VASLA

Register for the August 2011 VASLA program

2011-07-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

The summer VASLA program will be held at James Branch Cabell Library (VCU Libraries) on Friday, August 5, 2011. Come and listen to 3 exciting presentations:

Check It Out! Lending E-Readers and iPads at VCU Libraries
Karen Cary, Head, Collection Management, VCU Libraries
with Mary Anne Dyer, Catalog Librarian for Digital Asset Management, VCU Libraries

Managing the Perfect Storm: Will e-books save libraries?
Sally Wiant, B.A., M.L.S., J.D., Professor of Law, Washington and Lee University

Life as a mobile developer: Fitting your data to users on the go.
Ron Duplain, Lead Android and Mobile Web Engineer at WillowTree Apps (Charlottesville, VA)

To register, fill out the form at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DNYNMQY and send your registration fee ($15 for members/$25 for non-members) to

Megan Nunemaker
Astronomy Librarian
National Radio Astronomy Observatory Library
520 Edgemont Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903

I'll send out more detailed directions and parking information soon.

Please contact me at bjpeacemaker@vcu.edu or 804-828-8960 if you have any questions.

Richmond Area Dine-in June 23

2011-06-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Richmond area networking dinner will be back in the Far West End on June 23, 2011. We will meet at House of Vietnam (http://www.houseofvietnam.net) on Pump Road at 6:00pm. It's in a strip mall close to Broad Street so parking shouldn't be a problem. Please let Julie Beamer (jbeamer@infionline.net) know if you think you might come, so we can get a big enough table.

Hope to see you there!

Save the Date: VASLA Summer Program at VCU

2011-06-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

More details will be forthcoming, but the VASLA Summer Program has been scheduled for Friday, August 5, 2011 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Speakers will talk about mobile applications and e-book readers. I will send out the schedule and registration information soon, but please contact Bettina Peacemaker at bjpeacemaker@vcu.edu if you have any questions in the meantime.

Don't forget the Mid-Atlantic Chapters Reception at the SLA Annual Conference in Philadelphia!

2011-06-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

If you will be at the SLA Annual Conference, don't forget the Mid-Atlantic Chapters Reception. You do have to register in advance, but don't worry, you can still buy your ticket ($5), even if you already registered for the conference. Details are at http://units.sla.org/chapter/cmd/midatlantic2011.htm

VASLA/VALL Dine-in May 19

2011-04-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Join VASLA and VALL members in Richmond for a dine-in on Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Baker's Crust in Carytown (3553 W. Cary St.). This is an opportunity to meet with other information professionals in the area and to talk about topics relevant to the profession.

2011 Annual Board Meeting

2011-03-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

The annual VASLA Board Meeting took place February 4, 2011 at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. Minutes of the meeting are available from any member of the Board. See the January 26th post on this blog for a complete list of Members and their position.

Board members in attendance. (Seated from left to right are Jason Sokoloff, Heather Enderle, and Bettina Peacemaker. Standing are Greg Stoner, Lance Utley, Megan Nunemaker, and Christian Pascasio.)

VALL/VASLA Spring Meeting 4/29/11

2011-03-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

Please join your colleagues at Regent University Law Library for an excellent meeting. The theme of the meeting is "Preserving the Past and Embracing the Future," which is reflected in the programming. Our gracious host will also offer tours of the recently renovated law library.

Details about the event program and a link to the registration form can be found here:

http://vall.pbworks.com/w/page/37940261/2011-Spring-Meeting

The registration deadline is Aprill 22.

VASLA Member Published in Virginia Lawyer

2011-02-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

VASLA Membership Director Greg Stoner of Williams Mullen in Richmond has been published in the February 2011 issue of Virginia Lawyer. Greg wrote the current entry in the publications recurring column, Law Libraries. You can download the article here:

http://www.vsb.org/docs/valawyermagazine/vl0211_libraries.pdf

or view the homepage of Virginia Lawyer. Congratulations, Greg.

The 2011 VASLA Adkins Travel Award

2011-02-17T09:06:00.000-08:00

Are you planning to attend SLA 2011 Philadelphia?

Would you like assistance with your travel expenses?

Have you applied for the VASLA Adkins Travel Award?

The VASLA Adkins Travel Award will pay you $500 toward your expenses to attend SLA. There are two awards, one for a student member and one for a professional member. Apply today. The deadline is March 15th! Winners will be notified March 22nd.

Get details and the application.

VALSA Executive Board 2011

2011-01-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

President
Heather Enderle, The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School

President-Elect
Bettina Peacemaker, Virginia Commonwealth University

Past President
Christian Pascasio, The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Treasurer
Megan Nunemaker, National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Secretary
Jason Sokoloff, James Madison University

Directors
Lance Utley, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Jason Sokoloff, James Madison University

Committee Chairs (appointed)
Archivist
Julie Beamer, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Nominations and Awards
Beth Blanton Kent, University of Virginia

Webmaster and Discussion List Manager
Julie Beamer, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Blog Co-Editors
Lance Utley, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Bettina Peacemaker, Virginia Commonwealth University

Membership
Greg Stoner, Williams Mullen

Public Relations
Kathy Soule, University of Virginia

Registeration is now open

2010-11-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Registration is now open for the Friday, December 3 VASLA Program and Chapter Meeting at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Please use the link below to register for the program. We look forward to seeing you there!!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VASLA_December2010

VASLA Program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

2010-10-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

Please join us on Friday, December 3, 2001 at the Federal Reserve in Richmond. Registration information will be available in November.

VASLA Program and Chapter Meeting
Friday, December 3, 2010
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Registration and networking

10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
State of the Economy, Ann Macheras Vice
President, Regional Economics, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Knowledge Management and Libraries, Martha
Breil, Knowledge Manager, McGuireWoods LLP

12 noon - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch and VASLA chapter meeting

1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Tour of the Federal Reserve Library and Exhibit

Mark your calendars for the next VASLA program

2010-10-01T11:14:00.001-07:00

Please mark your calendars for the next VASLA program on Friday, December 3 at the Federal Reserve in Richmond. We have some interesting topics lined up on Knowledge Management and the impact of the economy on special libraries. A more detailed schedule will come out in October.

Richmond Dine-in September 29

2010-09-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

The Richmond area networking dinner will be returning to the West End on September 29 at 6:00pm. We'll be meeting at Bertucci's restaurant at Short Pump Town Center. If you think you'll be able to attend, please contact Julie at jbeamer@infionline.net. It helps us to know how many may be coming so we can get a big enough table.

What about the Library? The Value of Libraries Before and After a Major Disaster (sponsored by the Library of Virginia)

2010-09-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

From the Library of Virginia:

What about the Library? The Value of Libraries Before and After a Major DisasterLibraries have served many roles in communities affected by disaster. Have you considered what important roles your library could play in emergency response for your community or institution?

Join us on Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at the Twin Hickory Branch of the Henrico Public Library in Glen Allen, Virginia for a half-day conference (9 -12 or 1-4) on roles libraries can play before and after a major disaster.

Featured speakers:

Rebecca Hamilton, State Librarian, State Library of Louisiana, will be the keynote speaker. Her talk will focus on emergency preparedness and response lessons, issues, and strategies for public librarians, based on her experience with Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall on the Gulf Coast just 60 days into her tenure.

Dan Wilson, Coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine’s (NN/LM) Emergency Preparedness & Response Initiative, will highlight the many risks inherent to Virginia. He will also introduce conference participants to a one-page emergency response plan designed for the continuation of core services and resources following a disaster. During lunch, Dan will provide instruction in designing and implementing a table-top exercise for your library, using a Category 3 hurricane as the scenario.

The conference will be presented twice on October 6th. The morning session will run from 9 AM to Noon, followed by lunch from Noon until 1 PM. The afternoon session, including lunch, will run from 1 PM to 4 PM. (Those participants from both sessions who can stay for lunch will be together during the lunchtime table-top exercise session.)

Seating is limited to 25 participants at each session, so please register early. The cost of the conference is $15, which will help to defray lunch and meeting expense costs.

Special Note: all participants attending the Twin Hickory Branch conference will receive a free emergency radio. The radio is excellent to have on hand in the event of power outages and other emergencies because it can be re-charged by cranking a handle, and includes an LED flashlight. It will also power a cell phone via adaptor, and issues NOAA severe weather alerts as well as transmitting AM/FM radio and NOAA weather channels.

For those of you who cannot attend the Richmond meeting, Dan Wilson will be speaking to groups to be convened in Southwest Virginia and the Tidewater areas of Virginia later in the fall.

The conference is sponsored by the Library of Virginia and has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. NO1-LM-6-3502 with the University of Maryland Baltimore.

To register for this event, please visit Virginia Libraries Event Calendar and choose either the morning or afternoon session on Wednesday, October 6th: http://host5.evanced.info/lva/evanced/eventcalendar.asp

Summer VASLA Program

2010-08-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the summer program or just need to refresh your memory, the presenters have kindly provided the slides from their presentation.

Expanding the Horizons of Information Services through Competitive Intelligence
Jill Stover Heinze, Research Analyst, Affinion Loyalty Group

Usability Projects
Erin Mayhood, Head of the Music Library, University of Virginia

Richmond Dine-in August 25

2010-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

We liked our trip across the river so much, we're doing it again. The Richmond Area monthly networking dinner will meet on August 25 at 6:00pm at Joe's Inn in Bon Air (near the intersection of Buford and Huguenot Road). The web site is http://www.joesinn.com/BonAir/. The restaurant is in a little strip mall, so parking isn't a problem.

If you think you'll be able to attend, please contact Julie at jbeamer@infionline.net. It helps us to know how many may be coming so we can get a big enough table.

Thanks and see you there!

ICF International job opening

2010-08-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

ICF International seeks a Librarian to work within the Health, Education and Social Programs (HESP) group. This position is full-time and based in our metro accessible Fairfax, VA headquarters office. The Librarian will support the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) line of business within HESP. Currently, FSS has about 30 employees and is led by a Vice President.

Librarian-Fairfax, VA (Job Number: 1000000801)

Description

Health, Education & Social Programs Group

Community and Social Programs Division

Family Self Sufficiency Line of Business

Fairfax, VA

About ICF International

ICF International (NASDAQ:ICFI) partners with government and commercial clients to deliver professional services and technology solutions in the energy and climate change; environment and infrastructure; health, human services, and social programs; and homeland security and defense markets. The firm combines passion for its work with industry expertise and innovative analytics to produce compelling results throughout the entire program life cycle, from research and analysis through implementation and improvement. Since 1969, ICF has been serving government at all levels, major corporations, and multilateral institutions. More than 3,500 employees serve these clients worldwide. ICF's Web site is www.icfi.com.

Job Description:

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct online searches for social science research and evaluation projects using several database platforms.
Use various citation formats, e.g APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, etc. Use EndNote or another bibliographic citation management product.
Develop the Technical Assistance Resource Center.
Develop the collection by selecting, cataloging, and maintaining materials in a variety of formats.
Maintain and update a Thesaurus
Run online libraries.
Maintain an organized and effective resource area.

Basic Qualifications:

Master's Degree required Master's in Library Science (MLS) strongly preferred

2+ years of experience working as a research Librarian

Preferred Skills/Experience:

3+ years of experience working as a research Librarian

Experience working with a variety of online research tools

Experience maintaining a Thesaurus

Professional Skills:

Demonstrated organizational skills
Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision making capabilities
Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in MS Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel)
Ability to be flexible to handle multiple priorities and to work limited overtime as necessary

ICF offers an excellent benefits package, an award winning talent development program, and fosters a highly skilled, energized and empowered workforce.

ICF International is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer - M/F/D/V

For a listing of other career opportunities at ICF, please visit our Career Center at www.icfi.com/careers/

Profile: Suntrust Bank Information Center

2010-07-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation's largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. As of June 30, 2010, SunTrust had total assets of $170.7 billion and total deposits of $118.7 billion. The Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves clients in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries the Company provides mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, investment management, equipment leasing and investment banking services. There are approximately 28,263 full-time equivalent employees working at SunTrust.

The SunTrust Information Center supports the mission of the bank which is to help people and institutions prosper by providing financial services that meet the needs, exceed the expectations, and enhance the lives of our clients, communities, colleagues, and ultimately our shareholders. We do this by supporting any SunTrust teammate that may need information in a variety of formats. Much of our work involves electronic research and distribution. These days we rarely meet the teammate for whom we are working, since e-mail is our main form of communication and distribution. However, we do maintain a core collection of books and periodicals which are used regularly. Over the years our staff grew from three to four employees, and then shrunk to two employees. Yet our output continues to increase every year. As the electronic databases improve and our skills improve as well, we maintain a level of service that is appreciated by our teammates.

Information Center Average Monthly Statistics
Six Months ending June 2010

Books & specific articles requested: 3,755
Research requests: 647
Average daily transactions: 222

Sue Miller, manager of the Information Center has 35 years of service at the bank and all of it has been spent in the Information Center. I have 30 years of service at the bank of which 24 years have been in the Information Center.

Richmond Dine-in July 28th

2010-07-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Richmond Area monthly networking dinner will be crossing the river on July 28 and meeting at 6:00pm at Joe's Inn in Bon Air (near the intersection of Buford and Huguenot Road). If you think you'll be able to attend, please contact Julie at jbeamer@infionline.net.

Register for the August 2010 VASLA program

2010-07-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

Below is a link to register for the August 2010 VASLA program at the University of Virginia Science and Engineering Library. Registration closes on Thursday, July 29. We have some exciting programs planned for the day, and hope that you are able to attend. This is also a great opportunity to network and make new connections with librarians across the state.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VASLA2010August

VASLA Summer Program - Save the Date!

2010-06-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

VASLA Summer Program at the UVA Science and Engineering Library
Charlottesville, VA
Friday August 6, 2010

Tentative Schedule:

9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Check-In

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Expanding the Horizons of Information Services through Competitive Intelligence
Jill Stover Heinze, Research Analyst, Affinion Loyalty Group
Competitive Intelligence (CI) principles and techniques may seem alien to many library and information professionals. However, by understanding and applying CI practices, you can create new avenues for adding value to your existing services, generate new services, and even open yourself up to a broader career path. Learn about what CI is (and what it isn’t), and how you can integrate CI into your work to make your institution and your deliverables more relevant to your core user groups and administration.

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Usability Projects
Erin Mayhood, Head of the Music Library, University of Virginia
What is Usability? How Can Usability Benefit You? This session will provide an overview of usability and libraries. More information to come.

12:00 noon - 12:45 p.m.
Lunch

12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Tour of the UVA Science and Engineering Library

More information and registration information to come in July. Hope to see you there!

Attend SLA 2010…Without Leaving Your Home or Office

2010-06-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

There are still a few days left to sign up for the SLA 2010 Virtual Conference Component.

If you are not able to physically attend SLA 2010 in New Orleans, attend the conference through the SLA 2010 Virtual Conference Component. As a virtual component attendee, you will have the opportunity to view and participate in the Opening and Closing General Sessions, where you will hear from the husband and wife political team of James Carville and Mary Matalin and author Nicholas Carr, who recently penned and op-ed piece about Google in The Washington Post.

You will also have access to ten dynamic Spotlight Sessions ranging in topics from competitive intelligence and knowledge management to social media and emerging technologies.

The registration fee for the virtual conference component is only $200. You can participate in real time or access the recorded sessions for 30 days.

Registration for the SLA 2010 Virtual Conference Component ends Friday, 11 June at 3:00 PM ET. So sign up today and join us (virtually) for SLA 2010!

Richmond Dine-in

2010-06-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Join VASLA members in Richmond for a dine-in on Wednesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. at Zorba's Restaurant on Broad Street. This is an opportunity to meet with other information professionals in the area and to talk about topics relevant to the profession.

The website for Zorba's is:

http://www.zorbasrestaurant.us/

The address is:

9068 W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA
(804) 270-6026

If you are free and plan to attend please email Heather Enderle at henderle@mcguirewoods.com so we know how many people to expect. A reservation at the restaurant will be made under VASLA.

Norfolk Dine-in

2010-05-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Join VASLA members in Norfolk for a dine-in on Tuesday, May 11 at 6:30 pm at the Baker’s Crust in Norfolk, Virginia. Susan Hanrahan is excited to organize this event and hopes you can join her for food and some interesting discussion.

The website for Baker’s Crust is:

http://www.bakerscrust.com/baker/home

The address is:

330 West 21st Street
Norfolk, VA 23517-2113
(757) 625-3600

If you are free and plan to attend please email Susan Hanrahan at shanrahan@itt-tech.edu so we know how many people to expect. A reservation at the restaurant will be made under VASLA. Baker’s Crust takes separate checks.

Hope to see you there!

Richmond Dine-In 5/26/2010

2010-05-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Join VASLA members in Richmond on Wednesday, May 26th at 6pm at Tip Thai. This is a great opportunity to meet other information professionals in the area and discuss topics relevant to the profession, all while enjoying dinner.

For additional information or to RSVP, contact Heather Enderle at henderle@mcguirewoods.com.

VASLA program at NRAO

2010-04-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

It was nice to see everybody at the NRAO yesterday. I posted the slides from my presentation, A Social Networking Update. Lance has also shared the link he mentioned during his presentation.

-Bettina Peacemaker

Adkins Travel Award Winner

2010-04-06T05:22:00.001-07:00

Please join me in congratulating our 2010 VASLA Adkins Travel award winner Jason Sokoloff, Business Librarian at James Madison University. I know that Jason will represent VASLA well in New Orleans and will share what he's learned at the National Conference via the chapter blog. Thanks and please consider applying for next year.

Christian R. Pascasio
President
VASLA

Maximizing Your SLA Membership Benefits

2010-04-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

If you weren't able to attend the recent Webinar, Maximizing Your SLA Membership Benefits, you can check out the replay page.

Click University Webinars are a membership benefit, so take advantage of upcoming sessions.

Harrisonburg Dine-In 04/07/2010

2010-03-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

Join VASLA members in Harrisonburg for a dine-in on Wednesday, April 7th at 6 p.m. at Clementine Café. This is an opportunity to meet with other information professionals in the area and to talk about topics relevant to the profession.

Please RSVP to Jason Sokoloff via e-mail at sokolojk@jmu.edu if you plan to attend. Directions are available from the restaurant's website.

VASLA Spring program

2010-03-15T12:09:00.001-07:00

The first program for VASLA this year will be held at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) library in Charlottesville, Virginia on Friday, April 23, 2010. In this program we will have the opportunity to learn about the open source OPAC alternative Blacklight and its use as the user interface for non-book records at the NRAO. Then, Bettina Peacemaker from Virginia Commonwealth University's Cabell library will talk about social networking tools such as Facebook and its use in libraries and information centers. This program will include opportunities to network with colleagues from across the state, lunch and a tour of the NRAO library. Detailed information and the registration form can be found on the link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VASLA_April2010

Registration closes on Monday, April 19 so be sure to save the date and fill out your form soon. Look forward to seeing you there!

Susan Adkins Travel Award Deadline Extended

2010-03-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

The deadline to apply for the VASLA Susan Adkins Travel Award has been extended. Applications will now be accepted until Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

The VASLA Adkins Travel Award will pay $500 of your travel expenses to attend SLA 2010 in New Orleans. Apply today. The application materials are available at from VASLA website.

Reminder - The VASLA Adkins Travel Award

2010-03-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Are you planning to attend SLA 2010 New Orleans?

Would you like assistance with your travel expenses?

Have you applied for the VASLA Adkins Travel Award?

The VASLA Adkins Travel Award will pay you $500 toward your expenses to attend SLA. Apply today. The deadline is March 8th!

Get more info.

Upcoming VASLA programs

2010-03-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

Save the date

August 6, 2010
University of Virginia Science & Engineering School
Charlottesville, VA

October 15, 2010
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

December 3, 2010
Federal Reserve Bank
Richmond, VA

April program information

2010-03-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Registration information for the April 23rd program at NRAO will be available the second week in March. Program topics will include Blacklight and social networking. More information to come.

Information Outlook article by VASLA member

2010-02-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out the January/February 2010 issue of Information Outlook, where VASLA member Jill Heinze has an article on "Leveraging Internal Partnerships for Library Success." Jill is a research analyst in the Marketing Department at Affinion Loyalty Group in Richmond, VA, and a member of SLA's Competitive Intelligence Division.

VASLA Adkins Travel Awards 2010

2010-02-23T05:26:00.000-08:00

Virginia Chapter, SLA

Susan Adkins Travel Awards 2010

SLA Annual Conference

New Orleans, LA

June 13 - 16, 2010

If you are planning to attend the SLA Annual Conference in New Orleans and could use some financial help with travel expenses, please submit an application for the Susan Adkins Travel Awards.

To be considered you must:

Be a current member of SLA and VASLA.
Submit an application form found on the VASLA web page, a copy of your resume or curriculum vita, and essay justifying your need for this award. You may write in terms of professional development, commitment to the profession or financial need.
For the student award you must be currently enrolled in coursework for library and/or information science studies.

Applications are due March 8th, 2010. Winners will be notified by March 22nd , 2010. Winners are required to submit a written conference participation report that will be shared with VASLA members.

Send applications to the VASLA Awards Committee, c/o Megan Nunemaker, VASLA Secretary.
Submit by e-mail at:
mailto:mnunemak@nrao.edu?subject=Adkins Travel Award

Download application materials here, VASLA Adkins Award Application.

State of the Association address by Janice Lachance on 1/28/2010

2010-02-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

At the 2010 SLA Leadership Summit, Janice Lachance, CEO of the Special Libraries Association, gave a State of the Association address. The text of the speech is available here, and a video in four parts is available here:

http://www.nuthingbut.net/2010/02/state-of-sla-speech-by-ceo-janice.html

VASLA Spring Program - Friday, April 23, 2010 - Save the Date!

2010-02-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

Save the date for VASLA's Spring program at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory library in Charlottesville, VA on Friday, April 23.

In response to the 2010 programming survey results, programs will focus on technology and social networking tools. More details will follow closer to the date. Please contact Heather Enderle at henderle@mcguirewoods.com with questions.

SLA Leadership Conference 2010 in Review

2010-02-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

VASLA President Christian Pascasio and I had the opportunity to attend the SLA Leadership Conference in St. Louis, MO this year. This two day session was packed with information on the SLA organizational structure, networking opportunities, updates on the alignment process and a fantastic keynote address on "Building and Maintaining Loyal Relationships" by Jim Kane. The size of the conference enabled us to network with many information professionals in a more intimate setting. While there was a wealth of information distributed and we had the chance to brainstorm with other professionals on what types of programs were successful in their chapter or division, I wanted to pass on a few notes from the event that struck me as important:

Membership benefits I wasn't aware of. While I frequently take advantage of the chapter events and have found the membership directory to be very helpful when filling an unusual research request, I wasn't aware of many other benefits. Sure, I have seen the emails for Click U and am familiar with the Salary Survey, but I didn't realize there were so many online training tools available and an eReference collection. Click here to see what is available to members.
SLA's response to the membership in a tough economy. While SLA has tried to give members a break in this struggling economy by introducing membership dues tiers, the proceeds from the annual conference and dues was still not enough to cover the cost per member. Consequently they had to raise dues because SLA is only allowed to increase dues every 3 years, and it has been 4 years since the last increase.
SLA Alignment Project. With the name change vote behind us, there are other areas to address in alignment including a consistent logo and a clearer mission/vision for the organization. Each chapter has an alignment ambassador, and we are in the process of finding one for Virginia. Click here to read more on the project.
The importance of networking. While SLA offers the annual conference (which is available this year virtually for $200) and institutes, much of the discussion of what other chapters are successfully doing focused on networking events. These take the form of dine arounds, happy hours and library tours. With the geographic diversity of Virginia getting a large group of people together may be challenging, but we hope to offer more dine around events this year to reach other chapter members.
Heather Enderle, President-Elect

VASLA Presidential message

2010-01-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

As incoming president to VASLA I am excited for the new year and want to start by building a successful chapter that fits what you want from SLA. Many of you have taken the first step with the survey sent out by President-Elect Heather Enderle a couple of weeks ago. We will be using the survey to determine programs for the year. I also strongly encourage you to take advantage of networking opportunities through the dine-in's and programs and the SLA Conference in New Orleans. One of the greatest strength's of SLA as an organization is the diverse talents each of us bring to our chapter. Thanks and I look forward to working with each of you in 2010.

Christian Pascasio
President
VASLA

VMI Library Position Open

2010-01-25T10:14:00.000-08:00

Head of Technical Services, Preston Library
http://www.vmi.edu/show.aspx?tid=36527&id=4294969033

Preston Library at the Virginia Military Institute seeks a Head of Technical Services to lead its technical and automation services. The successful candidate will be a creative leader who thrives on exploring and implementing new technologies to support the library and the Institute's missions. This position will lead an initiative to explore and implement a catalog "discovery layer" and Library 2.0/Web 2.0 initiatives.

Position and Duties: Reporting to the Head Librarian, the successful candidate will oversee hardware and software specific to the library: web services; the library’s ILS (Innovative Interfaces Millennium); develop and implement new and innovative technologies and services; plan and implement upgrades; represent the library’s information technology interests within the Institute. He/She will also be responsible for planning and implementing library technical policies and procedures; build, train, and supervise a transitioning Technical Services Department, which includes cataloging and acquisitions, within the Library team; work with IT and other technology areas and departments.

Required Qualifications: Master’s degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in library science, information science, or computer science; professional experience in implementing library technologies in an academic setting; have a high level of technical expertise in technologies related to library systems and web development; experience designing and maintaining web pages, with advanced knowledge and understanding of website technologies, including in-depth knowledge of one or more markup or scripting languages (e.g. Perl, PHP, HTML, ASP, Javascript, etc.), experience with databases (e.g. MySQL); Linux and Windows system administration; experience with open-source software; fluency with current and emerging library technologies; outstanding written and oral communication skills; outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively as a team member and independently; ability to solve problems and manage projects.

Preferred: Progressively more responsible managerial experience in an academic library; advanced working knowledge of an integrated library system, preferably Innovative Interfaces Millennium and the ILLiad interlibrary loan system.

Salary: Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a non-tenure track administrative professional appointment. VMI has an excellent benefit plan which includes 30 days annual leave.

Apply on-line at https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov/applicants/Central?quickFind=108128
The application should include a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three professional references. The position will remain open until filled. VMI is an EEO Employer.

Profile: The National Radio Astronomy Observatory Library

2010-01-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory Library is a private library supporting the scientific and engineering staff of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). NRAO is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. The Library, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, operates within the scientific division of the Observatory. We are three professional librarians who support reference inquiries, provide statistical publication data, and maintain the world’s largest concentrated collection of radio astronomy materials. While the Library operates during normal business hours, Eastern Time, the extensive electronic resources we provide augment the support needs of NRAO’s four-sites that span multiple time zones.

The NRAO Library has three key roles within the organization: providing NRAO staff with the materials and resources they require, supporting the publication of scientists who use NRAO instruments, and providing support to other agencies and communities that work closely with NRAO. The Library maintains a wide array of periodicals, mostly in electronic forms. We acquire hundreds of new monograph titles annually in support of the continued development of our premier radio astronomy collection. We also provide case by case access to materials we do not own or subscribe to regularly. The Library manages page charges for scientists who have used NRAO instruments in their research. We maintain databases of all papers and theses that use our instruments or are written by our staff in direct support of our budget; scholarly work documents that our instruments have utility to the astronomical community. Finally, we actively support the international radio astronomy community via ILLs of our fine collection and host data valuable to communities larger than NRAO, such as the terahertz research community.

My role within the library is divided equally between the traditional duties of a librarian who supports public services and the daily tasks of a web developer and database technician. I manage our bindery activities, the journal collection, share circulation duties, and recently took on the ILLs. I am the webmaster for the online hosting of conference proceedings for the annual International Symposium of Space Terahertz Technology and as such designed and now maintain a web front end and supporting database that ties engineers from that community to digitized versions of 20 years of individual articles and proceedings. I am excited about the next feature that will be added to this service, a faceted search index powered by the open source software called Blacklight, developed in part by UVA. I also enjoy the varied opportunities and growth the NRAO Library offers me.

-Lance Utley

Richmond Dine-in Schedule

2009-12-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

We hope you can join us on...

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 6pm at Baker's Crust (3553 W. Cary Street)
*****
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 6pm at Bandito's (2905 Patterson Avenue)
*****
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 6pm at Bertucci's (11721 West Broad Street)
*****
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 6pm at Capital Ale House (623 East Main Street)
*****
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 6pm at TBD

2010 Click U Certificate Programs

2009-12-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

SLA offers a number of Click U certificate programs. Information is below:

Click U's 2010 Certificate Program courses are now registering! Begin planning to expand your expertise and achieve your professional development objectives by participating in one or more of them. Program participants can take courses à la carte or pursue a complete certificate. Courses begin in January 2010.

Competitive Intelligence Certificates Program The certificates program is based on effective and recognized intelligence practices and addresses the requirements of LIS professionals, organizations practicing intelligence, and the professional development marketplace.

Certificate in Copyright Management Your job as an info pro is not only to find the best information for your clients. In many organizations you also are the only defense against costly infringement actions. Once you locate the information, you must ensure you distribute it without violating copyright restrictions -- and that your clients also stay within the law.

Knowledge Management Certificates Program Turning information into knowledge is becoming a key role of today's information professional. SLA members can get ahead in this fast-moving discipline with the Click University Knowledge Management (KM) Certificates Program. The KM courses are appropriate for seasoned KM professionals as well as library and information science professionals who are not currently performing a KM function.

Questions? Want more information? Contact clicku@sla.org.

December VASLA meeting

2009-12-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

As a relative newcomer to SLA, the meeting at the Federal Reserve Bank on the 4th was my first chance to actually meet VASLA members beyond the local Richmond dine-in group. This interaction alone was well worth the time away from the library, but I also learned quite a bit from our speakers.

The morning started with a presentation from Gloria Zamora, President of SLA. Putting thoughts about the name change aside, she made a compelling argument for alignment. Since then, the name change proposal failed, so it will be interesting to see how the alignment will proceed. After a short business meeting and a some socializing time over lunch, we heard from Ann Battle Macheras, Vice President, Regional Economics Division. I am afraid I can't do her presentation the justice it deserves, but I came away optimistic about Virginia's economy and have noticed this information filter through the media and even through reports at my institution since the meeting.

Although I pass it everyday on my way home from work, this was my first actual visit to the Federal Reserve building. After the program, we got the opportunity to see a little more of the building when Christian and his colleagues led us on a tour of T.H.E. Library. I was impressed with the facility, and I think we were all envious of the view. It was a great ending to the day, and I look forward to future VASLA programs.

Bettina Peacemaker

Congratulations new (and returning) officers!

2009-12-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

At the December VASLA meeting at the Federal Reserve, the following new and returning officers were confirmed for 2010 - 2011:

Heather Enderle, President-Elect

Electronic Services Librarian, The Judge Advocate General's School - U.S. Army

Megan Nunemaker, Secretary (returning)
Astronomy Librarian, National Radio Astronomy Observatory Library

Jason Sokoloff, Director
Business Librarian, James Madison University

SLA Name to Stay the Same

2009-12-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

From SLA Headquarters:

SLA Name Will Stay: Alignment of Association to ContinueAlexandria, Virginia, December 10, 2009- The Special Libraries Association (SLA) announced the results of its association-wide vote on a new name today. Voting in record numbers, SLA members failed to approve a proposal to change the organization’s name to the Association for Strategic Knowledge Professionals. 50 percent of those members eligible to vote participated in the referendum, with 2071 voting yes and 3225 voting no.

“The active discussions, online and in local meetings, are a testament to the passion and commitment that knowledge and information professionals feel towards their association and their profession,” said Gloria Zamora, SLA 2009 President. “This level of engagement will help make SLA and its members more effective advocates for the information profession in the years ahead.”

The name change proposal stemmed from the findings of the Alignment Project, an intensive two-year research effort aimed at understanding the value of the information and knowledge professional in today’s marketplace and how to best communicate that value. “Our name will remain,” Zamora continued, “but we will go forward with developing opportunities for our members to use the Alignment findings to demonstrate their contributions to the organizations that employ them.”

“Information and knowledge professionals are critical assets to the organizations that employ them, yet their contributions and capabilities are too often underestimated,” said SLA CEO Janice R. Lachance. “The findings of the Alignment Project research will guide SLA in developing services and programs that will more successfully position these professionals in the marketplace and attract the recognition and compensation they deserve.”

About SLA
The Special Libraries Association (SLA) is a nonprofit global organization for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners. SLA serves about 11,000 members in 75 countries in the information profession, including corporate, academic, and government information specialists. SLA promotes and strengthens its members through learning, advocacy, and networking initiatives. For more information, visit us on the Web at www.sla.org.

VASLA Executive Board 2010

2009-12-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

President
Christian Pascasio, Federal Reserve Bank

President-Elect
Heather Enderle, The Judge Advocate General's School - U.S. Army

Past President
Janet Holly, Virginia Military Institute

Treasurer, 2009-10
Carla Lee, University of Virginia, Brown Science and Engineering Library

Secretary, 2010-11
Megan Nunemaker, National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Director, 2010-11
Jason Sokoloff, Business Librarian, James Madison University

Director, 2010-11
Lance Utley, Librarian, National Radio Astronomy Observatory Library

Committee Chairs (Appointed)
Archivist
Julie Beamer, Virginia Historical Society

Nominations and Awards
Beth Blanton Kent, University of Virginia, Brown Science and Engineering Library

Webmaster and Discussion List Manager
Julie Beamer, Virginia Historical Society

Blog Co-Editors
Bettina Peacemaker, Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries
Lance Utley, Librarian, National Radio Astronomy Observatory Library

Membership
Lorraine Sitler

Professional Development/Consultation
VACANT POSITION

Public Relations
Kathy Soule, University of Virginia, Brown Science and Engineering Library

VASLA meeting December 4, 2009 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

2009-11-20T14:07:00.000-08:00

The agenda for the meeting is:

10:00-11:00: Gloria Zamora, President of SLA talking about Alignment
11:00-12:00: VASLA Business Meeting
12:00-1:00: Lunch
12:30-1:30: Ann Battle Macheras, Vice President, Regional Economics Division

Cost will be $15.00 for members and $25.00 for nonmembers.

Contact Christian Pascasio for more information.

Another Perspective on the Name Change

2009-11-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

From Ann Sweeney, Division Cabinet Chair-Elect; Chair, International Relations Section, Social Science Division as forwarded to VASLA President Janet Holly:

In deciding how you will vote between November 16 and December 9 on the proposed name change, I'd like you to take a step back. Rather than focusing on the "trees" of adjectives, nouns, titles, etc., please think not just about the "forest," but about the entire landscape—and beyond, to the horizon. Consider the way in which our profession and our association are perceived by users, clients, patrons, employers, potential employers, and the public at large. This broad view directly impacts our individual and collective futures.

Again, this year marks my 40th as a librarian. During that span, I’ve worked in international, federal, bi-state government; quasi-government; academic; solo; company; and public libraries—and have volunteered in el-hi school libraries. Subject areas with which I’ve dealt include business, transportation, engineering, defense, law, political science, trade, news, and labor. My job descriptions have covered reference, technical services, cataloging, collection development, abstracting, indexing, thesaurus construction, database creation and maintenance, head librarian, information specialist, researcher, webmaster, senior communications advisor, and a myriad of other electronic applications (e-alerts, digital business cards, etc.).

Regardless of where we work or our specific position or designation, as information professionals we provide strategic knowledge. We facilitate informed decision-making, whether for a scholar, a researcher, an executive, or an official. That is the essence of “strategic knowledge”—a term demonstrated by the extensive research to resonate most effectively with those in "the outside world." And enabling enhanced decision-making will never go out of fashion.

Yes, the "Association for Strategic Knowledge Professionals" may generate questions among that group. But they will be the right sorts of questions that will afford us a singular opportunity to communicate in an accurate and effective manner precisely what we do and the value we add to decision-making.

Still, whether the association’s name is changed this year or not, we must proceed to align ourselves and our organization for the new century and its inherent challenges. We cannot remain static if we are to flourish.

So, I urge you to take the long view: look to the future.

Ann Sweeney
Division Cabinet Chair-Elect; Chair, International Relations Section, Social Science Division
[Senior Communications Advisor: Electronic Publications European Union - European Commission Delegation 2300 M Street, NW, 3rd Floor Washington, DC 20037 (202) 862-9546 Fax: (202-429-1766 Email: ann.sweeney@ec.europa.eu Website: http://www.eurunion.org]

VASLA meeting on December 4 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

2009-11-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

VASLA will have a meeting on December 4, starting at 10:00 a.m., at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. SLA-President Gloria Zamora will be present to discuss SLA's Alignment project and answer questions. A speaker from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond will talk about the regional economy. Stay tuned for more details.

VASLA members dine together in Charlottesville

2009-11-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, October 20, four VASLA members dined together and shared their thoughts on topics ranging from the proposed new name and acronym for SLA, the use of Kindles at the Darden Business School, and the Semester at Sea program. A great time was had by all! Please join us, or your local members, for the next convenient dinner event; you won't be disappointed!
Pictured left to right: Rebecca Pappert, Karen King and Kathryn Soule.

Your thoughts on the SLA Name Change

2009-11-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

As you all know that we will be voting as members on the new name of the Special Libraries Association starting on November 16. I wanted to start a discussion via the listserv to hear your feedback and thoughts about the new name of Association for Strategic Knowledge Professionals. Please take a look at the SLA web site for the Name Change home page at http://www.sla.org/content/SLA/governance/namechange/index.cfm to further familiarize yourself with the discussion. Now is the time to discuss as VA Chapter members what your thoughts are to other members. Thanks and I look forward to an engaging lisserv discussion.

Christian R. Pascasio

Mark the date - next VASLA meeting to be held Friday, December 4

2009-10-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendar for the next VASLA meeting on Friday, December 4 at the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond. Details to come later.

New proposed name for SLA is Association for Strategic Knowledge Professionals (ASKPro)

2009-10-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

The SLA Board of Directors has recommended the Association for Strategic Knowledge Professionals, or ASKPro as the name for the Special Librarian Association.
The proposed name is the result of the same rigorous process used in the Alignment Project research . The Board encourages all SLA members to voice their opinion on this proposal by casting an electronic vote in a special referendum that will begin on 16 November and end 9 December. The result will be announced on 10 December.

To read more about the name change click here. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the name change click here.

Charlottesville Dine-In 10/20/09

2009-10-06T08:37:00.001-07:00

Join VASLA members in Charlottesville for a dine-in on Tuesday, October 20th at 6 p.m. at the new Asian Fusion Buffet. This is an opportunity to meet with other information professionals in the area and to talk about topics relevant to the profession.

The address is:

175 Seminole CT
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 973-8988

If you are free and plan to attend please email Megan Nunemaker at mnunemak@nrao.edu by C.O.B. on the 19th. A reservation at the restaurant will be made under VASLA.

Richmond Dine-In 10/28/09

2009-10-06T08:36:00.001-07:00

Join VASLA members in Richmond for a dine-in on Wednesday, October 28 at 6 p.m. at the Baker's Crust in Carytown . This is an opportunity to meet with other information professionals in the area and to talk about topics relevant to the profession.

The website for Baker's Crust is:

http://www.bakerscrust.com/baker/home

The address is:

3553 W. Cary Street in CarytownRichmond, VA 23221Phone: 804/213-0800

If you are free and plan to attend please email Heather Enderle at henderle@mcguirewoods.com so we know how many people to expect. A reservation at the restaurant will be made under VASLA.

SMR International’s latest e-Profile on Virginia librarian Ken Winter

2009-09-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Catch SMR International’s latest e-Profile on Virginia librarian Ken Winter: Ken Winter at VDOT: KM/Knowledge Services = Innovation, Opportunity, and Influence

Ken Winter is Director of Library and Information Services for the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Polls now open for the 2010 SLA Board of Directors

2009-09-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

The polls for the 2010 SLA Board of Directors are now open. Click here to learn more about the candidates and to cast your vote.

SLA member Christian Gray has compiled various resources to help voters learn more about the opinions and thoughts of the candidates. Below are links to Facebook, Twitter, and more with additional information on the candidates:

President-Elect:

Agnes K. Mattis
Biography
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Blog

Cindy Romaine
Biography
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Blog

Treasurer:
Karen Reczek
Biography
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Blog

Dan Trefethen
Biography
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Blog

Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect:
Liz Blankson-Hemans
Biography
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Blog

Debal C. Kar
Biography
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Blog

Division Cabinet-Elect:
Mary Ellen Bates
Biography
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Blog

Stacey Greenwell
Biography
SLA TV Speech & Response to Questions
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Blog

SLA & Alignment

2009-08-31T13:11:00.000-07:00

The following email by Jennifer Cessna, SLA member, was forwarded by Gloria Zamora, 2009 SLA President to Janet Holly, 2009 VASLA President:

"What does a brand say to you? If I say “Would you like a Hershey’s Kiss?” you know immediately what I’m offering; you might ask for an Almond Joy instead, but again, the language is clear and the brand has meaning.

Can we say the same about The Special Libraries Association dba. SLA? Quite honestly, if I have one more colleague from Hershey say to me “Oh, you’re a member of the Symbionese Liberation Army”; I may just flex my 2nd Amendment right to bear arms! Obviously, I’m joking about the gun, because that would surely get me fired, but as an association, we are experiencing a bit of a brand name crises. Even Special “Libraries” doesn’t describe us, but the space where we work…or the space where we once worked.

So while we are doing the work to ensure that we, Librarians, Information Professionals, Researcher, Analyst or whatever you call yourself, are positioned for the future, it seems like the appropriate time to also evaluate our brand name. A brand is a bit of a package deal…it’s the name and the good or service behind the name. So let’s do the work and have the tough conversations and hopefully when the smoke clears, we’ll emerge as an association with a brand that is strong and meaningful not just to us but to our employers, customers and colleagues!

Over the next few months as the work on the Alignment Project progresses, I’ll be acting as the Alignment Ambassador for FAN. I’ll provide updates as I get them and am open to discussion on the alignment project. I can also take your feedback & comments to the other Alignment Ambassadors and to the Alignment Committee. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to email me.

Helpful Resources

Latest update on the alignment research: http://wiki.sla.org/download/attachments/34701754/Positioning+Info+Pros+for+the+Future.pdf
SLA Alignment Website: http://www.sla.org/content/SLA/alignment/index.cfm

Have a great weekend!"
Jennifer R. Cessna Lead Information Research Specialist
The Hershey Company 1025 Reese Ave Hershey PA 17033 p: 717-520-8869 f: 717-534-5069 jrcessna@hersheys.com

VASLA Richmond Dine-in Wednesday, September 30 at 6 p.m. at Max & Erma's in Glenside

2009-08-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

Join VASLA members in Richmond for a dine-in on Wednesday, September 30 at 6 p.m. at Max & Erma's in Glenside. This is an opportunity to meet with other information professionals in the area and to talk about topics relevant to the profession.

The website for Max & Erma's is:
http://maxandermas.com/

The address is:

6623 W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230
(804)285-3762

If you are free and plan to attend please email Heather Enderle at henderle@mcguirewoods.com so we know how many people to expect. A reservation at the restaurant will be made under VASLA.

VASLA Richmond Dine-In - Bertucci's at Short Pump, 8/26/09

2009-08-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

Join VASLA members in Richmond for a dine-in on Wednesday, August 26 at 6 p.m. at Bertucci's in Short Pump. This is an opportunity to meet with other information professionals in the area and to talk about topics relevant to the profession.

The website for Bertucci's is:
http://www.bertuccis.com/

The address is:
11721 West Broad Street
Short Pump Town CenterRichmond, VA 23233
Phone: 804-360-1252

If you are free and plan to attend please email Heather Enderle at henderle@mcguirewoods.com so we know how many people to expect. A reservation at the restaurant will be made under VASLA.

VASLA co-sponsors Mid-Atlantic Reception at SLA 2009 Conference

2009-08-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

VASLA was one of the chapters to sponsor the Mid-Atlantic Reception at the 2009 SLA Conference that took place on Tuesday, June 16, between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel. We can thank Leadership Directories for its generous contribution to making the event a success. Members gathered and shared stories, had the option to participate in a Tarot Card reading, and caught up with old friends. The other SLA chapters to sponsor the reception were DC, Maryland and New Jersey. James King, DC Chapter President Elect, was the organizer of the reception. James is already planning to repeat the reception at the 2010 conference in New Orleans!

From left to right: Christian Pascasio, VASLA President-Elect; Janet Holly, VASLA President; Christine Reid, Librarian at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland; Karen King, VASLA Past-President; James King, President Elect of the DC Chapter.

VASLA members dine together in Charlottesville

2009-07-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

VASLA members dine together in Charlottesville. Pictured from left: Christian Pascasio, Karen King (with baby Margaret Nunemaker), Lance Utley, Megan Nunemaker and Cate Canevari.

VASLA now on Facebook

2009-07-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

VASLA now has a page on Facebook! To become a fan of the VASLA Facebook page and learn about upcoming events, programs and items of interest you must have a Facebook account. Once you are logged in, run a search for VASLA -- Virginia Chapter of the Special Libraries Association and the page will come up. There is a link on the lower left-hand side of the page to become a fan.

Upcoming dine-in in Charlottesville!

2009-07-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

Date: Wednesday, July 22nd
Where: Tara Thai @ Barracks Road Shopping Center
Map: http://preview.tinyurl.com/m65etl
About Tara Thai: http://www.tarathaiexpress.com/index2.html
Time: 6:00 P.M.
R.S.V.P.: to Megan Nunemaker, mnunemak@nrao.edu, by C.O.B. July 20th.

For those of you within easy driving distance of Charlottesville, please join us! Summer is wonderful in Charlottesville. The elevation makes it a bit cooler than other areas of the state and with the students gone for the summer, the Barracks Road shops and eateries are much more pleasant!

2009-06-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Richmond VASLA members have been gathering once a month to socialize, network and discuss topics of interest to special librarians. The above photo is from the June 2009 dine-in at Baker's Crust in Carytown. Join us for next month's dine-in at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29 at Baker's Crust. Pictured above from left to right: Heather Enderle, Julie Beamer, Christian Pascasio and Jill Stover Heinze.

Reflections on the 2009 Annual Conference from a First-Timer

2009-06-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

As a first-time conference attendee, the SLA 2009 annual conference in DC was all that I expected and more. On Sunday I was able to get checked-in to my hotel and take the metro to the Washington Convention Center in time to listen to an inspiring speech by former Secretary of State Colin Powell. At 72 years of age he still has his sense of humor, opening his speech by expressing gratitude at being invited to speak at the conference, joking that these days he is “grateful to be invited anywhere.” When asked what he missed most about being a Secretary of State, his response was a definite “the plane.” General Powell also relayed some amusing stories about being diligently patted down in an airport security screening, only to tell the gentleman once he was finished to not search him, but to “go find Osama Bin Laden.” Though most of his speech was anecdotal, Colin Powell did emphasize the need to be ready for change, using as examples the technical and social influences of Google, Facebook and Twitter. He also thanked the federal library staff - many who were present - who had supported him through the years by locating a sixth grade photo or two, or helping him to recall what he said in a particular speech.

Sunday evening I was able to take an abbreviated tour of the International Spy Museum, where I assumed the identity of a German astronomer traveling to London. Sponsored by the Competitive Intelligence division, this event was a big hit. Monday started with an early legal division breakfast sponsored by BNA, then I was off to see the rows and rows of vendors in the INFO-EXPO hall. If I could do the trip over again I would have stayed in a conference hotel, as I would have been able to go back to my room to unload all of the materials provided by vendors, as well as to recharge for the rest of the day!

There were so many great programs that I can’t go into them all in detail, however I wanted to mention how much I enjoyed Mary Ellen Bates session on negotiation – handouts are available here, and the comic relief of The Onion’s editor session on the future of news. Unfortunately I probably shouldn’t post much of the news discussed in the session here. The Mid-Atlantic reception on Tuesday evening was also a big success, as was the Tarot Card reader. Overall, I came home from the conference energized with new ideas and enthusiastic about the profession as a whole. Thank you, VASLA, for enabling me to participate in this opportunity.

Heather Enderle