Take a bite out of the Big Apple

Information Outlook, Feb, 2003 by Shelva M. Suggs

While you're taking a "bite out of the BIG APPLE," we hope that you'll seriously consider taking a continuing educational (CE) course at our 2003 Annual Conference. With more than 40 (CE) courses scheduled, there's certain to be a course to meet every information professional's needs. We want you to join us in New York to experience one of our many educational programs. As we all know, education is the key to success!

Whether you need to obtain knowledge on a specialized topic or finetune your skills, this year's CE courses offer a rainbow of possibilities. Join other information professionals who are enthusiastic about continuous learning. You can brush up on the basics or advance your knowledge on a variety of topics. At SLA, we hope to continue to advance the leadership role of our members in "putting knowledge to work" for the benefit of decision-makers in corporations, government, the professions, and society, as well as to shape the destiny of our information-and knowledge-based society. To learn more, e-mail learning@sla.org, visit www.sla.org (keyword: CE course), or call the Professional Development Team at 202/234-4700, ext. 627.

SLA understands that, because of budget cuts, a lack of free time, or travel restrictions, not all members will make it to the conference in New York. And because users are becoming more comfortable with learning at their desktops, this seems the perfect time for the association to roll out it latest learning tool: the Virtual Association Series. Created to meet the challenging needs of SLA members, the series also relegates more freedom to the presenters.

Two virtual presentations will take place at the conference in New York this June, and both will be available throughout the United States and Canada. They can be viewed from a desktop or at a preselected site in New York. The presentations use Placeware, a system that incorporates audio conferencing and PowerPoint technology. The topics and descriptions of the virtual seminars are listed below:

Title: XML in a Nutshell

Date: Monday, June 9, 2003

Time: 11:30 am-1:00 pm ET

Description: XML is quickly becoming an essential tool for libraries to both improve basic services as well as offer new kinds of services. This seminar will introduce XML, cover key concepts and terms, describe the required software infrastructure, and highlight specific library uses.

This seminar is co-sponsored with SLA's Environment and Resource Management Division.

Title: The Value of the Information Professional

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2003

Time: 11:30 pm-3:00 pm ET

Description: This panel discussion--featuring three information professionals who use "traditional" library experience in traditional and non-traditional means, including the director of a library, a knowledge management practitioner, and an information consultant-will provide insights on the role of today's information professionals and the value we bring to our respective organizations.

Attendees who plan to participate in a virtual presentation onsite in New York will be charged $5.00; however, if you log on offsite to see a presentation, you will be charged in accordance to rates used for the Professional Development Center's Virtual Seminars. For more information, contact the Professional Development Team at (202) 234-4700, ext. 627 or SLA's Knowledge Exchange at (202) 939-3639. You'll be glad you did!

If you are unable to attend any of the live conference sessions, you can purchase a V-Pak within two weeks of any session. The V-Pak includes and instruction sheet to access the PowerPoint slides, a hard copy of the handout and an audiotape of the session. For more information, contact the Professional Development Team at (202) 234-4700, ext. 627

SLA is the premier membership organization for information professionals, and there's never been a better time to become a member. Join now and enjoy the benefits and savings of SLA membership throughout 2003. Attend the SLA Annual Conference in New York City and dozens of other career-enhancing events at special "members only" discounts. To learn more about SLA and download a membership application, go to www.sla.org.

Don't miss out on these learning opportunities--join us while we take a bite out of the Big Apple!