Wednesday, February 24, 2010
SLA-SCC Downtown Happy Hour, March 4, 5:30pm.
939 South Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, 90015
When you enter the hotel, walk all the way to the back, where you'll see a poolside bar to your right.
Bring your friends or coworkers. You don't have to be an SLA member to attend! No formal RSVP is required, however if you think you can make it, please try to send me an email so I have an idea of how many are attending. There is no registration fee (it just keeps getting better doesn't it?), and the bar accepts cash and credit cards.
I hope to see you on the 4th!
-Robin Dodge
SLA-SCC President-Elect
rdodge@fidm.edu
PS. I'd like to set up monthly SLA-SCC networking happy hours all over Southern California. If you would like to help host one in your part of town, just let me know.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Inside the 2010 Leadership Summit, part 2.
As a leader, all you need is followers. But how do you create followers? It’s simple really… just make connections with them. Kane ran through a long list (with slide images) of things he likes and identifies with. Where he lives and has lived, what jobs he has held, what he likes to read, listen to, and watch, even his home phone number, address, and social security number (all flashed very briefly on the screen). It took about 5 minutes and at the end he told us that he knew we already thought this was one of the best presentations we’d ever seen (which was true). Now how did he know that? Because we each connected with him in some way in those 5 minutes, whether it was with his favorite book or his hometown or the songs on his ipod. Our brain is hard-wired to make connections with people, so we almost can’t help it.
Loyalty is an emotion. It evolved because when humans work together, our lives are easier. In our first few years of life we can’t live without other humans. Our very survival depends on each other and thus our brains have evolved ways to discern who to trust.
There are 4 relationship levels. A small portion of our relationships are antagonistic. These are the relationships that are so negative you’re willing to tell people about it. The next level is transactional, which are relationships based on some kind of payment or agreement. Kane cautions all of us to make sure we aren’t reading more than we should into our transactional relationships. The next level is predisposed. These are transactional relationships with lazy participants. They are the relationships that exist solely because it’s harder to change and the status quo is just fine. The top level, and the second smallest portion of our relationships, is loyalty. This is the same as love in personal relationships.
The motivation behind decisions are almost never money, but rather they are always about who makes our lives better. Satisfaction means nothing when it comes to loyalty. For example, dogs are loyal but cats are satisfied. You can scream at your dog and he’ll still be devoted to you. Do that to a cat, and it probably won’t come home that night.
There are 3 things the brain has to identify for loyalty: trust, belonging, and purpose.
Trust consists of competency, capacity, character, and consistency. But you can’t focus on trust alone, because it’s expected. Purpose includes vision, fellowship, and commitment. Belonging is much more involved. It includes the following:
1. Recognition: Am I unique, or just a number? Think about all of your working relationships. Do you know everyone’s name? Do you know what they do? What are people saying/thinking about you? We can’t assume our best customers are loyal, they might just be predisposed.
2. Insight: We must figure out why people are doing what they’re doing.
3. Proactivity: This goes beyond transactional. Solve other people’s problems, figure out what others need, and don’t just focus on what you need. What data can you collect to solve their problems? Our brains make shortcuts so if somebody makes our lives easier we will keep them around.
4. Identity: We need to find connections. Get to know people and share with them.
5. Inclusion: we like to be asked to be included.
When we compare in-person vs. virtual relationships, in which case is it easier to do all of the above? We might assume that it can only be done in-person, but actually it CAN be done online. Amazon is a perfect example of this. It has recognition, proactivity, and transparency. Amazon KNOWS WHO I AM.
How are we fostering loyalty in our organization? What can we do to learn more about our members and focus on their needs? Are we conveying a sense of trust, belonging, and purpose? All of this can be as simple as making connections with people, and that’s what the SLA-SCC is all about. If we all keep these ideas in mind as we network and attend SLA events throughout the year, we will be rewarded with mutually beneficial and loyal relationships.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Inside the 2010 Leadership Summit
I went to the SLA Winter Leadership Summit held January 28 and 29, 2010 in St Louis. The goal is to be viewed as an organizational asset not as a liability. HQ discussed the new fee structure as a response to the depressed economy. HQ has let five full time staff go and everyone is doubling up on the workload, so we can expect slower response times. They stress that there is no cut back in service levels to members. (Is that a contradiction?) Dues pay 25% of costs. Income from a typical member is $138.00 and cost/services are $573.00. That's a $440.58 difference.
Chapters and divisions compete for the same dollars as well as against other associations. There's a long list of benefits available to the members and as leaders we should convey to the members what a bargain membership is.
SLA President Ann Caputo discussed trends in the profession. We are at a tipping point. There are 31 billion searches performed annually, and change is constant. Flexibility matters and attitude is everything (rah rah). We need to be the information tribe and be positive, interesting, inventive and persistent. There is globalization, a depressed market, and disruptive technology and all this leads to disintermediation or a trend for requestors to go get their own info. Our response is to provide the insight that Google never can. We should review the alignment findings and utilize the taskforce of workplace tools. We need to focus on growing the membership and spread the word on differentiation benefits.
There were several PR gurus that advised that HQ is working on new goals and mission statements. Their blog contains actions we can take now. They are creating a uniform visual identity and common language guidelines (new logo and tagline). They pledge to communicate with leaders and the public relations advisory council to promote the profession (rah rah). They provided tips for surveys: be organized into twitter length "bytes", Don't offer them this-or-nothing like the alignment, provide timely responses, tell them what kind of feedback you want, give it a consistent name in the email headers and twitter subjects, so if they get the same message from different formats they will recognize it. Offer prizes, and have dine-arounds. The audience felt that association should create a form for members to respond to so there will be consistent responses. The association should monitor discussion lists and twitter feeds so they can get feedback directly.
After lunch, there was an excellent keynote speaker, James Kane, who discussed the concept of leadership. Stay tuned to the blog for a writeup of this session by SLA-SCC President-Elect Robin Dodge.
In the afternoon of the second day, there was a group discussion about commonly shared problems. In comparison, we are doing very well and are one of the most active and wealthy chapters.
Lastly, the SLA HQ answered specific questions from the chapters and divisions, mostly about the cuts in staffing. HQ re-emphasized there were no cut backs in service, but we should expect delays in responses.
The Summit in photos, by Bill and Robin
Bill and Robin at Busch Stadium (underground by the dugout):

Busch Stadium, covered in snow:

The dugout:

View from Bill's hotel room:

The Gateway Arch:

Shadow of the Gateway Arch over the Mississippi River:

The beautiful Union Station, where the Summit took place:

Inside the Summit:

There were a lot of opportunities for networking:

They bribed us with delicious food to keep us around and keep us focused. It worked.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
An Evening with Tom of Finland
An Evening with Tom of Finland
The SLA-SCC invites you to dinner and a tour of the intriguing erotica library at the Tom of Finland Foundation. Come learn about its efforts of educating the public as to the cultural merits of erotic art and in promoting healthier, more tolerant attitudes about sexuality. Our evening will be hosted by Tom of Finland Foundation Library Director and International Liaison, Allison Schulte. Those interested in attending are encouraged to explore the Tom of Finland Foundation website at www.TomOfFinlandFoundation.org in order to get an idea of the erotic art represented in the collection and on display at the library.
When
Thursday, February 18th.
5:30pm Registration/Networking
6:00pm Dinner
7:00pm Tour by ToFF Library Director Allison Schulte and ToFF Co-Founder and President Durk Dehner
Where
1421 Laveta Terrace, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Free street parking is available
Site coordinator: Allison R. Schulte, 213-250-1685, librarian@
Cost
$20 SLA Members/$15 Students/$30 Non-SLA Members This includes a buffet dinner with vegetarian options, as well as dessert and wine.
The registration fee covers only the cost of this event, but you can make a difference in the future of The Tom of Finland Foundation by donating to help support their efforts. Your donation is tax deductible. Donate today! http://www.
RSVP
Questions? Email Robin Dodge at rdodge@fidm.edu. Please complete registration form and mail it with your check payable to SLA-SCC no later than February 12th to:
Robin Dodge
FIDM Library
919 South Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
------------------------------
An Evening with Tom of Finland, February 18th, 2010
Name ______________________________
Affiliation ______________________________
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Newsletter January 2010

Check out the first newsletter of 2010!
Click Here To View
Inside this Issue:
- Member Spotlight: Belinda Beardt
- Holiday Party Pictures
- SLA Strategic Alignment Project News
- SLA Leadership Summit
- SLA Annual Conference - New Orleans
- 2010 Current Events
- Advertising Opportunities
- 2010 Chapter Officers
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
From the Archives ... A Chapter Program on Public Relations, 1950
From the original photo caption: The head table at a meeting of the Special Libraries Association, Southern California Chapter, which took place May 26, 1950 in Los Angeles and was keyed to the theme of Public Relations. Edward F. Baumer (standing, third from left), Director of Information and Research, Prudential Insurance Company, Western Home Office in Los Angeles, addressed S.L.A. on "What's Ahead in Public Relations?"
Others standing, from left to right: Guy Marion, Manager, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Research Department, and one of SLA's original "Founding Fathers"; Harold Hamill, City Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library, and Chairman of the Public Relations Committee of the American Library Association; and, Dr. Robert Dockson, Economist, Prudential.
Seated left to right: Mrs. Baumer; Sherry Taylor, Librarian, Prudential and newly-elected Director of Public Relations of SLA's Southern California Chapter; Kathleen Edwards, Librarian, Farmers Insurance Group and the new Chapter President; Constance Martois, Librarian, Municipal Reference Library and immediate Past President; Mrs. Dockson; Margaret Cressaty, Librarian, College of Osteopathic Surgeons and Physicians and SLA Member-at-Large; and, Mrs. Marion.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Congratulations to our new 2010 Executive Board and Award Winners
2010 Executive Board Leaders:
President-Belinda Beardt
President Elect-Robin Dodge
Past President-Teresa Bailey
Treasurer-Bill Lee
Secretary-Drea Douglas
Director at Large-Holly Lutkenhouse
Communications Director-Jackie Prentice
Chapter Awards:
Billie Connor Award: Susan Hendrickson
Meritorious Service Awards: Eric Bryan, David Cappoli, Peter Johnson, Brad Rogers, Sara Tompson and Josh Walters
Certificate of Appreciation Awards:
Robin Dodge
Susan Eubank
Jill Foreman
Christian Gray
William Holmes
Peter Johnson
Hema Ramachandran
Ann Shea
Chris Sneider
Charlotte Wixx-Daniel
Past Presidents in attendance who received a rose in celebration of the SLA Centennial:
2008 - David Cappoli
2004-2005 - Jay Springer
2001-2002 - Kathleen Smith
2000-2001 - Debbie Hartzman
1999-2000 - Jean Crampon
1998-1999 and 1991-1992 - Billie Connor
1997-1998 - Sharon McNeil
1995-1996 - Katherine Richards
1994-1995 - Dorothy McGarry
1993-1994 - Gay Toltl Kinman
1992-1993 - John Shea
1990-1991 - Doris Small Helfer
1989-1990 - Robert Bellanti
1985-1986 - Ann Wiedel Shea
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
SLA-SCC & LACASIST Joint Holiday Social 12/4/09
Please join us for a fun and festive evening at the Skirball Cultural Center and Museum!
* Savor delicious hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverage bar generously underwritten by our friends at: Copyright Clearance Center, Library Associates and Reprints Desk.
Vegetable Spring Rolls with Plum Sauce
Wild Mushroom Tart with Muscovy Duck
Phyllo Triangles with Spinach and Cheese
Smoked Salmon on Japanese Cucumber with Dill Cream
Ginger Beef Salad in Wonton Cup with Daikon Sprouts
Dessert Buffet
Selection of beverages (coffee and hot tea) to go with the dessert buffet
* Enjoy fun games and win prizes
* Bring a wrapped gift for the white elephant gift exchange
* Network with librarians, infopros, library support staff, students and vendors in a relaxing atmosphere
5:30pm-8:00pm
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Come early and visit the three new exhibits:
Road to Freedom: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1956–1968
Breach of Peace: Photographs of Freedom Riders by Eric Etheridge
and Images for Human Rights: Student Voices
The museum is open until 5 p.m. and admission will be free if you RSVP for the party and email Peter Johnson (pjohnson@skirball.org) by Friday, Nov. 27. If you have any questions, send an email to pjohnson@skirball.org.
Cost: $27 per person
Everyone is welcome! You do not have to be an SLA or LACASIST member to attend. Please bring your family, friends and co-workers!
Please RSVP no later than 5pm on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. If you have any questions or would like to register via email and pay at the door, please send an email to bbeardt@gmail.com.
Send completed form and check payable to SLA-SCC to:
Belinda Beardt
4640 La Crescenta Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Name: ________________________________
Affiliation: ______________________________
Email/Phone: ___________________________
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Edwards Air Force Base Tour
Located in the Mojave Desert and spreading out over Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties, Edwards Air Force Base impresses visitors with just its numbers ...
- It covers over 300,000 acres or 470 square miles, larger than the City of Los Angeles.
- It has has a workforce of over 12,500.
- If its nearly two dozen runways were laid end-to-end, they would cover over 68 miles.
- The longest paved runway is 15,000 feet long, 300 feet wide, and three feet thick.
- The Rogers Dry Lakebed, the largest in North America, provides an unpaved runway that is seven-and-a-half miles long.
- The aircraft assigned to the base represent the best of the Air Force: B-1, B-2, B-52, C-5, C-12, C-17, C-130, C-130J, KC-135, CV-22, F-16, F-22, F-117, F-35, MQ-1, MQ-9, YAL-1 and RQ-4.
- The fastest manned-airplane flight to date was achieved on the base at Mach 6.72.
Beginning at 0845, the first stop on the tour was the Flight Test Center Museum featuring a replica of Chuck Yeager's sound barrier breaking Glamorous Glennis and a wall featuring models of aircraft that had all been tested at Edwards. Along the way we saw the amenities that make the base home to its military and civilian personnel, including a high school, gas station, medical clinic and commissary. Our bus tour moved onto the Edwards flight line where we saw an enormous KC-10 tanker moving along the tarmac readying for take-off. We also came across F-16 fighter jets, F-22 Raptors, unmanned drones, and the T-38 jets that trail the Space Shuttles when they land at Edwards.
Following lunch, we toured NASA-Dryden Flight Research Center facilities, visiting Karl's Research Library and then made our way to the very impressive Mission Control where we viewed a playback of a morning test run of a modified 747 carrying the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy - or SOFIA - an airborne observatory that will complement the Hubble telescope. From Mission Control, we meandered among the NASA T-38 jets in Dryden's hanger and then boarded one of the two specially-equipped 747s that transport the Shuttle back to Florida after it lands at Edwards. Afterwards, we had an up-close-and-personal look at the Global Hawk unmanned aircraft before heading to Darrell's Air Force Flight Test Center Technical Library which supports the base's Masters Degree programs for test pilots and navigators, as well as any research needs related to flight testing.
This was the Chapter's second tour of Edwards AFB and it was even more exciting than the first because Karl was able to include a tour of NASA-Dryden's Research Library. Thanks to Darrell and Karl for hosting us; to Cheryl and Freddy for assisting us; and, to Winette for her tour of NASA-Dryden.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
SLA-SCC Annual Business and Awards Meeting 10/30/09
- Check out the Ninth Circuit US Court of Appeals law library
- Meet your new SLA-SCC Executive and Advisory Board Members for 2010
- Find out the scoop about SLA's new name
- Network with special librarians, infopros, library support staff and students
5:30 pm Registration & Networking
6:00 pm Delicious buffet of sandwiches, salad, chips, sweets and drinks catered by the Corner Bakery
7:00 pm Introduction of the Executive and Advisory Board Members
7:15 pm Alignment Ambassador, Richard Hulser
7:30 pm Awards and Recognitions
Kathryn A. Way, Law Librarian, is generously hosting this event for SLA-SCC at the
Ninth Circuit US Court of Appeals R.H. Chambers Courthouse
125 S. Grand AvenuePasadena, CA 91105
*Free parking is available across the street in a parking lot*
REGISTRATION FORM
Please write ($22.00 per person) check payable to SLA-SCC by 5:00 pm on October 26th. Send completed registration form and check to:
Belinda Beardt
4640 La Crescenta Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Name: ________________________________________
Affiliation: ______________________________________
Email: __________________________________________
Questions? Email Belinda Beardt at bbeardt@gmail.com.
