SLA SF Bay Region Chapter 2000 Membership Survey Comments
Table of Contents (return to Survey)
Meeting Suggestions
Meeting Suggestions (return to top) (return to survey)
(Please list any suggestions you have for meeting topics or speakers:)
- More neighborhood dinners!
- Literary speakers (authors, publishers). Cultural events that might be of interest to a large number of members (the screening of the movie Desk Set a few years back was successful)---perhaps a play or another private movie screening?
- It's hard to answer these in a way because it always depends upon the topic and presenters. It's easier to get the company to approve a meeting that's more professional development oriented, and yet I really like going to make the contacts so I look forward for "interaction time."
- I like author or journalist presentations
- I have been unable to attend, as I am currently going to school in Wisconsin (UW - Madison). Although, I intend to move to the SF region when I graduate.
- high interest
- creating effective graphic designs for web sites.
- Topics of interest by people outside of the profession.
- Solo Librarianship, Job Hunting for Librarians, Internet Policy-making
- Ray Larson (Cheshire II), Mary Kay Duggan (digital music), Clifford Lynch (Internet 2), Marti Hearst (Cha Cha)
- Knowledge Management
- Joint meetings with local SCIP, ASI and STC chapters. Vendor presentations would be fine if they are in conjunction with professional development topics and not just a vendor demo.
- It is hard to get employer to pay for a dinner meeting if the topic is not related to professional or company interests.
- I really enjoy hearing members of our own Chapter speak as panelists or featured speakers. More of these, please. Also, the wine tasting program last year attracted members I'd never seen before. One of them said it'd be nice to have social meetings like this at least once a year.
- I really dislike general meetings--metings about topics other than related to special libraries, information, etc.
- I have really enjoyed talks by people like Gray Brechin which enable us to appreciate even more the unique place in which we live and work. I'd like to see the presentation on Alexadria that SLA/SN just had.
- how about Adair Lara
- E-commerce, intranets, portals, interface design, usability testing, future of librarianship careers
- Copyright
- Clifford Lynch
- Bay Area Facilitatiors Guild. This group is really dynamic and very inspiring.
- Anything to do with the future of our profession!
Meeting Format Comments (return to top) (return to survey)
Which format of meeting do you prefer? Other / Comments:
- I'm looking forward to being able to participate when I do move to the area.
- I LIVE IN MONTEREY--SOMETHING I CAN ATTEND WITHOUT DRIVING 3 HOURS AT RUSH HOUR
- I am not really able to go very often, so I don't want to skew your results
- for those of us out in the sticks, breakfast can be a nightmare commute. how about brunch/lunch
- Due to increasing traffic in the Valley over the years, I am now generally unable to get from Sunnyvale to any dinner meeting on time. Plus, I generally work very long hours.
- Dinner sticks you at a table and gives you limited mingling opportunity. I'd rather spend more time picking at food and moving around talking with people. I come from the south bay so breakfast meetings in the north are logistically difficult. Neighborhood dinners make nice "fillers" between larger meetings.
- Would like to see (moderated?) discussions on the listserv
- Would be interested in breakfast meetings if they have an early start time - 7
- while I like Dinner meetings, having a variety is best
- When you live and work in the South Bay, it is difficult to attend any events in the City
- Type and format are really less important to me than topic. Location is also a consideration.
- The neighborhood meetings are an excellent way to socialize. I really enjoy the annual tradition we've started and hope it continues. Good mixer!
- The dinner meetings tend to be too expensive and go too late. I much prefer morning or hors d'oeuvres meetings
- Since I am in Walnut Creek, I find it difficult to attend meetings, so they must be of great interest for me to make that effort.
- My primary objection to most formats is you make them too long. Nothing should end later than 8
- My preference is for the Hors d'oeuvres & non-alchohol. The cost of the meetings are a deterrent to me and I wonder if having wine adds a lot to the cost. I would be quite satisfied with juice or soda.
- More information industry types like from silicon valley
- Love the neihborhood dinners!
- It really depends on speaker, date/time/location
- It is difficult to have dinner meetings in SF or other distant locations.
- I prefer meetings where I feel I have gained knowledge which will help me professionally. I'm less inclined to get together for just social occasions(except for events like the meeting at the Calif. Historical Society)
- I attend the meetings based on a variety of reasons price, location, speaker. I would like the committee to investigate more ethnic restaurants chinese, mexican, etc. Also, I think that trying alternate locations near BARt in Contra Costa County is good.
- Hors d'oeuvres & wine w/ speaker tends to bring in the most people. Having more informal meetings such as these, should prove to encourage more participation.
Restaurant Suggestions: (return to top) (return to survey)
(Please list any suggestions you have for restaurants or meeting locations to give to the Hospitality Committee:)
- Soizic in Oakland, Oaktown in Oakland
- Oakland Museum---good venue and access to BART. I will give this more thought---we need more new ideas!
- If the meeting is in SF, any place close to public transportation. My particular need is the Ferry Terminal, so I liked it when the meetings were at Gabbianos. It would be nice if the dinner meetings with speakers could start and end a 1/2 hour earlier. Delancey Street, San Francisco
- Beach Chalet? (after daylight savings time returns)
- Yank Sing in Rincon Annex
- Walnut Creek--Scotts Restaurant
- Up to $35 seems reasonable.
- unable to attend evening mtgs--I teach classes 3 nights per week. late afternoons mtgs hard/difficult to attend- it is difficult to leave the library.
- Scott's at Jack London Square, Oakland
- PG&E Resource library always seems to be a popular location. Restaurants with a good reputation and are near public transportations are always attractive.
- Paying not an issue. Quality of program and location are.
- more ethnic restaurants; near BART in Contra Costa County is good.
- Mark Mackler's office building on Market St. Foundation Center folks (Janet Camererra has offered space for tour/meeting)
- I'd be willing to pay $30-32 for a good dinner at a restaurant where we can all fit and hear the speaker. And now that BART goes all the way to Dublin/Pleasanton, how about a meeting around there?
- Friends, how about meeting on the Penninsula once in a while???
- Favorite past ones Yank Sing, UC Berkeley Men's Faculty Club, Engineering club (?), Gabbiano's, boat trip. How about City Club of SF? Spenger's is reopening.
- City Club? (membership required)
- Again depends on offering
Professional Development Comments: (return to top) (return to survey)
(Please list any suggestions you have for professional development programs:)
- Information resource comparisons and analysis (ie, multex v. investext, factive v. nexis) compare cost, licensing, ease of use, coverage support, search ability, etc.
- More topics about organizing materials - not just books, but links websites, articles; what tools are on the web, how to make them available to people in our company.
- Intranet/Internet site design and maintenance
- Information portals
- information architecture
- getting to CIO
- career topics, how our jobs ar changing, new possibilities
- Anything and everything that Herbert S. White presents.
- E-commerce, intranets, portals, interface design, usability testing, future of librarianship careers
Professional Development Location Suggestions: (return to top) (return to survey)
(Do you have a location where you could host a program? If so, please enter contact information:)
- Pacific Energy Center
- I would not mind hosting a program here at the University of San Francisco. The only problem is parking.
- SF location close to Powell St. BART station.
- Exploratorium
- Electronic Arts Redwood City, CA
- Alameda County Conference Center, Oakland (510) 272-6467
Bayline Comments: (return to top) (return to survey)
(Please list suggestions for new features/topics:)
- Whatever happened to...? Be it a library or one of our past colleagues who has moved on…
too often I put it in my "to read when I have time" pile - end-up not having time untill it is far too late- No specific suggestions, but some general comments Soapbox is a good column---I read Bayline cover-to-cover! I especailly find the committee info at the front to be a valuable reference. I like the inclusion of meeting announcements.
- see other suggestion. it could work in print just as easily as a meeting.
- Put full minutes on website and archive somewhere, then put highlights in newsletter More articles on how people are getting their work done; what new things they are being asked to do; what old tasks they are no longer doing.
- Profiles of librarians - I always find it interesting to hear how people got into librarianship, & then what paths their careers have taken. Maybe a standardized questionnaire could be formulated, & sent to librarians to fill out.
- It depends. I generally read the entire issue. Each issue has different topics which I find interesting. If you make Bayline only electronic, then I would want you to notify me about each new issue.
- I skim the entire newsletter and if something catches my eye I read it in full. I cannot comment on each of the above, because I don't read it in depth.
- I don't remember the last publication of a Library Profile or Soapbox.
- An advice column where people could pose questions which would be posted giving others a chance to respond then the responses along with a new question would be included in a subsequent issue. Perhaps the discussion group could fill this function.
Website Comments: (return to top) (return to survey)
(What would you like to see added to the Chapter Website?)
- items that pertain to the practice. reviews of new services and software, new resources. The most difficult thing for me is keeping up with new programs and resources in different fields. I can do the generic large stuff like factiva or lexis-nexis, but the small resources or subject specific resources are very difficult to keep up with. it would be nice to have a section devoted to resources, and broken down by general and subject area.
- I have access to the web only at work. I don't want to use much work time looking at the site, so I want to look at information that can be visually scanned easily and quickly. I really do like reading the Bayline and prefer to read it in paper and at home.
- Fun stuff- links to things like the Lipstick Librarian, Dilbert, etc.
- Volunteer opportunities to obtain experience in new areas to facilitate job transitions.
- Something that's already on its way: the new Chapter brochure.
- Online meeting/program registration Chapter directory with direct email links to members
- Moderated discussion areas
- Me -accessing it - and I shall
- I'll investigate it after finishing the survey -- could probably use much more
- I would want a PDF format for the Bayline, if I were to receive it electronically. Often the best place for me to read the Bayline is not in where I have computer access (i.e. while commuting, during a boring meeting at work, etc.)
- humor
Members Only Comments: (return to top) (return to survey)
(Do you use the Members Only section of the association's website? Comments:)
- once for the directory update
- Not yet tried it
- Moving online info to mailing info seems to have a long lag time tho this is a huge improvement over the previous method of updating our info. Still hear interesting comments about U.S. addresses carrying non-U.S. country names and the frustration in trying to resolve those issues. I dropped my membership for a while so I could try to get a clean address for my mailings.
- I use the web site only occasionally.
- I haven't used it yet, I get most of my information from the printed directories.
- Didn't write down log-on info!
- When it's working
- very useful because it is up to date
- use has been infrequent given my having recently joined and not presently working
- Updated my membership information
- Server often seems to be down
- only to check on my directory listing
- only occasionally
- Not yet.
- not yet, anyway
- Much faster for me to flip open the paper copy. Prefer it to an online version.
- I've only used this for job searching
- I ususally check the hardcopy directory first.
- I use the Members Only section of the SLA web site
- I like being able to update my listing.
- haven't looked at it for several weeks, hope it improves. very slow to access and load screens. disappointing design.
- Have had no luck logging in
- can't find my pin, etc... haven't been able to get response from SLA office
Directory Comments: (return to top) (return to survey)
(Given the expense and delay in delivering a printed directory, would the Association website membership information satisfy your needs for membership information? Comments)
- If I had to choose between a printed directory and the online version, the printed directory would be my choice. It's portable, accessible any time of day or night, and not dependent on any kind of machinery.
- I prefer to grab my directory off the shelf and peruse it as needed. I use it more than I use the web site. And when I want to use it, I don't want to be delayed because someone's server is down or the internet is slow because of traffic.
- I like being able to browse the directory, and it's easier to use than the website (and it has a little more information). Ultimately, though, if cost savings is really significant, I would be satisfied with the Association website membership directory
- Anyone I contact regularly, I enter on my Card File program. Otherwise, I look them up in the SLA Who's Where Online. I'm using the printed directory less and less, though I'm sure I would miss it if it were eliminated.
- We're doing away with the BayNet paper directory (actually a printout of the database only gets sent if requested by a member) and just use the Web directory which is updated much more frequently than a paper copy could be.
- We use the membership directory for both personal and work reasons. It's actually cataloged in our Reference Dept. I'd hate to see a web-only edition.
- To a certain extent, but making links from local page to the directory more direct might make the transition easier
- The Directory is so useful for its listing of local people and libraries. To my knowledge, the Association website doesn't provide that kind of access. And, what happens when you can't get to the website?
- Sorry, but I still like paper in hand, ability to make notes, avoidance of technical glitches on the web.
- See above. It is tedious to go through bookmarks, etc. The printed directory is on my desk, within arm's reach. My preference is to have both electronic and print versions.
- really appreciate the organization index in the local directory - often I'm looking not for a person, but the reference desk # of a library
- paper is better sometimes, but I could live with electronic only
- Now that i have looked at the site, this would be just fine. Good that this survey prompted me to look. Thanks
- Just not handy enough, when looking for contact info or verifying membership.
- It's very helpful to have a print hardcopy for reference -- and this is just too much to print out at home. Also, Baynet and similar groups draw from it to inform us (and they do GREAT workshops).
- It's great to have access to the online, up-to-date information, but sometimes there's no substitute for looking through the printed version.
- It's easier to grab a directory than look something up online if you do it often. I do not do it often enough to need the directory, at this time. If I did, I'd want a printed directory!
- I like to edit my directory. Can't easily browse the SLA site or stick it in my backpack
- I don't want my association information freely accessible on the web. I don't want people knowing where I work and my home info.
- I do check the membership directory for addresses, phone nos., etc. and do find the printed edition useful, since I do not have my computer on all the time. However, I could certainly try the website. I have not checked what information you include there, so cannot answer to the question of whether it would satisfy my needs.
- I actually miss the old directory format, with listings by organization. The Association directory is easy if one is looking for a specific person, but not if one wants to find the manager of XYZ library, etc.
- how about a SA/SF version on the web?
- Given the frequency with which I use the directory, I consider it a standard reference tool. A version available exclusively on the Internet would not always be convenient for a quick look-up.
Jobline Comments: (return to top) (return to survey)
(Would you miss the phone version if it were discontinued? Comments)
- Web access much more useable. Phone version is clunky, though the info is good & helpful for job-seeking.
- I would not miss it personally, but I think there are still circumstances where others might still need to use it for reasons of privacy.
- I use the web version regularly. Since it has been there, I never use the phone version. Why write the advertisements down when there are already written?
- I am the voice of the Jobline this year. I haven't a clue if people listen. I suspect there may be people without computer access when they are looking for a job. I did use it in the past when looking for a job, but that was pre-internet.
- However, I'm currently employed and look at the Jobline from work. If I were unemployed and at home, then I would not have access to the web version.
- during the day, at work, I can listen to the Jobline while working on the Web at the same time.
- While I wouldn't, persons looking for a job may not have easy web access in which case the phone version would be their only option.
- When I didn't have web access at home I would miss it. You may not have work access when you're looking.
- Tho I haven't used the phone version recently, I haved used it heavily in the past and would not want it to see it discontinued.
- think it is important for recent grads. to have access to the SLA jobline via phone. Some folks looking for a job may not have Internet access.
- The web version is great!
- My answers reflect the fact that I'm employed and not looking for a new job, and am unlikely to do so in the foreseeable future
- I've enjoyed the professional development committee workshops very much.
- I've been occasionally without web access, so appreciate the non-electronic services like the print Bayline and the phone jobline. During times of no web access, I could live without the phone jobline (and visit my local public library), but I'd really
- It was wonderful to have the phone version before the info. became available on the web, but the web is much better -- you can just print, instead of having to take dictation.
- If needed, I would use the web jobline
- I would use the Jobline if I was looking for a job. I have used it in the past and found it very helpful. I don't mind using it just on the web.
- I would miss the phone version, specifically because I do not have a computer at home.
- I think that the phone version should not be discontinued because not everyone has web access and it was a lifeline for me when I was looking for a job.
- I have used this service in the past. It's fabulous.
- I did not know there was a phone version of the job line
- Have no need of the service at this time, in either format.
- dump it!
- Although I don't have a need for the jobline at this time, I have referred several people to it over the years and they find it very useful. As a manager, I like to look at the job listing descriptions on the web from time to time.
General Comments (return to top) (return to survey)
- Maximum dollars I'd be willing to pay for a half or full day seminar. I'd be willing to spend more than the amounts checked in the question above - would depend on topic, speakers and my perceived value of the seminar.
- The social events and library tours may be more important to a librarian who is newer in the community or profession. After a certain time in the legal librarian field, this is not as important as it used to be in my earlier days in the field.
- The last time we went through this exercise I do not recall seeing any results. Were survey results ever published? I know the strategic plan that Richard Geiger worked on was never distributed to the membership. Why not? It is for the members isn't it?
- Thanks for asking. And thanks for all your volunteer work.
- I wish the association nationally would spend time on external PR of librarians rather than all these internal discussions of what our job means. We don't need to educate ourselves so much as the general public.
- I really enjoy our professional development programs and the speakers at our meetings. Thanks to our volunteers for making those events happen.
- Great survey -- I hope the results are useful! Sorry I can't volunteer for a committee at this time (too involved in NOCALL), but I hope to in the future.
- This survey is a great idea. However, I don't think my comments are too relevant, since I am no longer active.
- this survey is a great idea!
- This form is too long.
- Thanks for asking! Whoever did the markup for this questionnaire deserves a BIG THANKS.
- nicely done survery - content, format, ease of completion. Who did it?
- My company limits web access to business-related needs only, and since I do not have a computer at home, I make very limited use of SLA's web-based resources. This Chapter, with its outstanding Bayline, Directory and other services, continues to be a great resource for its members. After many years as a member I attend fewer meetings than in the past, but that does not reflect a lack of interest: lack of time and responsibilities at home are the major culprits. Thanks to all who make it all happen!
- I'm not sure if the distribution lists for Bayline or other association publications have updated my current information. I am no longer at Raychem Corporation. Whom should I contact to make sure that I receive the all publications and mail-outs? Thanks!
- I'm in Sacto. & Calaveras Co. and rarely get/go to the Bay Area.
- I wish you would move the joint meeting with the San Andreas Chapter to the September meeting, and make it a really good one. The joint meeting has been kind of lost since it moved to December
- I noticed that the survey asks about web access at the top, as well as near the Jobline phone questions. It's all right by me.
- I look forward to lots of volunteers from this.You have done a great job. The survey is clean and easy to read. I think we will get excellent results. Thanks for your work and all your contributions to the chapter.
- I have relocated to Florida for 18 months, 11/99 ot 4/01.
- I have been very active in the Chapter for many years and ususally attend all of the dinner meetings and professional development workshops.
- I currently have "low interest" in listservs, only because my company's policy does not allow employees to receive listserv postings on our mail server, and I do not have a home computer. Otherwise, I think that it is an important Association offering
- I am not very active in the chapter. Maybe Friday or Saturday meetings might work or better yet lunch meetings
- Great work doing this on the web. When will we see the results?
- Great chapter. Great folks. Good luck with the survey Cris.
- Excellent survey & thorough. I'm glad it's on the Web, too. This was easy to fill out.
- Can't get involved right now, but would be happy to do so later in the year.
- Breakfast meetings in SF would be great. With kids and a full-time job, I just don't have time to go to the evening meetings even when they look really interesting. I feel like a lurking member, but I'll be able to be more involved in a few years.
- As I'm still recovering from moving and also taking some academic night classes, I don't have time at the moment to serve on a committee -- hopefully in a year that will change.
- Although it would be more cost effective to roll over to completely web based services - there should be some consideration given to the fact that not all folk yet have access, or easy access to the web and email.
- Although I haven't attended many meetings, I like belonging to SLA and reading about them and what's happening in our field. I would miss the print version of Bayline, but understand logistic difficulties of producing it. Because I don't go to meetings, it is my connection to this chapter. Thanks to all those who make this a great chapter.
- All the above comments come from me living and working in Monterey and the necessary travel to get to meetings. (return to top)
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