One writer states "Information travels faster than it can be suppressed". This idea started me to think of my many years watching human behavior in search of information. I ultimately came to the conclusion that however free flowing information was, it became explosive, almost incendiary, once sought after by people convinced it is a must have for whatever venture their hearts desire. Imagine the explosive combination of information and people in commerce, learning, invention, science exploration and my personal favorite--libraries. To me the combination is as existential as life.
Side step that vision for a minute and place yourself in the modern special library. As you ebb and flow, professionally, imagine the machinations of the first decade in this century as a information professional and librarian. There's lots of work, no doubt about it. And you are, whatever your position, in the crush of reaping a professional harvest wrought with disasters, humongous technological advances, moving personnel and personal issues, global and maybe, other world answers for whatever information cures your clientele think they want. You're part of the few professions that are willing to face those questions and inquiries without delay and answer them almost immediately, responding within minutes, sometimes seconds. I marvel at your courage in the community and like so many others, have admired your intellectual properties. It's wonderful to be a part of a Alabama Chapter filled with informationalist who want to meet the challenges of these information moments and bring value to their organizations, sometimes, increasing other's value of themselves along the way.
Well, what else is it for us to do. Remember the ebb and flow of professionalism, SLA proposes that we make this year one where we get in touch with our professional sisters and brothers who are ebbing right now. That we recruit. What I mean by ebbing is can't find the time in their professional lives to network, to reinvigorate, to belong. It's important. Who is better prepared to protect your importance in the work place, your information heritage, your information livelihood and your information future? We are, collectively. I want purport to preach to my colleagues who have committed their lives to such noble and excellent work. We know the costs and the rewards. I will say, "Stay Committed and Be or Become Involved".
I hope I can meet you in the coming year and get your take on things. We plan to actively bring issues to a table near you. Better yet, use our feedback button to voice your feelings. We'd love to print your views in our next chapter newsletter. This is your column.

Ron Dial
Chief Periodical Librarian
Air University Library