A Decade of Celebrating International Special Librarians Day! - Brief Article

Information Outlook, Feb, 2001

Ten years ago, the Special Libraries Association decided there should be a day dedicated to the profession that would recognize the unique contributions made by information professionals and the critical role they play in the international information arena. As a result, International Special Librarians Day (ISLD) was created. Held in conjunction with National Library Week, ISLD encourages information professionals to promote the services they provide to their users, customers, and management within their organizations and to external communities. The first celebration turned out to be such an overwhelming success that the board of directors decided to make it an annual event, thus laying the foundation for future events.

So here we are a decade later. ISLD continues to serve the same purpose in 2001 as it did in 1991; the only notable difference is that the celebration has grown steadily into an international event because of the continued support and commitment from information professionals around the world. As a leader in the global information community, on the front lines everyday obtaining first-hand knowledge and experience on the perceptions and attitudes surrounding the profession, you understand that your participation and communication play an important role in raising awareness and recognition for the profession. With that in mind, a theme was created that embodies the ISLD message. "A World of Information Within Your Reach" conveys that information professionals are the best trained people to tap into, manage, and connect you to today's complex and overwhelming world of global information.

To get you started down the right path, this year we added a new press kit. The press kit contains a sample press release, media alert, letter to the editor, fact sheet, and radio PSA, all of which are available on the SLA web site. The international observance of ISLD provides a news hook or angle for developing news and feature stories and the press kit is a valuable communications tool for you to send to your local print and broadcast media.

Thanks to the generous support from Factiva, A Dow Jones and Reuters Company, and the Freedom Forum, we have prepared a great promotional kit for you to use in celebrating this very special occasion. Please take full advantage of the ISLD theme and logo on the SLA web site. The SLA web site also contains information on activities for celebrating ISLD, information on ordering free promotional items, and the criteria for the ISLD Award. For the second year, the Freedom Forum in Rosslyn, Virginia, will host a special event which includes a self-guided tour of the Newseum (an interactive news museum). Here are a few easy tips to assist you in getting the message out:

Invite your colleagues, local officials and the media for an open house to...Share and showcase the services and contributions of your library...

Leave your patrons dazzled and amazed by your presentation which...

Demonstrates your vast resources, knowledge and abilities.

On April 5, 2001, your opportunity awaits. This is your day to speak loudly and clearly about the value information professionals bring to their organizations. Your observance and participation of ISLD 2001 contribute to changing people's attitudes, perceptions, and understanding about the importance of what you do and the value you add.

Ten Years of Celebrating the Value

You Bring to Your Organization!

2001 - A World of Information Within Your Reach

2000 - Navigating the World's Knowledge

1999 - Exercise Your Resources

1998 - The Time Is Now

1997 - Putting Knowledge to Work

1996 - Partners in Global Information Management

1995 - Mastering Global Information with a Competitive Advantage

1994 - Building a Better World with Information

1993 - Global Understanding Through Information

1992 - Information Knows No Bounds

1991 - Information Beyond Borders: Building Global Partnerships