online Database Protocol Committee (1989); The Conference Board, Information Services Advisory Council (1989); Textile Information Users Council (1983-86).

Selected Publications: "Librarians as Internal Consultants: a New Role for the Information Manager", 1995 SLA Annual Conference; "The Information Factory: Issues for Management", 1995 SLA Annual Conference Papers; "Strategic Issues: Alternative Sources vs. Internal Sources", 1994 SLA Annual Conference; "The Virtual Library: Prospect & Promise", Special Libraries (Fall 1993); contributing writer, Library Management in Review (1992).

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today and how do you, as a candidate for the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing those issues?

SLA faces the challenge of promoting our profession's competencies in relationship to today's world of "dot-coms". To survive and grow as an association of proactive information professionals, it is necessary to use new, changing technologies to support member needs. While all of us have different levels of access to technology and technical knowledge, SLA has the opportunity to use technology as a tool to fulfill our members' need for continuous learning, skill enhancement, human-to-human networking, and, last but not least, presentation of a positive image to the "dot-com" world. SLA's Board of Directors has the opportunity to use technology as a tool, not an end, and to enlarge membership around the world.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides service to its members?

Technology has already affected the delivery of member services. It seems only yesterday that SLA staff installed a fax machine in headquarters! Judicious application of new technologies can benefit members in many ways by: 1) lowering the cost of supplying information, 2) increasing access to more members in more locations, 3) increasing the speed and ease of communication, and 4) providing a "non-judgmental" environment to gain skills in new technologies. It will be somewhat of a challenge to SLA leadership to know when to introduce a new technology and how long to continue offering the "old" technology. One thought to keep in mind is that technology is a tool used to offer a service to SLA members--not the service itself.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

Hopefully, when you read this issue of Information Outlook, you will have had only a few minor glitches due to "Y2K" issues. I suspect that the new millennium will not change the basic issues facing our profession. Information professionals will always be faced with the challenge of advocacy of our competencies, knowledge, and skills and the value they provide to our organizations and society. We will still be faced with adapting to new technologies faster than our customers. "Internet speed" and "dot-coms" will be replaced with new, more challenging concepts that will provide us with even more need to be lifelong learners. Future changes in technology, organizational structure, and information delivery will not change the basic need for assistance in compilation, organization, and assimilation of information--and the fact that information professionals are needed as an integral part of that process.

David Stern for Director

David Stern is the Director of Science Libraries and Information Services at Yale University (1994-present).

Past Employment: University of Illinois: Associate Professor and Head, Physics/Astronomy Library, (1987-1994); Arizona State University, Noble Science and Engineering Library: Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics Subject Specialist, (1984-1987); Medical College of Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth University): Medical Librarian (1984-1984); James Branch Cabell Library. Reference Librarian/Science Specialist, Virginia Commonwealth University (1982-1984).

Education: M.A., history & philosophy of science, Indiana University (1982); M.L.S., Indiana University (1982); B.S., biological sciences, University of Connecticut (1979).

SLA Member Since: 1982

SLA Chapter Activities: Connecticut Valley Chapter: member (1994-present); student liaison officer (1995-present); E-List operator (1994-present); WWW site host (1996-present). Illinois Chapter: member (1987-1994); Arizona Chapter: member (1984-1987); chair, consultation committee (1986-1987); employment chair (1985-1986); Virginia Chapter: member (1982-1984); government relations committee (1984).

SLA Division Activities: Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics Division: chair, networking committee (1998-1999); American Physical Society liaison (1995-1998); awards committee chair (1995); past-chair, chair, chair-elect (1993-1996); secretary (1991-1993); PAMnet E-List operator (1996-present); WWW site host (1997-present); member (1984-present). Science & Technology Division: member (1982-1984).

SLA Association-level Activities: nominating committee (1996-1997); networking committee (1995-1999).

Other Professional Activities (selected): Center for Research Libraries, Science Research Materials Project (SRMP) Advisory Board; American Physical Society Library Advisory Committee; Springer Library Advisory Committee. Teaching: Information Networks.

Publications (selected):Editorial Board, Science & Technology Libraries (1996- present); Guest editor, Science & Technology Libraries "Digital Libraries" special issue, Vol. 17, No. 3/4 (1999).

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today and how do you, as a candidate for the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing those issues?

I believe the most valuable service SLA can offer is the provision of proactive continuing education and professional development opportunities as they relate to new tools and techniques required on the job. A combination of current awareness and training sessions/web pages/documents would allow librarians to take advantage of the larger network of knowledge among our professionals and develop more informed leadership skills and vision. Focus areas should include: technology, personnnel/management, instruction, collection development, reference, cataloging, and preservation. I would concentrate my efforts in the following areas: Providing opportunities for growth (across and among disciplines) using the following techniques: (1) annual conferences - by helping to design sessions and networking opportunities; (2) publications writing short articles to promote current awareness topics; and (3) electronic newsgroups/chat rooms/listservs - organize regular and focused communications (Virtual Association SIGs). C reating enhanced student liaison coordination, following up on my present Chapter and professional activities in an attempt to identify maintain, and promote information of interest to potential librarians such as: recruitment and job information, award opportunities, and mentoring services. I also believe that each individual SLA member has the responsibility and must take action toward their own improvement. Examples of appropriate action include: informed voting, attending and/or reviewing professional development opportunities, participating in the development of other SLA members and services, and serving as a collaborator with other players in the information industry to implement the most reasonable information delivery systems.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides service to its members?

Technology provides powerful opportunities for delivering services to our members (and endusers). While electronic communication and learning technologies will never replace face-to-face learning, they present great opportunities for rapid and decentralized point-of-need information using web tutorials, online conferencing, chat spaces, listservs, fax, and phone capabilities. Perhaps SLA can develop online current awareness and continuing education offerings in a way that focuses on those members that can not attend the SLA conferences and workshops. In addition, the virtual association can provide better networking capabilities for identifying and consulting with other SIA-based resources.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

The old world view of librarianship consisted of cataloging, storing, searching, and retrieving information from an information domain consisting of peer reviewed and commercial publications. The new Information Professional will also proactively provide assistance with information literacy (filtering), knowledge management (personal storage and manipulation of data), and collaboration in developing information databases and delivery systems. These activities should include the entire spectrum of information resources. Professionals should use our knowledge of resources, tools, and classification techniques to develop customized gateways for specific user populations. In terms of association activities, I think SLA should focus on lobbying and public relations, using the leverage and visibility of the organization for protecting researcher and author rights and assisting in the development of logical and long-term sustainable information delivery systems.

Rebecca Vargha for Director

Rebecca Vargha is Library Coordinator at SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC (1994-present); member and library liaison: SAS Quality AwarenessTeam (1995-present).

Past Employment: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: adjunct faculty (1996-1998); National Humanities Center, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina: associate librarian (1987- 94); assistant librarian (1980-87); library assistant (1979-80).

Education: M.L.S., North Carolina Central University (1980); B.A.(English Literature) University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (1979)

SLA Member Since: 1980

SLA Chapter Activities: North Carolina Chapter: nominating committee (1998-99); SLA Winter Meeting Task Force (1994-95); nominating committee chair (1992-93); president-elect, president and past-president (1989-91); government relations committee chair (1985-89); education committee chair (1983-85); second vice-president (1983-85).

SLA Division Activities: Museum, Art and Humanities Division: awards committee chair (1998-99); division chair-elect and chair (1993-95); professional development chair (1991-92); long-range planning committee (1989-91).

SLA Association Level-Activities: SLA board of directors division cabinet chair and chair-elect (1997-98); networking committee (member 1994-95; chair 1995-1997); Cincinnati Conference Program chair (1991-1993).

Awards & Honors: member, Beta Phi Mu; North Carolina SLA Meritorious Achievement Award (1994).

Other Professional Activities: President of TRI-Libs (organization of Research Triangle Park Librarians) (1993); Special Libraries representative to North Carolina Governor's Conference on Libraries and Information Services (1991); North Carolina LSCA Advisory Council (1985-1987) Member of American Library Association, N.C. Library Association and Roundtable on Status of Women in Librarianship.

What is the most critical issue(s) facing SLA today and how do you, as a candidate far the Board of Directors, see yourself formulating policies addressing those issues?

Some of the issues facing SLA include rapid technological change, core competencies for librarians/information professionals, recruitment of new members, retention of current SLA members and promoting our profession. The rate of change is occurring more rapidly. To quote Heraclitus, "All is flux, nothing stays still and nothing endures but change."

Last year, it was my privilege to participate in an informal discussion group with an accreditation team for a graduate program in information and library science. We spent considerable time talking about how to train them. The group consensus was that graduates have excellent technical skills from building killer web sites to network administration skills. These skills are very marketable, but are quickly dated.

Like other SLA members, I work in an environment where constant change is always in the landscape. One day you may have a Unix box on your desk then seemingly overnight an NT PC appears. The key to successful change is building on the past while being focused on the task at hand. You plan for the future as well.

SLA policies are an integral part of our organization. To navigate change, I see the Board of Directors as balancing the past, present and future. We can rely on the past without being mired in it. If we only think about planning for future, we risk over-planning it. The critical mission for the SLA Board is to focus on today without losing sight of the past or the future.

How do you see technology affecting the way SLA provides service to its members?

The impact of technology is tremendous. The web page with the "Members Only Section" is invaluable. Membership information and job ads are posted more quickly by harnessing the power of the Web page. The information is disseminated to more members in a timely manner.

There is less reliance on paper and more emphasis on email and listservs. Computers blur borders and shorten geographic distance. This is advantageous for chapters and divisions spread over large geographic areas.

SLA is going global at a rapid pace. The Asian Chapter was created in 1999. Since my last two year tenure on the SLA Board, there have been several chat room sessions for candidates. David Bender has regular chats with members. The world is shrinking and SLA is reaching out to members on a global basis via technology.

Where do you see the information profession going in the new millennium?

We are proactive with our customers and position the information center strategically. Web sites are extensive and rich in content. We telecommute and are part of "global teams." The profession transcends mere physical barriers using technology. We have print collections that co-exist with pdf files and desktop tools. Planning future strategies is challenging and requires great flexibility. It's going to be a great ride!