Are you thinking about your career? So is LMD.
No doubt you, too, have wondered how your career will unfold … with so much change around us. You may be wondering how to build your management skills for the challenges ahead, plan for your longer term professional future, or rise to the occasion of changed workplace. We can help.
The Leadership and Management Division is where SLA members meet to grow as professionals and leaders and support each other in specific situations. It is a community where you can feel safe asking for advice and help – because that is LMD’s purpose.
Your primary divisions are your “home communities” for the subject in which you specialize or the type of entity in which you work. LMD focuses on the soft skills we all need no matter where we work – navigating organizational culture and politics, dealing with people, leading teams and projects, and so on. In that way, LMD is a natural complement to any other division in which you hold membership.
Some have the mistaken impression that one must be a library manager or hold office in SLA in order to join LMD. Not at all: We welcome anyone, right from student days.
What does LMD offer?
Professional Development Webinar Series
Our highly acclaimed webinar series continues with a great lineup for the first half of 2013:
January 23 from 2:00p.m.- 3:00p.m.EST – David Shumaker presents “Disruption, Alignment, and Embedded Librarianship: Connecting the Dots, and Avoiding the Traps”
March 6 from 2:00p.m.- 3:00p.m.EST – Ruth Wolfish on Marketing
April 17 from 2:00p.m.- 3:00p.m.EST – Mary Lane on Staff Cohesion
If you have an interest in presenting a webinar, or would like to suggest a topic, please contact Billy Cook, Professional Development Chair, at wdcook12@gmail.com
High quality and sought-after programs at the annual conference
Here are a few highlights from what we are offering at SLA Annual in San Diego this year, SLA 2013, June 9 – 11.
LMD stalwart Jane Dysart leads off on Sunday at 1:30 with a panel she has put together on leadership roles in KM. We always learn a lot from Jane and Friends and they are sure to inspire with ideas for new opportunities for KM careers. “Too Big To Know” by David Weinberger is the foundation of the discussion.
Do you have a vexing workplace issue and are not sure where to turn? Are you facing a career decision and would like some advice from senior SLA members who have “been there?” Just like in the old Peanuts cartoon, “The Experts Are In,” at a fun and fast-paced session LMD Chair Amy Affelt will host on Sunday at 3:30. Using a speed dating format, you will have the opportunity to run your challenge past some of SLA’s most knowledgeable and experienced members as they act as a sounding board and give you their take on your situation. This is not resume review or assistance with a job search, but rather a chance to pose that question you were afraid to ask and get an answer from some of the most seasoned professionals in our industry.
Can you think of anyone more equipped to speak about leadership than the Commanding Officer of the US Naval Base in San Diego? Captain Winton Smith will share the leadership experiences of a lifetime on Monday at 10:00 a.m.
Doesn’t it seem that someone, somewhere is experiencing a “100 year storm,” “the big quake we were warned about,” or an “unprecedented disaster” every few months in recent years? Lives lost, homes destroyed, entire populations uprooted—how do we deal with these events from a professional standpoint? What is the role of the information professional when the unthinkable occurs? On Tuesday at 10:00, Tahirih Fusscas, member of SLA’s EPRAC, will help us learn how to become indispensable to our organizations in times of crisis.
- Sections for Consultants, Content Buying, and Marketing whose members meet at conference to discuss their special interests.
- A blog where members share their thoughts and questions about anything related to the careers of special librarians and information professionals!
- A wiki for transacting e.g. conference and committee activities.
- A listserv, of course!
But the greatest value is participation in the LMD community – dedicated professionals ready to offer their insights and experience. With you – yes, you!
Sign up now at Join SLA
Questions? The Membership Committee is happy to talk to you.
Tom Rink, 2013 Membership Chair
