Fairfield County Job Market in the 21st Century
Post Y2K Party at Hudson Valley Chapter
List Serv Subscription Instructions
As we all know by now (If we were unable to figure it out – the newsmakers helped us.), the new Millennium* made a dramatic entrance with fanfare celebrations (worldwide), major implementation(s) (Y2K), fears (terrorists), trepidation (utility outages), the list could go on ‘ad nauseum’. Yet …taken from another perspective moving from 11:59 PM to 12:00 AM, starting the new millennium, New Year, new day, what does it all mean? Is this Year2000 really any different? Are you any different? The bigger question is, I propose, do ‘We, I, You’ really want to be different or really want to make a difference?
I tend to think we always want to be ‘different’ in some manner - more productive, more efficient, more organized, thinner? (Especially in January.) – However, it appears there is time in a person’s ‘life cycle’ when they suddenly want to make a difference . I would like you to take the time to look at yourself; are you at that point in your life? Leaping ahead; let us expand on the thought process.
We know that organizations go through a ‘life cycle’, products go through ‘life cycles’. If this is true, where are we, as members of FCC/SLA, in the life cycle with the FCC/SLA? Is FCC/SLA at that point in a life cycle when it wants to make a difference, or more importantly, where it can make a difference or at the end of the maturity cycle where dramatic change must occur in order to survive as a viable organization?
I believe FCC/SLA has always made a difference, and we are continuing to make a difference! One of the goals of the current Board was to make information available at all times to all members – following the lead of SLA. As a small recap, in just a few months, the current Board has moved onto the Web (Thanks to our Webmaster, Jim Smallwood), albeit, one step but a significant one. With the Web, we are beginning to deliver a quality newsletter, news events (meetings, professional development) and working on the membership directory. Again, this is in line with other Chapters of SLA and with SLA headquarters. There are other initiatives, again small, but should add up to make a difference. It would appear we are yet again carrying on historical precedence to make a difference.
What about the second question, ‘Can FCC/SLA make a difference?’?
I can hear it now, ‘What is she doing now? – splitting hairs?’ ‘She has already addressed the ‘make a difference” issue – move on ‘Madame President.’ ‘ OK, so I hear you. Looking at ‘can’ as a ‘future’ implication is a bit more complicated; however, for expediency and because I also believe the third question, ‘…end of the maturity cycle where dramatic change must occur….’ is critical to ‘can’ make a difference. I propose indeed we are at the end of the 'maturity cycle' - FCC/SLA as well as other SLA Chapters are at the end of their maturity cycle. So what does that mean?
Earlier this year, I noted that times are changing and that FCC/SLA is/ should be changing. As I can see it, unless we have more feedback, better participation, more involvement, FCC/SLA could disappear. On the other hand, the FCC/SLA must make the meetings, CE training etc. better.
I know there are those who have done their part and some continue to do their part. However, I believe we must 'continue to do our part'. If we are, as I am proposing, at the end of the maturity cycle, then what do we do - perhaps something different? I know we are so busy in our jobs and lives that it is difficult to be creative. We need you to give us your thoughts, your guidance to make this a more valuable experience for each of us. And yes, I think each meeting and each moment is an experience.
I guess it starts with being available, making time. Example: Wednesday evening I joined the Hudson Valley members for a lovely evening of dinner and conversation. I almost didn't go - too busy, too sick, too tired. But then I thought, 'if we didn't have these meetings would I be sitting here networking, sharing and enjoying the collegiate exchange?' Probably not.
So where do we go from here? Do you feel that many of us are tired of rehash and need new stimulation? Let us really strive this year to start other new initiatives, let us look to see what we can to do differently. I guess it is the old cliché, 'Dare to be different'. Can we be different? Can we renew? Can we start a 'new' maturity cycle'? I think we can; we just need to determine what it is and where we are going. Perhaps, we need a new model and new thought.
What is it you want to hear about, to participate in and to see from FCC/SLA for the beginning of this new Millennium*? Talk to us. Have us work for you and with you to give you what you need from a professional organization. We, the Board, need to hear from you - I need to hear from you. Do we need a forum?
* Please be aware that the author, as well as other members of the SLA, realize that the 'Millennium' actually does not begin until 2001.
Differentiation – what does it mean to information professionals? For the rest of the year, we will explore the concept of making a difference, both on our jobs and in our communities. In this issue, Letty Nardone relates her experiences on a 3-day breast cancer fund-raising walk. We would like our members to submit stories about how they (or a colleague) make a difference in their work or community. On the professional front, we will continue the “Search Geek” column and, in our next issue, initiate a column highlighting e-developments of specific interest to Information Professionals. We are interested in your favorite links and e-finds – so contact me with your best discoveries.
Saturday, January 29th was the (one-year) memorial for Janice Suter, who passed away after a length battle with breast cancer. Janice was an active member of SLA in both the New York and Connecticut area. The service, held in the Church of the Ascension in Manhattan, was well attended by friends and family. A fond recounting of favorite stories followed the mass, accompanied by a light buffet and champagne toasts.
I was surprised to see only a few professional colleagues, and it led me to ponder an issue I have been facing as bulletin editor. We are all busy juggling professional and personal lives, but I do like to think of us a community. How does the work of the association get done in the new century? Do a few people carry the load for the others, as has been done in the past, and if so, how to we continue to recruit new people as the existing ones burn out? In a business world changing at the speed of light, how do we continue to provide services that are useful to our members and what should those services be?
To that end, I invite (and perhaps entreat) you to let your officers know not only what you want, but what you are willing to contribute to achieve those requests. Please write or e-mail me as listed below, and I will summarize our findings in the next issue of the bulletin.
If you have a story, you would like to submit for the next bulletin, please contact me regarding the topic, and I will respond directly.
Anna Shallenberger, Manager, Information Center
GE Financial Assurance, Asset Management Services Group
777 Long Ridge Road; Building B # 3044
Stamford, CT 06927
Telephone (203) 961-2325
Facsimile (203) 703-1917
e-mail anna.shallenberger@gecapital.com
In response to an article in the Wall Street Journal in October 1999, entitled, “Demand for Librarians Hits an All-Time High” (Accessible via Dow Jones Interactive), my article seeks to comment on job opportunities in Fairfield County Libraries in the year 2000, primarily first quarter. (Editors note: we solicited Shirlee’s input on the issue.)
I would amend the title of the article to “Demand for Librarian / Information Professionals with Superior Online Searching Skills and Knowledge Management, Internet and Web Experience Hits An All-Time High.” No longer will the title ALA-accredited MLS Librarian ensure a spot in an information center. Instead, employers want subject specialists with sound searching experience in areas such as finance, pharmacology, chemistry or marketing.
While our profession ahs risen to level where there is tremendous respect for our capabilities and there a demand for our services, one MUST have the credentials to be in the marketplace.
How do these requirements translate into job opportunities?
For recent graduates, Web / Internet experience are a basic requirement. Although a graduate MAY have a library degree, accepting a corporate entry-level job where there are training and learning opportunities is just as a sound way of gaining the necessary experience. Learning the basics of finance or marketing in a real-world job setting far exceeds course level work. Taking courses and workshops keeps you in the forefront of the demanding requirements of today’s ever-changing market. Continuing education is particularly important when your job does not offer the chance for growth of skills.
What is available in Fairfield County? In the past year, the jobs that have been filled in the area were primarily filled with individuals commuting or relocating here. No vast numbers of resumes of unemployed librarians were on file. Qualified people are all working.
Job seekers learned of open positions through advertising, networking, or through agencies. We may have reached relatively full employment, with our libraries / information centers staying stable for the near term. However, as lifestyles change, due to retirements or relocations, and as commuting length becomes an issue, and as budgets rise in a continued growth economy, unexpected opportunities may well unfold.
What types of companies are hiring? Marketing, consulting and business management companies are driving the most growth. All have a strong commitment to information technology. Smaller organizations within large companies or start-up companies need the same information to be competitive, as do the larger corporate entities. These smaller organizations, operating with a minimum of people, rely far more heavily on Internet / Web based products.
To quote Christine Klein, “We are not in storage, not in retrieval, but rather in knowledge put-through.” Therefore, Library Associates sees hiring opportunities for people who can readily adapt to change, who are able to function both on and off site and who can sell services that enhance a company’s position in a highly competitive marketplace. This translates to marketing, consulting and business management companies. If you are in an active job search, ferret out these companies and present yourself and your services. They may NEED YOU to tell them what THEY NEED!
People willing to work in a temporary market are in high demand and often a contract position can lead to a full time opening.
How do you migrate from one job to another? Never underestimate the value of networking! Professional colleagues are an invaluable source of information – many jobs never reach the advertisement stage. Stay in touch with your recruiter(s) – the most interested and determined (qualified) person usually lands the job. Remember that the market changes rapidly. In the past 15 years we have experienced outsourcing, downsizing and layoffs, but have also seen tremendous growth of small businesses. I predict more outsourcing and off-site researchers; and fewer layoffs in the first quarter of 2000.
A word about salaries. Those in Fairfield County are among the best in the state. (See SLA and Fairfield County surveys.) In addition, many companies are including information professionals in their bonus plans. We’ve come a long way, baby!
During the last weekend of August, 1999, Avon Products sponsored a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness and prevention. The idea was to walk for 3 days, covering 55 miles, starting from Bear Mountain Park and ending in New York’s Central Park. I first saw the New York Times ad for the event way back in March 1999. It was a full page that totally grabbed my attention. I had never raised funds for a cause before. I had never walked more than a mile. This was going to be a challenge for me. I usually shy away from challenges, opting for an easier way of life. This was different. This was for breast cancer prevention and awareness. One out of nine women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Something clicked inside me to do it. So I did.
The Training
You don’t often think you have to train for a walk. This was no walk
in the park. Have you ever walked a mile on a hot day? Have you walked
several miles? Did you ever have to walk 20 miles, in the heat, up
hills, and use only Porto-Johns to relieve yourself? The 3-Day
asked of its participants to do just that. Training groups were organized
so those walkers could train with others. I spent many weekends walking,
walking, and walking. I drove to Westport, CT and I drove into the
city just so that I could join groups of walkers. The time spent
walking seemed to fly by when I trained in groups. When you walk
with someone for hours, you really get a know a person. I learned so much
about so many people. I even made new friends.
Day Zero
This was registration day. All 2000 walkers had to travel to
Bear Mountain to sign in and receive our walker numbers. We would wear
this number around our necks for the next three days. It was mandatory
to watch a safety video. The Avon people were extremely concerned
about our safety during the walk. After several hours of waiting
in lines, I met up with my walker buddy. We had both agreed to walk
together and share a tent. The organizers provided the tents for
the two nights of camping. After the registration process,
we boarded buses for local hotels. We had to be ready for the 7am
opening ceremonies.
Day One
It’s the first day of our 3-day journey and the skies are dark and
grey. We all wondered if we would be walking in the rain. As
it turned out, we were extremely lucky. A storm brewing down south
left us untouched. The president of Avon Products took the stage
to welcome us all. After a short, emotional ceremony, we turned around
and took our first step. The journey had begun.
We walked out of Bear Mountain down the western side of the Hudson River in New York State. We walked through small towns. We walked on wooded trails. About every 1.5 to 2 miles there was either a Grab and Go or a Pit Stop. Both crew-driven stops had water, Gatorade and Porto-Johns for us. They urged us to stretch and stretch and stretch. The Pit Stops had trail mix, NutriGrain Bars, fruit, and medical attention. The walk was extremely well organized. I cannot compliment enough the work of the crew. All volunteers, these people gave up three days to make sure we were safe crossing streets, hydrated and motivated to continue walking. They were our angels when we needed massages. They bandaged our feet. They served our meals. 500 people volunteered to make sure 2000 walkers were as comfortable as could be expected.
During our journey, we came across so many onlookers. I’m sure many people didn’t know what to make of person after person walking through their town. There were a few who knew what we were doing however. One woman who appeared to be deaf used sign language to thank us and signed “I love you.” There was the man who stopped at a red light. He turned to a group of us to thank us for walking. His wife is a three-year survivor.
We also met an interesting person on this day. Someone who we would meet again and again. I call him the “Bicycle Angel.” He was a young man who was there at opening ceremonies. He rode along side us the whole day. He wore disco ball earrings, butterfly wings on this back, and placed pinwheels on his bicycle which would twirl as he rode. His only request was a dollar a photograph; funds that would sponsor his AIDS ride from Boston to New York. We were only too eager to donate. He was a wonderful motivator and stayed with us for three days.
Finally, we arrived at camp, Rockland State Park. It was a muddy field but my tired feet didn’t care. All I wanted was a shower. Again I was amazed at the attention to detail. There were about 6 trailers available with 6 shower stalls each. Sure there was a line but we all waited and were patient and we were “kind.” There were three buzzwords for the event: Safety, Stretch and Kindness. The organizers placed these words everywhere and included a long piece dedicated to kindness in the safety video. I suppose it makes for a well-run event of 2000 people when we’re reminded to be kind to each other.
After a wonderful and hot shower, we ate dinner. Once more, I was amazed at the organization. Hot meals were served under giant tents. Tables and chairs were set up. They even had a Motown band play for us. Some of us, even me, had enough energy to dance a bit. By 9pm, it was time to go to bed. My friend and I had pitched our tent we when arrived at camp. Sure we were tired, but it was a part of the whole experience. They provided the tent. We brought our gear: sleeping bags, air mattress and clothes all in a backpack. The crew had carried our gear in rented trucks to the campsite. Actually, I really wasn’t that tired. I laid there thinking about all the people I had met that day. About what I did and what I had to do again tomorrow.
Day Two
It’s about 5am and I’m up. The sound of zippers from the tents, about
1000 of them, fill the air. Everyone is getting up. The crew has
already been up for an hour. You can smell breakfast; hot oatmeal,
eggs, and bacon. There’s cereal and fruit too. I swear you
could almost gain weight on this venture. After dressing, eating
and packing the tent, we headed out about 7:30. Today’s route would
take us through more towns, more trails and more Porto-Johns; all
in a day’s walk. Today I noticed carefully the walkers. They
came in all sorts; about 50 men, the rest women. Some were survivors.
They wore shirts “I fought for my life.” They wore pink hats, “Survivor.”
Some walked slowly, some more forcefully. There was Mal’s Pals.
A group of 7 women wore bright green caps bearing the lettering “Mal’s
Pals.” One had the cap Mal. She was the survivor. There
was the woman in the wheel chair. Her friend pushed her and we all pushed
the friend. There was the 90-year-old man walking with a cane guided
by his son. There was 80-year-old Emme. She wore full makeup
everyday and walked every mile. The stories went on and on.
I met women who walked because they lost their mom to breast cancer. I met women who had no hair because of the chemotherapy. I met women who just thought it was a good cause and were up to the challenge. I never got to meet one young man who’s T-shirt I’ll never forget. It said, “I’d walk a thousand miles for one more hour with you Mom.”
We arrived at camp, this time at a high school in Englewood, NJ. No mud this time. The shower was great. The meal, spaghetti. Now I was tired. I went to sleep for the last time in this tent.
Day Three
5am and we wake again. My tent mate begs that we just take a
cab to Central Park. She wants a real bed. She wants a real pillow.
She wants a Diet Coke. We both know it will soon be over. During
breakfast we heard stories of those who didn’t make it into camp. Some
were taken to the hospital because of dehydration. One woman even
broke her arm (getting out the tent.) Some just couldn’t take it
all and sneaked away to a local hotel. We were proud of ourselves,
of our achievements so far. And we had no blisters. That was
quite an achievement.
It was only 12 miles to Central Park. We walked over the George Washington Bridge. Bicyclists training for the AIDS ride cheered us on. The police departments from New Jersey to New York assisted us through traffic. The “Bicycle Angel” was still with us, riding alongside. We were almost there.
Victory March
We arrive at Central Park, most with blue shirts and some with pink.
The organizers planned on having the survivors walk into closing ceremonies
wearing pink shirts, creating a memorable pink trail of smiling walkers
as we all cheered their entrance. It was finally over. I couldn’t
believe it. It was over. I was elated and sad at the same time.
This walk was more than just a challenge of physical endurance. It was more than just a fund raising event. I had not expected the deep emotional impact it would have on me. I met true heroes. These were women who had fought to claim back the life breast cancer was trying to steal. They had undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. I looked to their spirit for inspiration to continue on. I experienced the very best in the human spirit. And I am forever a better person.
I have thanked so many people for their contributions that I have developed a spreadsheet of their names and addresses so that I don’t miss anyone. I have raised over $4000 for this cause, more than the required $1800. I did not think I could do it. But I managed to exceed my expectations, financially and physically. I walked every mile of the 55 mile trek. My walking buddy also walked every mile of this journey. She did it for her friend, Janice Suter, who lost her battle with breast cancer in January of 1999.
This event netted 3 million dollars. The money is awarded to non-profit organizations across the country. Together with the National Alliance for Breast Cancer Organizations, money is given to programs that provide mammograms to the uninsured. It also provides education on nutrition for the prevention of breast cancer. Most importantly, money is available for programs that teach woman how to examine their own breasts. There is no cure for breast cancer. Prevention is the key. Detecting a lump early can save a woman’s life.
To participate in the 3-Day 2000 call: Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day 1-877-286-6369
The Hudson Valley Chapter of SLA decided on not having a traditional holiday party for year end 1999. Instead, we held a no-speaker party in January. Taking a chance on holding a party and not a meeting, we booked on The Willet House. Zagat’s has rated this Westchester steak house very well. I, a Port Chester native, had always wanted to have a meal there. The board agreed that the price and the location were fine for our chapter to hold the first “meeting” of the year.
We always secure a sponsor for financial aid. In this case, Mergent FIS came to the rescue as our sole sponsor. The representatives spoke very briefly just before dinner. Most of the 25 attendees arrived around cocktail time, between 5:30 and 6:30. The room we had was just lovely. They even still had the charming Christmas tree lit and adorned. The room was furnished in a Early American upper class manner. It had all the markings of an upscale steak house; dark woods, fine carpeting, leather sofas, rich wallpaper.
The dinner began with either a soup or salad. Then for the main course we were given a choice of four options: broiled sole crabmeat stuffed filet, queen cut prime rib of beef, pasta primavera topped with Cajun shrimp, chicken marsala. After eating the delicious main course, I had hoped I had room for the desert. They served Willet House Cheesecake which was wonderful.
The room was arranged with three round tables, each with settings for eight. It was very easy to have lively conversation with each other. The waiters were attentive and the whole evening was enjoyed by everyone. I highly recommend an evening at The Willet House.
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This go ‘round Search Geek examines a search engine that makes extraordinary claims (standard fare for the Internet crowd) but are those claims true? Search Geek takes a hard look. Our second review covers a true “Swiss Army Knife” search utility that might just find its way into your web search toolkit “best of” list.
First up is a relative new comer to the Net search scene: FAST Search (Fast Search And Transfer) claims to have nothing less than “The World’s Biggest Search Engine”. Whoa! Now there’s a claim that reeks of post-modern techno arrogance. FAST claims it scans 25% of the web’s alleged 800 million pages. Impressive? That depends.
Professional researchers realize that while size does matter, precision, speed and currency remain paramount. And those are three of the things I like best about the FAST search engine: AllTheWeb, it’s fast, current and precise.
Before we begin our comparison, let’s find out a bit about FAST, its technology and heritage. According to a recent Barbara Quint article in NewsBreaks,
“FAST uses a collection of Dell Computer Corporation PowerEdge servers and Dell PowerVault storage subsystems. They boast a parallel server architecture dissimilar to that used by most major search engines. The systems operate in parallel to distribute user queries, search the document catalog, and spider search the Web to scale linearly in both query volume (number of searches) and catalog size (number of documents). By working in parallel, FAST Search can build its document index in only 12 hours.
Forty-five percent of FAST is owned by the Norwegian firm Opticom ASA, the company from which it spun off in 1997. It has U.S. offices in Boston and San Francisco. FAST trades on the over-the-counter market in Oslo but plans a public offering before the end of the year. In the last few months, the company has received $11.5 million in funding in private placements and from stock sales. To generate revenue, it licenses and revenue-shares FAST Search to major portals, search engines, ISPs, and content sites, charging between $1 and $4 per 1,000 queries. The company also develops and markets image/video compression products.”
“FAST also promises to provide search results in 1 second and to update its database every 15 days, purging dead, out-of-date Web pages.”
From my perspective, the last point is where FAST’s AllTheWeb search engine really shines. Its database is very current, unlike other search engines which may only send spiders out quarterly or annually. If you want to track down the latest and greatest on the web, AllTheWeb should be in your top three search engine toolkit.
If having one of the most current web databases was AllTheWeb’s only claim to fame, it would still be hot stuff. But to that strength AllTheWeb adds truly blazing speed. In my experience (as always your mileage may vary) AllTheWeb executes searches in fractions of a second both on my PC at work (admittedly on a T1 line, but it’s certainly not T1 to my desktop) and on my cable modem connected PC at home. If you do a lot of web searching try adding up all the time spent waiting for search results. Then, try AllTheWeb. You’ll appreciate the time it saves.
Lastly, AllTheWeb offers two levels of searching: basic and advanced. The basic level provides a spartan, yet powerful search interface with options to search input terms as a phrase, any words, or all the words.
In advanced search mode, AllTheWeb really kicks search engine butt
Query term filters such as:
If that’s still not enough features for you, AllTheWeb also offer domain filters to limit searching to areas such as .EDU or .COM or .ORG, etc.
Bottom line? Search Geek recommends AllTheWeb as a primary search tool. It’s fast, it’s comprehensive, it offers powerful query tools, and it’s got one of the most current databases of what’s out there on the web.
Langenberg: The Swiss Army Knife of Search Engines?
While meta search engines are not new Search Geek thinks you will agree
that Langenberg is a meta
search engine with a difference. And speaking of Swiss Army Knives,
you can actually access the Swiss Army Store page from Langenberg and purchase
the latest Swiss Army Knife that incorporates a mini flashlight! …but I
digress.
Like FAST’s AllTheWeb, Langenberg states that its goal is to process search requests quickly and precisely – at Langenberg, bigger and more are definitely NOT better. In addition, the Langenberg interface features auto-fill. As you enter a search query in the top search form window, the query is automatically added to the other 8 search engine query windows. Slick.
The Langenberg interface puts nine basic types of search engines at your fingertips:
Still not interested? Then you should check out the site’s searching capabilities using phone number, people, and zip code finders. Or, perhaps what you need is a reverse directory. No problem, it’s all here at Langenberg.
What, you say you’re still not impressed? How about access to
Sure, you say, sounds great at Langenberg, but can they help me
find a job? …you’re kidding, right? OF COURSE! Langenberg offers job search
capabilities like the best of ‘em. And, believe it or not, there
is still more.
OK, enough hype. Bottom line for us is, does it work? Are the results any good?
Again, your results may vary, but certainly Langenberg is worth a look, especially when
That’s all for this issue of Search Geek. Have YOU found a kewl search tool that you know you should be sharing with the rest of us geeks? Tell us about it! We sure don’t claim to have cornered the market on search engine sites. Just drop us a line at Search Geek.
Next time: Search Geek is back two more search engine gems. Which two? They haven’t debuted yet.
Jim Smallwood
Fairfield County Chapter Web Master
james.smallwood@gecapital.com
Sandra Lahtinen: President
Libby Knapik: Past President
Nicole Stamatelos: President-Elect
Jack Stevens: Treasurer
Darrell Stewart: Business Manager
Anna Shallenberger Bulletin Editor
Jim Smallwood: Webmaster
William Langham: Director-at-Large/Professional Development
Gunnar Sahlin: Career Guidance/Employment
Anita Barney: Membership & Directory
Elizabeth Muskus: Membership & Directory
Miriam Solomon: Arrangements
Shira Honigstein: Arrangements
Mark Sosnowksi: Archivist
Linda Panovich-Sachs: Director-at-Large/Government Relations