2002/03 Candidates for SLA office.

For President-elect

Doris Small Helfer

Chair, Technical Services Department and Science Librarian, Oviatt Library California State University, Northridge (1999-present).

SLA member since 1974.

Past Employment: Science librarian, Oviatt Library, California State University, Northridge (1996-99); library director, AT&T Global Information Solutions (1992-96); head, technical services and special projects, RAND Corporation (1980-92); head, Cataloging Department, RAND Corporation (1978-80); head, Cataloging Department, University of Southern California Law Center Library (1975-78).

Education: MS, librarianship, Western Michigan University (1975); BA, political science (1974); California State University, Northridge.

SLA Chapter Activities: Southern California Chapter: Local Arrangements Committee, co-chair for SLA Annual Conference (2002); president-elect, president, and past president (1989-92); Program Planning Committee (1988-89); and numerous Committees from 1978 to present.

SLA Division Activities: Communications Division, chair-elect and chair (1995-97); Information Technology Division, chair-elect and chair (1987-89).

Association-level Activities: Division cabinet chair-elect and chair (1999-01); Chair, Research Committee (1998-99); chair, Public Relations Committee (1997); Nominations Committee (1996-97); Networking Committee, chair (1993-95); Cataloging and Access Committee (1984-90).

Awards and Honors: Listed in Who's Who in America, 2003 edition; Fellow of the Special Libraries Association (1998); SLA Southern California Chapter, Billie Connor Award (1996), Distinguished Service Award (1995).

Publications: "Academic Entrepreneurship: The HBS Library Takes a Lesson from the School It Serves," Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, April 2002; "The Conference Experience: Past, Present and Future," Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, September 2001; "Virtual Reference in Libraries: Remote Patrons Heading Your Way?" Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, February 2001; "E-Books in Libraries: Some Early Experiences and Reactions," Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, October 2000; "Outsourcing, Teaming and Special Libraries: Threats and Opportunities," Information Outlook, December 1998; "The End of the Road for the Corporate Library--Or Is It?" Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, January 1998; "Insourced or Outsourced: A Tale of Two Libraries," Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, September 1997; "Not Your Traditional Librarian Anymore," Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, May 1997; "The Marriage of Librar ies and Commerce," Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, March 1997.

What are the key qualities of leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

Good leaders have vision and can find ways to implement that vision. Leaders must build good teams, communicate clearly, encourage risk taking, work together to develop the best plans, and then trust the team to execute. You can't expect maximum effort if people think you don't believe in them. Leaders keep cool in crises. Leaders know their subjects. They invite and encourage constructive dissent, which doesn't happen if people are afraid to speak up. In the implementation of a new online catalog, I chose the best people familiar with the various tasks to serve on the selection team. Each team picked the system that best met their groups' needs. The leadership team, therefore, knew the strengths and weaknesses of each system and could pick the system that best met the library's overall needs. Everyone on the team participated fully.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office, and what legacy would you Like to Leave behind?

I believe that association members are in the midst of challenging and threatening changes. Members expect their professional association to help them now more than ever. When companies are ailing financially, corporate library budgets can become tempting targets. Librarians need to learn how to deal more effectively and politically in their organizations so that information services survive bad economic times. SLA can help through expanded education that helps members properly position themselves as full-service information managers in their organizations. The association must not only help members cope but must take the lead in dealing with rapid technological changes. SLA can promote and educate executives as to the value of librarians. SLA must work more effectively, consistently, and efficiently to better serve members. It should create student chapters in every school of library and information studies. SLA must do a better job of bringing in new members and mentoring those who do join the association.

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

SLA is an international association representing the interests of information professionals in more than 70 countries. Members are Librarians and information professionals who work in a wide variety of institutions, including corporate, government, educational, and nonprofit. As information resource experts, SLA's members collect, analyze, evaluate, package, and disseminate information to facilitate accurate decisionmaking. Organizations that employ our members rely on them to amass the useful and valuable information the organizations need. In many cases, SLA members already work outside libraries in nontraditional settings. Many of our members carry titles like director of Content Development, or Database Services, or Information Services. This trend will continue as more full-text content is delivered electronically to desktops in organizations. I hope that organizations will recognize SLA's members for the array of critically important roles they perform and reward them with high-level positions and comme nsurate pay.

For President-elect

Ethel M. Salonen

Manager for External Content with Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

SLA member since 1978.

Past Employment: Manager, external content, KPMG LLP (2000-01); director, public sector sales, Primark Financial Information Division (1998-00); director, US academic sales, Knight-Ridder Information Inc. (1995-97); director, New England sales, Knight-Ridder Information Inc. (1993-95); senior account executive, Dialog Information Services, Inc. (1989-93); manager, Research and Life Sciences Libraries, Arthur D. Little, Inc. (1987-89); manager, Research Library, Arthur D. Little, Inc. (1985-89); information specialist, Research Library, Arthur D. Little, Inc. (1980-85); reference librarian, Physical Sciences Library, University of California at Riverside (1978-80).

Education: MS, Library Science, C.W. Post College, Long Island University (1978); MA, liberal studies-applied sciences, State University of NY at Stony Brook (1977); BA, earth and space sciences, State University of NY at Stony Brook (1974).

SLA Chapter Activities: Boston Chapter: Logistics Committee (1999-02); co-chair, (1990-93); chair, Nominating Committee (1991); president (1987-90); chair, Sd-Tech Committee (1986-87); chair, Logistics Committee (1984-86), Program Committee (1983-87, 1990-93).

SLA Division Activities: Information Technology Division: chair, Government Relations Committee (1990-92). Pharmaceutical and Health Technology Division, Information Technology Division, and Business and Finance Division: member.

Association-level Activities: SLA 2002 Conference Planning Committee: chair (2001-02), deputy chair (2000-01). Chair, Partnership Taskforce (2001); deputy chair; 2000 Conference Planning Committee (1998-00); chair and chair-elect, Nominating Committee (1996-98). SLA Board of Directors (1993-96). H.W. Wilson Company Awards Committee: Member (1996-97) San Antonio Conference Planning Committee (1989-91).

Other Professional Activities: Multiple leadership positions.

Awards/Honors: SLA President's Award (2002); SLA Fellow (2001); Knight-Ridder Information, Inc. sales awards; Director's Excellence Award, Arthur D. Little, Inc.; University Librarian's Service Award, UC Riverside; Beta Phi Mu.

Publications: Presented "Business Intelligence for the Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical Industry" at the November 2002 Competia conference in Montreal, Canada. Authored training sessions for Knight-Ridder Information, Inc. Presented "Using Dialog Throughout the Product Life Cycle" at the 1991/1995 Dialog Updates and the 1997 Tokyo Update. Wrote "Guides to Reference Sources" while at UC Riverside. Wrote a "Collection Development Plan" and "Bibliographic Instruction Manual" for the Management Education Institute of ADL.

What are the key qualities of Leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

A Leader identifies organizational challenges and uses his or her teamwork skills to bring about a fundamental change that is positive and embraced by each member. The leaders, along with team members, construct the vision and strategic direction of the organization. They identify key individuals who wilt lead various aspects of the strategy, and each of those individuals will work closely with other organization members to ensure that the strategies are carried out. A leader possesses excellent listening and communicating skills. A successful leader builds trust. Members of the organization look to their leader for strength and guidance during difficult and successful times. I have had many leadership opportunities in information center management, sales management, and in SLA. As chair of the SLA Partnership Taskforce, I identified roles for each member, relied on their input as each one pursued his or her assignment, sought consensus in developing the final report, and acknowledged the Taskforce for their efforts. The experience was rewarding, and a document was produced that will help guide the association in the years ahead.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office; what Legacy would you Like to Leave behind?

I have thought about this lately and developed a SLA "Organizational Life Cycle." The December 2001 issue of "Association Management" contains an article that describes the 5 stages of an organizational life cycle. SLA is at Stage Five: Review and Renew. Our recently-approved bylaws revision is evidence that the membership is ready to renew and review. We are proceeding quickly with hiring a new Executive Director. We are improving SLA products and services. I envision an SLA with units that are aligned by regions and neighborhoods, and with conference programming, both regional and global, that addresses the challenges that members face every day. The SLA Executive Director and staff, Board of Directors, Unit Leadership, and members have the opportunity to implement effective change. I would be honored to have as a legacy that my teamwork skills enabled a positive fundamental change in SLA and that it was embraced by SLA members.

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

2002: SLA is an international association of information professionals who provide access to and analysis of information, and design information platforms for academic, corporate, government, and public sector organizations. Our membership is composed of librarians, content managers, competitive intelligence professionals, information center directors, knowledge management professionals, and information professionals. 2012: SLA is an international association of information professionals who provide access to and analysis of information, and design information platforms for an increasingly diverse array of organizations. Our membership is composed of librarians, content managers, competitive intelligence professionals, information center directors, knowledge management professionals, information professionals, information architects, education and adoption professionals, information technologists, and informatics professionals.

For Division Cabinet Chair-elect

Brent Mai

Director, Walker Management Library, Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management.

SLA member since 1990.

Past Employment: Assistant professor of library science, management and economics librarian, Purdue University Libraries (1994-99); acting director, Management and Economics Library, Purdue University Libraries (1999); business analyst and supervisor of support services, Brown & Root, Inc., Corporate Information Resource Center (1991-94); business information specialist, Corporate Information Resource Center, Bell-Northern Research (NorTel) (1990-91).

Education: BA, Bethany College, Kansas (1985); MA, George Washington University (1987); MLIS, University of Texas at Austin (1990); EdD candidate, Vanderbilt University.

SLA Chapter Activities: Indiana Chapter: Local Planning Group for 1998 SLA Annual Conference in Indianapolis (1997-98); treasurer (1996-2000).

SLA Division Activities: Business and Finance Division: chair, Nominations Committee (2002-03); chair, Awards Committee (2001-02); past chair (2001-02), chair (2000-01), chair-elect (1999-2000); Executive Board (1997-2002); treasurer (1997-99); Nominations Committee (1997-98); roundtable coordinator, College and University Business Libraries (1997-98); Advisory Board (1995-97); chair, Membership Committee (1995-97). Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition Division: Strategic Planning Committee (1995-97). Engineering Division: chair, Publications Committee (1993-95).

Association-level Activities: Finance Committee (1999-2003); Board of Directors candidate (2002-03); division cabinet chair-elect candidate (2002-03).

Awards and Honors: Best in Show: "Expanding Your Multi-Media Marketing Matrix Using Harvard Graphics," SLA Library Management Division's Marketing Swap & Shop, 83rd Annual Conference, San Francisco, California, 8 June 1992.

Publications: "Web Sites in Knowledge Management," Journal of Business & Finance Librarianship (forthcoming); "Reality Check: Asynchronous Instruction Works!" College & Research Libraries News (July/August 2000); "Righting the Wrongs: Mistakes Made in the Virtual Classroom," proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education (June 2000); "Distance Education in Virtual Classrooms: The Model and the Assessment," proceedings of the 21st National Online Meeting (May 2000); "Locating Book Reviews in Agriculture and the Life Sciences," Science & Technology Libraries (2000); "How Do We Cope with the Paradigm Shift: Blending Traditional and Non-Traditional Models of Library Instruction and Student Learning," proceedings of the ENABLE99 Conference (June 1999); "Internet Resources for Reference: Finance and Investment,"; "Internet Resources for Reference: General Business and Company Information" and; "Internet Resources for Reference: International Trade" The Reference Librarian (1997).

What are the key qualities of Leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

Having vision is essential to leadership--a vision of both the horizon and what is between here and there. The truly visionary leader can also see with somewhat speculative clarity that which lies beyond the horizon and is able to adjust the course as necessary when it comes into focus. Communicating that vision is the next key quality--communicating with both the organization's management and the team members who make that vision reality. Good leaders also lead by example and are unafraid of getting into "the trenches" to help the team achieve the goals and objectives necessary to realize the vision. Since I accepted the challenge of leading the library team of the Walker Management Library at Vanderbilt University, I envisioned the necessity to recreate both space use (renovation) and information access (wireless technology), and successfully led the team through implementation of both.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office, and what Legacy would you Like to leave behind?

SLA's stated vision is "to be known as the leading professional association in the information industry." An association cannot be everything to everyone in our profession, but I do believe that it is within our grasp to be known as the "leading professional association." In my role as division cabinet chair-elect and chair, I will do what I can to further position SLA as that leading organization. A legacy I hope to instill in those who follow is that of serving as a change agent, and my particular change would involve having divisions provide/facilitate more local and regional educational and networking opportunities specific to their subject areas while continuing the excellent annual conference programming.

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

SLA's mission is "to advance the leadership role of our members," empowering them with the skills and knowledge they need to accomplish this advancement. I quoted SLA's vision earlier. I spend my time talking with colleagues who are in the profession but are not SLA members. I tell them of the tremendous benefit of the networking opportunities at the personal, chapter, division, and association levels. I tell them about how I better serve my library's users (previously corporate and now academic) with the knowledge I have gained from SLA programs, educational courses, meetings, and publications, and how the personal contacts I've made through my affiliation with SLA have advanced my career and those of my SLA colleagues farther and faster than the careers of information professionals who are not members. Regardless of the technological changes that our profession may encounter in the next 5 to 10 years, I believe that SLA's mission and vision are capable of encompassing them. The specific examples I use of ho w SLA continues to support me and those around me may change, but the basic description of the value of SLA membership will remain constant and forceful.

For Division Cabinet Chair-elect.

Scott D. Trask

Manager of Web Content at Kennametal Inc. in Latrobe, PA.

SLA member since 1995.

Past Employment: Information specialist, Kennametal Inc. (1997-2001); information indexer, JRL, Westinghouse Nuclear Division (1993-97); cataloger, Brodart (1991-92); sergeant, US Army (1982-88).

Education: MLS, University of Pittsburgh (1993); BA, English, Penn State University (1991).

SLA Chapter Activities: 75th Anniversary Committee (1997); chair, Employment Committee (1997-99); Strategic Planning Committee (1998).

SLA Division Activities: Materials Research and Manufacturing Division: past chair, chair, chair-elect (1998-2000); program planner (1999).

Association-level Activities: Task Force on Conference Planning Structure (2000-01), speaker on strategic planning at the Leadership Development Institute (1998).

Three of the key qualities of leadership are responsibility, alignment, and communication. A leader must exhibit responsibility by actively seeking out what needs to be done and doing it. To endure, a leader must be aligned with the institution's goals. Finally, a leader must communicate with the matrix of leadership of the institution and with his or her followers.

What are the key qualities of leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

When I realized that my corporation did not highly value my research skills, I determined that my information organization skills were what was valued. As I focused on information organization, I had departments fighting over my time. This led to increased responsibility and compensation. In my current position, it is imperative that any information disseminated via the corporate website support either the investor community or sales. This is the bottom line at my corporation. Finally, I must ensure communication among many parties, both domestically and abroad, so that the site presents a branded and consistent image in a timely manner.

My vision for SLA is that it become an association that supports its members in their goal to become a more integral part of their institution or client base. Achieving this goal means moving into new areas of responsibility and adding value to the information you provide. Whether you are an information professional working in a nontraditional setting or a librarian in a corporate or academic setting, it is imperative that you align yourself with your institution's or client's objectives and show that you have a positive effect on the bottom line. It is only in doing this that a librarian wiLl truly be recognized as a valuable professional and will receive the compensation that a professional deserves. These realizations will create an enduring association of professionals who are supported and nurtured by the institutions that they support.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office, and what legacy would you like to leave behind?

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

SLA is an association of information professionals--consisting of people who call themselves librarians, analysts, specialists, and a myriad of other descriptive titles--that provides an international network of support for people of similar interests. This is an accurate description of the organization and one that should endure. I would like to see more of an inclusive acceptance and realization of the value of nontraditional librarians to the association, as well as less focus on the library (the building) and more on using library skills to support an institution's goals. The networking and sharing of expertise among information professionals is the forte of the organization and must be cultivated to ensure longevity.

For Chapter Cabinet Chair-elect

Karen Holloway

Financial and Administrative Support Team Leader University of Arizona Library.

SLA member since 1978.

Past Employment: Science-engineering team leader, University of Arizona Library (1998-2002); process owner, Information Services, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (1991-98); director, Editorial Services, Carroll Publishing Co. (1989-91); manager, Information Services, Rolls-Royce Inc. (1981-89); assistant to the director, Stanford University Libraries (1980-81); head, Technical Services, NASA Ames Research Center Library (1979); head, Government Reference Department, University of Georgia Libraries (1974-78).

Education: MA, political science, University of Georgia (1978); MA, library science, University of Michigan (1972); BA, English, Wichita State University (1970).

SLA Chapter Activities: Arizona Chapter: president (1999-2000); chair, Strategic Planning Committee (2000-01). Washington DC Chapter: chair, Nominations Committee (1997-98); chair, Public Relations Committee (1991-92). Georgia Chapter: president-elect (1987).

SLA Division Activities: Engineering Division: chair (1986); chair, Public Relations Committee (1985).

Association-level Activities: Networking Committee (2001-03); Endowment Fund Grants Committee (1998-2001); chair (1999-2001). Annual Conference Committee: chair, Montreal (1995); deputy chair, San Antonio (1991); member, Denver (1988).

Honors/Awards and Publications: Bryn Mawr Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration, 2001 "Developing Core and Mastery Level Competencies for Librarians," Library Administration and Management, accepted for publication in vol. 17, no. 2, spring 2003; Editorial Board, Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, 2nd edition, Co-author of four technical papers and editor of four directories.

What are the key qualities of leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

Volumes have been written on the topic of leadership; however, working with a variety of dynamic leaders has provided a working definition of leadership that I strive to emulate in my professional life. These leadership characteristics are (1) communicating a clear sense of direction and focus, (2) recognizing your own strengths and engaging others who have strengths you do not possess, (3) trusting others, (4) approaching issues and challenges in terms of the present rather than the past, and (5) helping others advance. As I have progressed in my career, I have assumed positions of leadership with one goal in mind--to make a difference. This is a core concept running through all of these qualities. I look toward the future while grounded in the present; this trait has led to changes in the SLA committees I have served on and has contributed to my being an effective leader in the strategic planning process in several organizations.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office, and what Legacy would you like to leave behind?

My vision is to help make this organization the first choice of those in the information professions. To do this requires an understanding of what it would take for SLA to change into this organization. This is a direction that takes commitment of volunteer leadership at all levels. As a representative of chapters on the board, I would work to understand issues that regional units face and to be a voice for those issues. My legacy would be to help develop an organization whose members are proud of their affiliation, who point to SLA as an organization that truly serves as a touchstone for their work life and gives them access to resources that are difficult to find elsewhere, whether through professional development courses, conference programming, or the networking that pervades our lives.

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

I have had many opportunities over the years to describe this organization to those outside the profession, from engineering colleagues to my mother. SLA is an association of librarians and others whose work in the evaluation and dissemination of information is linked by their knowledge of a particular discipline, such as engineering or journalism, or through a focus on some aspect of industry, government, or academia. It's a vehicle for these people to connect with each other through conferences, regional meetings, online discussion groups, and even the telephone. It's a community of professionals who have created a network of invaluable resources that lead each of us to new ideas and professional growth. I believe the fundamentals of this organization will persist and envision few changes in the basic values of the association.

For Chapter Cabinet Chair-elect

Jacquelyn Bryant Knuckle

Medical Library Director, Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.

SLA member since 1994.

Past Employment: Manager, Access Services, Scott Memorial Library, Thomas Jefferson University (1998-2000); adjunct instructor, Drexel University College of Information Science and Technology (1999-2001); information services librarian I-II Scott Memorial Library, Thomas Jefferson University (1994-98); cataloging technician, Scott Memorial Library, Thomas Jefferson University (1981-94).

Education: MS, Drexel University (1994); BS, Northeastern University (1978).

SLA Chapter Activities: Philadelphia Chapter: president (1999-2000); Program Planning Committee (2002); chair, International Relations Committee (1999-2000); consultation officer (1999-2000); chair, Career Guidance Committee (2000-02).

SLA Division Activities: Library Management Division: chair, Mentoring Committee (2000-03); Biomedical and Life Sciences Division, Medical Section.

Association-level Activities: Student and Academic Relations Committee (2000-03).

Other Professional Activities: Evening/weekend supervisor, Drexel University Health Sciences Libraries (1998-present). Medical Library Association, Philadelphia Regional Chapter: Hospital Libraries Section, Consumer Health Section. Drexel University Information College of Science and Technology Alumni Association.

Awards: Special Libraries Association, Diversity Leadership Development Award (1999).

What are the key qualities of leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

The professional literature in the worlds of librarianship, business, and psychology contain many opinions of the qualities needed for leadership. Are leaders born or made; need they be charismatic or not; are they visionaries, innovators? I believe that the qualities of leadership can include any combination of these attributes. I believe as well that the qualities of leadership are very basic. In my mind, leadership requires one to share the vision of an organization. Good leadership is being able to work with a team to create goals that work toward the vision and to then motivate the team to accomplish the goals. Good leaders mentor others and encourage the professional growth of staff and colleagues. Finally, I believe that leadership is the choice an individual makes to bring about positive change. I feel that the choices I have made in SLA center around my goal of bringing about positive change. I answered the call to serve in my chapter, in the Library Management Division as mentoring chair, and on the Student and Academic Relations Committee. I hope to have that opportunity again as chapter cabinet chair-elect.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office, and what Legacy would you Like to leave behind?

My vision for the association during my time in office would be to see a realization of the goal of increasing our membership by broadening the categories of membership as proposed in the new bylaws and to see an increase in the diversity of our membership. I feel that programs like the Twinning Project and the Diversity Leadership Development Award can achieve diversity. I would certainly like my legacy as chapter cabinet chair-elect to be that I worked with the cabinet and division chairs to develop the most relevant, member-driven Leadership Development Institute programs that our chapter leaders have ever experienced. Finally, I can't think of a better legacy than to be a board member when a new executive director is selected.

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

I describe SLA as an organization of information professionals who work in libraries and information centers, academia, the corporate world, government, health care, and even the media. I go on to name the companies of SLA members that I know. I talk about the specialized education that we receive to become knowledge managers. In 5 to 10 years, I would expect that our jobs will be the same in that we are still providers of information, but just as the Internet has changed our jobs in ways that we could not imagine, in the future we will use technology-based applications that have yet to be invented. I would also expect that more sophisticated use of intranets and Personal Digital Assistants will be at the forefront of how we manage information and how we provide services to our customers.

For Director

Anne K. Abate

Director of Communications, GovConnect, Cincinnati, Ohio.

SLA member since 1988.

Current Part-Time Employment: Part-Time Faculty, Univ. of Kentucky College of Communications and Information Studies; Adjunct Faculty, Xavier University Williams College of Business Administration.

Past Employment: Assistant professor, Xavier University Williams College of Business Administration (1999-2000); part-time faculty, Nova Southeastern University School of Computer and Information Sciences (1997-2001); librarian, Dinsmore & Shohl (1988-99); assistant director, Lloyd Library and Museum (1987-88); assistant head of technical services, Kenton County Public Library (1985-87).

Education: PhD, computer technology in education, Nova Southeastern University (1998); MSLS University of Kentucky (1986); HAB Xavier University (1980).

SLA Chapter Activities: Cincinnati Chapter: president and president-elect/program chair (1991-93); editor, Queen City Gazette (1989-91); chair, Networking Committee, and OCLIS representative (1989-91 and 1994-present); chair, Awards Committee (1993-95), chair, Bylaws Committee (1993-95), chair, Bylaws Committee (1993-95); Strategic Planning Committee, Nominating Committee, Public Relations Committee, Ad Hoc Planning and Local Arrangements for the 1993 Cincinnati Annual Conference, Archives.

SLA Division Activities: Legal Division: chair, program chair, and chair-elect (2000-02); secretary (1996-97); treasurer (1994-95); archivist (1993-present); liaison to American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) (1995-2000); speaker and moderator at division annual conference programs; member, Business & Finance Division, Information Technology Division, Library Management Division, Solo Librarians Division, Information Futurists Caucus, Non-Traditional Careers Caucus.

Association-Level Activities: Board of Directors: chapter cabinet chair and chair-elect (1997-99); chair, Consultation Services Committee (2000-01); member, Partnership Task Force (2000-01), Endowment Fund Grants Committee (1998-99), President's Task Force to Study the Annual Conference (1996), Awards and Honors Committee, H. W. Wilson Award Subcommittee (1995-97); chair, Public Relations Committee (1993-95).

Other Professional Activities: Representative, Cincinnati Chapter of SLA to Ohio Council on Libraries and Information Services (1989-91, 1994-present); chair (2000-02). West Publishing Company Advisory Board (1993-95).

Awards and Honors: SLA Cincinnati Chapter's Meritorious Achievement Award (1996); named an Information Innovator by West Publishing Corporation (1996); Beta Phi Mu (1986).

What are the key qualities of Leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

There are several elements that make a good leader. The first is the ability to understand the needs of those you are leading. It is through knowing what your constituents want that you are able to effectively lead. The next element is the ability to generate the confidence of those you are leading. This comes from acting wisely and appropriately. Another element is creativity and the ability to see things from new and unusual directions. Leaders must be able to see alternatives and potential outcomes and be able to present those alternatives fairly.

As a longtime member of the association, and with my employment history in a number of different libraries, I can get inside the head of members and understand issues from their perspective. As a leader on both the chapter and division levels, I have instilled confidence in the members I have represented. As a teacher, I have learned to see things from different perspectives and respect the opinions of my students.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office, and what legacy would you like to leave behind?

The association has gone through some interesting times over the past few years. The by-laws vote this fall is just one example of the way we are changing. With the economic conditions we are facing and the challenges facing all organizations, we are certainly headed for more change. I think it is important to understand all the issues facing the association and to communicate these issues to the membership. In return, the leaders must listen to the members in order to keep the association moving along the appropriate path. As a legacy, I would like the members to remember me as someone who truly represented them and as someone who ensured that the voice of the members was always heard by the Board of Directors.

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

The Special Libraries Association is a membership organization of dedicated and opinionated professionals. These people typically work in situations where they provide information and assistance to others or they work to organize information to make it easy to use. Because of their drive and dedication to the information mission, their exuberance spills over into their work for their association.

I hope that this description will still apply throughout the years. It is particularly important that we recognize the talents and energies of our members and allow them to put those qualities to use for the association, as well as move the association to nurture those qualities so that members can use them in the organizations where they work.

For Director

Renee Massoud

Director, Business Research Services, National Marketing for KPMG LLP.

SLA member since 1993

Past Employment: KPMG LLP: director/product manager, Research Strategies, Global Knowledge Management (2001); manager, Research Services, National Marketing (1993-98). Lockheed IMS: manager, Library and Information Services (1990-93); client relations representative/communications coordinator (1989-90). Krampf Communications: assistant account executive, advertising (1989).

Education: MLS, reference, Rutgers University (1993); BS, media, communications, and technology, East Stroudsburg University (1989).

SLA Chapter Activities: NJ Chapter: (1993-Present), past president (1997-98), president (1996-97), president-elect (1995-96); chair, Networking Committee (1994-95), Program Committee (1994-95). NY Chapter: member (2000-Present). TX Chapter: member (1997-2001).

SLA Division Activities: Library Management Division (LMD): (1993-Present), past chair (2002-03), chair (2001-02), chair-elect (2000-01); chair, Conference 2000 Committee (1999-2000); chair, Public Relations Committee (1997-98). B&F Division (1990-Present) ITE Division (1990-2001), Solo Division: member (1990-2001).

Association-level Activities: Strategic Planning Committee, SLA Board (2000-02).

Other Professional Activities: NJ Library Cooperative, Bergen & Passaic County Region (1991-96); vice president (1993-94); chair, Special Library Committee (1991-94). NJ Library Cooperative, PR Committee (1995). NJ Library Association, Conference speaker, (1998); Society of Knowledge Based Publishers, Advisory Board (2000-01); Buying and Selling e-Content Conference speaker, (2001); Computers in Libraries Conference speaker, (2000); SLA Strategic Learning Symposium, facilitator and speaker, (2001); Best Practices and Benchmarking, SLA Texas Chapter, speaker, (1997); SLA NJ Chapter, speaker, (1997); Investext Leadership Institute, speaker (2000); KM World Annual Conference, speaker (2000); KnowledgeNets, Conference Organizing/Review Committee (2002); National Online Annual Conference, speaker, (1998); Customer Advisory Board member for a number of information suppliers; speaker and advocate for Special Libraries and Careers in Information Service for a number of programs.

Awards, Honors, and Publications: Special Libraries and Information Centers: An Introductory Text, SLA: Washington, DC (co-authored with Ellis Mount) (1999); Training for the Big League: SLA Leadership Training, SpeciaList. SLA: Washington, DC May (1996); Member of the Year, NJ Chapter (1996); President's Award, NJ Chapter (1995); Best of Show, SLA Conference, LMD Marketing Swap and Shop, Cleveland, OH (1993).

What are the key qualities of leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

When I think of a leader and the qualities of that individual I think of it as L--loves to support a good cause and be involved; E--experience, professionalism, and diplomacy; A--adaptable and agile; D--direction that is clear; E--eloquent in communicating with various communities of interest; R--responsive to the community in which he or she serves.

Throughout my career and personal life, I have always served in leadership capacities. Looking retrospectively, it is because I am drawn to solve problems and make a difference.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office, and what Legacy would you like to leave behind? My vision is to have the association represent and promote the profession to our employers and our communities by carrying out the strategic plan for the organization. I would ensure that opportunities to make change consider the members and long-term effects to the association. The legacy I would like to leave behind in the association would be to contribute to programs that develop, retain, and recruit new members, to grow the association, and to give it a strong foundation for the future.

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

SLA is an association of professionals with skills in information gathering, synthesis, analysis, development, promotion, and organization. SLA members are dedicated to knowledge transfer and sharing. The association provides an infrastructure for these professionals to receive quality education and networking opportunities while serving as the advocate and sponsor of programs to support future development of information science and related fields internationally. The association supports its members and their professional/business communities by embracing and promoting quality service and practices, subject expertise, and value.

I believe that 5 to 10 years from now, the basic premise of the association will remain the same, to provide continuity and strength. However, the medium, methods, and standard membership profile will change as a result of advances in technology and higher levels of education in the communities the profession serves.

For Director

Lynne K. McCay

Assistant Director for Information Research, Congressional Research Service Library of Congress Washington DC.

SLA member since 1980.

Past Employment: Congressional Reference Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, Washington, DC: chief (1997-99); acting chief/acting assistant chief (1996-97); coordinator of Congressional Reader Services (1993-96); senior team leader, Congressional Reader Services (1980-93); senior reference specialist, (1977-80); team leader, production team (1976-77); team leader, humanities team (1975-76); supervisory technical information specialist (1973-75); technical information specialist (1971-72); reference assistant/reference librarian (1970-71).

Education: BSFS, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service (1970); attended Catholic University School of Library and Information Science (1976).

SLA Chapter Activities: Washington, DC, Chapter: convener of Professional Reading Book Club (2002-03); Consultation Committee (2001-02); past president, president, and president-elect (1990-93); newsletter co-editor (1985-90).

SLA Division Activities: Social Science Division: newsletter business manager, (2000-03); chair, Awards Committee, Library Management Division (2002-03); chair, Microcomputer Section and Section Program Planner, Information Technology Division (1991); News Division: member.

Association-level Activities: Professional Development Committee (2000-03), chair (2001-03); Conference Planning Committee, chair for 2000 Annual Conference in Philadelphia; Government Relations Committee (1989-92), chair (1990-92).

Other Professional Activities: Member of the program planning group for the annual Federal Library and Information Center Committee Forum on Government Information Policy (1993-2002); presenter of session on Knowledge Management in Action at the FLICC Symposium on the Information Professional--"Knowledge Management: Using What We Know to Change What We Do" (1999); guest lecturer for course on Information Sources and Reference Services at the Catholic University School of Library and Information Science (1992-95); presenter at the Annual Interagency Depository Seminar for depository librarians (1991-96); District of Columbia Library Association; Library of Congress Professional Association; State Board of Managers (Board of Directors) of the Virginia PTA (1989-97).

Awards and Honors and Publications: Fellow, SLA (2002); Washington, DC, Chapter Board of Directors Award (2001); Library of Congress Special Achievement Awards (1992, 1993, 1997, 2001) and Meritorious Service Awards (1992, 1998). "Notes from a Congressional Informer," Special Libraries (spring 1987); "Governmental Activities and Information Issues," Special Libraries (summer 1988).

What are the key qualities of Leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

Key leadership qualities for me are vision, empathy, courage, and humility. It takes vision to keep things in perspective, to see the possibilities, and to focus in on details. It takes empathy to Listen to all viewpoints, to seek understanding through knowledge, and to make meaningful connections. It takes courage to try new approaches, to speak out, and to persevere despite adversity. It takes humility to stay grounded in reality, to place mission goals before personal goals, and to be willing to acknowledge failures in order to regroup and try again. I am privileged to lead a group of dedicated people who make a difference. As the manager of more than 85 information professionals, I strive to embody these qualities as we work together to fulfill our mission to provide excellent service to our national legislators and decision makers.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office, and what legacy would you like to Leave behind?

I see the association moving through a time of change in the next three years, and I think it will emerge both more diverse and more dynamic--without losing its essential ability to nurture personal connections. Since change within our profession, our industry, and our society is inevitable, I believe well-managed, concomitant change within our association is both necessary and beneficial. Change has already begun with the passage of our revised bylaws, which provide much greater flexibility. The branding initiative is likely to result in change intended to enlarge the association's market and the pool of prospective members. Since I have found so much personal and professional satisfaction in participating in association activities, I am excited at the prospect of attracting new members from more diverse, nontraditional arenas. I would like to be involved as a change agent and as a coach as we move forward and engage in this process. When I leave office, I would like to see information professionals from bot h traditional and nontraditional settings finding a good fit in the association. I would like to see both current and prospective members discovering such excellent networking, mentoring, and professional development opportunities in the association that they consider it a valuable, integral part of their career development-and a great place to make lifelong friends.

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 to 10 years from now?

I would describe SLA as THE place to find knowledgeable, forward-looking members of the information industry who are willing to share their expertise and their experience with colleagues to help all of us improve our products and services for our respective clients. Although I hope the mix of people and the range of expertise will be broader in 5 or 10 years, I think the basic ability to connect personally and professionally, which the association fosters and which provides a nexus for professional growth, will still be a hallmark.

For Director

Thomas (Tom) E. Rink

Office/Director/Founder Resource Center for the Tulsa-Police-Department,-Tulsa, OK.

SLA member since 1996.

Past Employment (assignments): Tuls Police Department: officer/crime analyst (1991-93); patrol officer (1982-91, 1993-94).

Education: MLIS, University of Oklahoma (1992); BA, with honors, criminal justice/psychology, Michigan State University (1981).

SLA Chapter Activities: Oklahoma Chapter: member (1996--present); treasurer (1997-present).

SLA Division Activities: Solo Librarians Division: member (1996-present); treasurer, (1999-present). Legal Division: member (1996-present); sergeant-at-arms, (1999). Nontraditional Careers Caucus: member (1999-present).

Association-level Activities: Chair, Task Force on Membership (2000-01); Second Southwest Regional Conference, Continuing Education Planning Committee (2000).

Other Professional Activities: Beta Phi Mu (Lambda Chapter): member (1992-present), treasurer (1999-2001). University of Oklahoma, Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, Advisory Board (1999-present). Fraternal Order of Police: member (1982-present); Constitution and Bylaws Committee (Oklahoma State Lodge [1998-present]; Tulsa Lodge #93 [1998-present]); Membership Committee (Tulsa Lodge #93, [1996-present]).

Awards and Honors: SLA President's Award (2002); Chief's Award, Tulsa Police Department (2000, 2001); Beta Phi Mu (1993); Medal of Commendation, Tulsa Police Department (1986).

Presentations: SLA Conference Presenter: "Solo Success Stories: How to Build a Library from Scratch" (1999); Guest Lecturer, University of Oklahoma, Graduate School of Library and Information Studies: "Reference Services from the Special Librarian's Perspective" (1997); "Special Librarian Panel" (2000); "Foundations in Library Science" (2001); "New Student Orientation" (2002); "Special Librarians ... So, What Do You Do?" (2002).

What are the key qualities of Leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

I would say the key qualities of leadership are a constructive spirit of discontent (questioning the status quo by offering constructive solutions), a willingness to take responsibility, and a completion factor (finishing what you start). Being a "solo," I exercise one or more of these qualities on a daily basis. An example of how I exemplify them would be my recent participation on the Membership Task Force. As a member of the task force I was challenged to think outside the box as our group searched for creative alternatives/solutions to assorted association membership issues. I later accepted the additional responsibility of chairing this task force. As the chair, I guided the task force through this collaborative effort to the final report (with recommendations) to the Board of Directors, thereby completing the task force's charge.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office, and what Legacy would you Like to Leave behind?

I am but a tool/resource for the association or, more specifically, the membership. My running as a candidate for the board is not about me or my vision but rather about giving back to the association that has so freely given to me. The time that we are in office is but a fleeting moment in the history of an association; all I can promise is that I will do my best to carry out my duties to fulfill the mission of the association in a professional and competent manner, I'm not interested in leaving behind a legacy, per se. I am interested in ensuring that the Special Libraries Association continues "to advance the leadership role of its members...and to shape the destiny of our information and knowledge-based society" (SLA Mission Statement).

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

To those outside the profession, I would describe SLA as an enabling association composed of a highly diverse group of information professionals working in specialized libraries/settings throughout the world. SLA provides unequaled opportunities for networking, professional development and growth, leadership, and lifelong learning that are the hallmarks of a dynamic organization. The skills and competencies acquired through participating in the association, regardless of the level (chapter, division, or association), will benefit all (the individual, the employer, and the association). The future can be difficult to predict, and while the association may change/evolve over time, the core values of the membership and how I would describe them (and the association) to others, will not.

For Treasurer

N. Bernard "Buzzy" Basch

President and CEO, Basch Subscriptions and The Reference Shelf.

SLA member since 1979.

Past Employment: Vice president and general manager, EBSCO Subscription Service; president, Turner Subscription Agency: Vice president, Faxon Company, Westwood.

Education: MS, BS, BA, Washington University.

SLA Chapter Activities: Illinois Chapter, treasurer (1993-94). New York Chapter Group: chair, Information and Technology (1986-87); New York Chapter student education coordinator (1985-86).

SLA Division Activities: Information Technology Division, treasurer (1988); Library Management Division, chair (1984-85).

Association-Level Activities: Board of Directors (1989-91); chair, Public Relations Committee (1987-89).

Other Professional Activities: American Society for Information Science: treasurer (1986-92); Board of Directors (1981-92); chair, Marketing Committee (1982-84); chair, New England Chapter (1981-82). American Library Association: Committee on Program Evaluation and Support (1991-94), Publishing Committee (1994-98). National Council, Washington University Libraries (1987-present). Charleston Conference, Charleston, NC, serials workshop convener (1982-present). North American Serials Interest Group, Education Committee, workshop convener (1989-92).

Awards and Honors: Fellow of the Special Libraries Association (1987); Watson Davis Award, American Society for Information Science (1986).

Publications: "Negotiating with Subscription Agencies. Lesson 1: How Agencies Operate," American Libraries, June 1991; "Negotiating with Subscription Agencies. Lesson 11: Striking a Bargain," American Libraries, July/August 1991; Buying Serials, 1990; "Libraries and Subscription Agents: Evaluating Fees for Services," Bottom Line, summer 1990; "Political Power: Public Relations Planning for Special Libraries," Specialist, January 1989.

What are the key qualities of Leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualifies.

Leadership is situational. To lead during periods of economic uncertainty, a treasurer needs the financial experience to discern opportunities, risks, and options; the candor to communicate these to the board and membership; the tenacity to focus on and continuously promote economic realism; and the interpersonal skills to elicit the input, ideas, and commitment of individual board members, members, and staff. We work with uncertainty. We can control our expenses but have to earn our income from membership, conferences, and publishing.

These qualities have been key to my success in business and association activities. In business, I have had the experience of turning a corporate loss of $250,000 a year into a profit of $1 million a year, and currently enjoy the satisfaction of growing a new company from scratch to providing full-time employment with benefits for more than a dozen individuals. On the association front, I experienced similar rewards from the significantly improved financial condition of the American Society for Information Science and Technology during my extended period as treasurer and my contribution to the financial health of the American Library Association through successfully championing sound financial practices, including writing off significant dead inventory.

What is your vision of the association during your time in office, and what Legacy would you Like to Leave behind?

To me, the strength of the association has always been the opportunities it offers members for participation and growth. Robust programs that are attractive to members, nonmembers, and management are essential to fuel the operation. In the current financial situation, keeping the association in the black and contributing to initiatives to keep it that way are the legacy I most desire. Associations are a lot more fun when there is an excess of revenue over expenditures.

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession, and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

SLA is a professional association that is unusually successful in providing members with the opportunities to develop, share, and exercise their professional and managerial skills and to be recognized for their talents and participation. At the chapter, division, and national levels, the association attracts bright, committed, and energetic people and gives them the opportunity to have an impact. There is no "use by" date on these opportunities; with a sound financial basis, SLA can continue to foster strong personal and professional growth for future generations of information professionals.

For Treasurer

Gloria Zamora

Manager in the Government Relations Office of Sandia National Laboratories.

SLA member since 1976.

Past Employment: Sandia National Laboratories: manager, state and local government relations (1994-98); manager, Protocol Office (1988-94); executive staff information officer (1983-88); subject specialist, Technical Library (1980-83). Air Force Weapons Laboratory Technical Library, (1976-80).

Education: AMLS, University of Michigan (1976); AB, history, University of Michigan (1975), minors in political science and German.

SLA Chapter Activities: Rio Grande Chapter: president-elect and president (2001-03) and (1979-81); chair, Networking Regional Meeting (1990-91); chair, Nominating Committee (1988-89); chair, 30th Anniversary Conference Committee (1986-87); chair, Government Relations Committee (1985-90); chair, Bylaws Committee (1985); chair, Special Projects (1983-85). Originated and produced the "Jog Your Mind--Run to Your Library" fun run for three years. Bulletin editor (1978-79); state liaison to the National Technical Information Service (1981-87).

SLA Division Activities: Information Technology and Sci Tech Divisions: member.

Association-level Activities: Finance Committee (2001- present); Nominating Committee (2000-01, 1985-86); chair, Indianapolis Conference Committee (1996-98); Editorial Advisory Board (1993-96); moderator at conference program on Managing Diversity (June 1992); chair, Meckler Award for Technology Innovation Selection Committee (1990-92); Cincinnati Conference Committee (1991-93); Board of Directors, (1988-91); Positive Action Program for Minority Groups Committee (1982-85), chair (1985).

Other Professional Activities: White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services: July 1991 delegate-at-large, selected by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM); National Topic Committee (April 1991); NM Planning Committee (1990-91). New Mexico Library Association: chair, Online Roundtable (1982-84); chair, Publications Committee (1982-83). Continuing Library Education Advisory Committee, appointed by the NM state librarian. Sandia National Laboratories, Women's Program Committee (1983-84). National Federation of Business and Professional Women (1980-83).

Awards, Honors and Publications: SLA Fellow (1999); Sandia National Laboratories Employee Recognition Award for chairing the 50th Anniversary International Colloquium Committee, "Nuclear Weapons: Keeping the Peace--Past and Future" (1993); YWCA Women on the Move Achievement Award (1985); White House Fellowship regional finalist (1984); Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Librarian of the Year (1984).

Publications: "Conference Literature: Its Role in the Distribution of Information" (editor), Learned Information (1981).

The key qualities of leadership are listening, excellent communication skills, building trust, accountability, listening, building on strengths, providing necessary resources, celebrating success...and did I mention Listening? A good Leader will inspire others by modeling each of these qualities not only in a Leadership position but also in everyday activities.

What are the key qualities of Leadership? Give an example of how you exemplify these qualities.

In a team situation, I assess the strengths of each member, seek input on what role each wants to perform, provide the needed resources, and seek and give continuous feedback. As conference chair for the Indianapolis conference (1996-98), I was blessed with an enthusiastic, dedicated committee that worked very hard. Where I miscalculated was with the planners. I violated my key requirement: I did not listen. I had some definite ideas about what I wanted to do, but so did they, and these ideas did not coincide. I listened, we talked, we compromised, and together we created a great conference while having fun.

What is your vision for the association during your time in office; what legacy would you like to leave behind?

I am combining this question with the next because my vision and description are intertwined.

How would you describe SLA to someone outside the information profession and do you believe this description will be different 5 or 10 years from now?

SLA is an international information association for library and information professionals. Its members are sought by the decision makers in corporate America as well as in specialized subject areas for the value they can add to their companies' products. SLA members are innovators in information retrieval and technologies and SLA allows like-minded members to come together to explore new initiatives and ideas.

In the future, SLA will evolve into the premier international information association. Its membership will double as a result of the acquisition of additional information-oriented associations. These associations will recognize the advantages of being aligned with SLA. This broadening of the membership will necessitate a name change to one that encompasses this diversity of interests.

SLA's leadership will consist of the top names in information, and the association's members will Lead the revolution in developing cutting-edge information technologies, software, and applications. SLA members will participate in all aspects of their businesses' decisionmaking, because their companies know that the person who controls the information controls the world, and SLA members wilt harness the information world for their respective institutions.

My legacy will be to help the association strengthen its financial resources to achieve this vision. I will help to develop innovative programs that are cost-effective and provide true value to the membership. I see hard times, but by working with the SLA leaders and the staff I am sure we can realize my vision and much more.