You're the expert share what you know: here are Information Outlook's major topics for 2005

Information Outlook, Nov, 2004

We're always looking for new authors for Information Outlook. That's one way we get new ideas, learn new ways of doing things.

The editorial calendar below shows major topics we want to cover for each issue in 2005.

Please note: The editorial calendar is only a starting point. We need more articles on more topics than we've listed below.

If you want to write on a topic that isn't on the calendar, or on a topic that isn't listed for a particular issue, we want to hear from you. For example, articles on topics like marketing, searching, and technology will be welcome throughout the year. We want to hear all of your ideas for articles.

Also, our descriptions of the topics may not fit your approach. If you have a different idea for a topic, let us know.

February

Marketing library services. A recent reader survey found that internal marketing is the most important topic we cover. Here's a chance to share your success stories, case studies, and best practices.

E-publishing. How do you use your organization's intranet to help clients get the most out of the library?

March

Managing. Do you manage a library? Do you manage a staff? Here's a chance to let others know what has worked for you. Articles from solo librarians are especially welcome.

April

Competitive intelligence. How do librarians walk the line between providing important information about the competition and using unethical ways to get it?

Content technology. What is most important for an information management system? Ease of use? Indexing? Searching? What works best on a tight budget?

May

Career/professional development. Here's a chance for more senior librarians to write about the paths they took in their careers and advise others on how to get to the top of the profession.

June

E-publishing.

July

Searching.

August

Global networking. How have you built your network of fellow professionals? How has it helped you succeed?

E-publishing.

September

Knowledge management. In an information-based economy, how is your organization getting the most out of all its intellectual capital?

October

Marketing library services.

November

Trends in library design. A library is more than a collection of books and periodicals. How can design make a difference for your clients? Or, with increasing digitization of information, are the days of physical libraries nearly through?

E-publishing.

December

Purchasing. How do you get the best deal for your company's information needs?

Deadlines

In general, we need to receive completed articles six weeks prior to the month of publication: for example, October 15 for the December issue.

However, we prefer that authors inquire before submitting a manuscript. If you are writing for a particular issue, your query should be early enough to allow for writing the article. For more information on writing for Information Outlook, see http://www.sla.org/content/Shop/Information/writingforio.cfm, or write jadams@sla.org.