In this era of electronic information, who needs a librarian anyway? Are libraries and librarians even necessary in the Information Age? Are we all rapidly spiraling towards mass information professional extinction? These are issues that Susan DiMattia, SLA President, tackled at her September 23rd presentation, "Creating a Value Proposition for SLA, its Members and the Profession," sponsored by Lexis Nexis Canada. An influential advocate for the value of the information professional, Susan shared with us her goal as this year’s SLA President: To increase the value of information professionals in today’s cut-throat, global economy by asking each and every one of us to take personal responsibility for selling our value.

Indeed, in these tumultuous times marked by library cutbacks and closures, we must reconsider our professional competencies while learning how to best convey and renew the value of the special library. Attendees of SLA Toronto’s first programme event of the 1999/00 season were challenged to review and update the well-known document "Competencies for Special Librarians of the 21^st Century." Created in October 1996 in light of the rapid transformations taking place in the profession, this document must continue to grow and evolve into the 21^st century. As an organization of dynamic and change-oriented information professionals, we must respond with a sense of urgency to Susan’s critical challenge.

Susan suggests that we verbalize in two sentences what value the special librarian brings to an organization. Until we can clearly state what we want people to know about us and our skills, we will not be able to clearly communicate our value. Given that information professionals are highly skilled in the art of communication, particularly when it comes to picking up the language styles of a variety of users and clients, this should be easy, right? Wait, there’s a catch! You must describe your role in simple terms, using library science jargon-free language.

The time is now! With less than 100 days left until the fateful moment of Y2K is upon us, we must move quickly to identify the issues and trends that will prepare us as creative information innovators willing to take risks in the new Millennium. We are part of a remarkable organization, Susan reminds us, committed to providing an exciting arena in which to expand our base of knowledge and skills. Take advantage of your opportunity to collaborate with fellow SLA members, to share your experiences, to learn from each other, and to celebrate your achievements. Engage in continuous learning, once a luxury, now an obligation. Create your value vision, define it, and express it. Say it loudly, with extra jalape–os please! And finally, inspired by our National Hockey Hero, Wayne Gretzky, Susan urges us to stay one step ahead of where the puck is going to be!

While a Chapter visit from SLA President Susan DiMattia was the highlight of the evening, there were several other noteworthy moments. The first occurred when Susanne Baker, President of the Toronto Chapter, officially launched the 1999/00 programme event season. We look forward to Susanne’s plan to bring together and capture Chapter information, including a new manual of procedures and bylaws.

All eyes were on Stephen Abram, Public Relations Committee Chair, decked out in full Argos garb. A record-breaking number of librarians will be out in full force on October 9th. Be sure to check out Shonna Frobel’s article "Football for Librarians" in this edition of Courier.

Finally, the SLA Student Group from the University of Toronto was officially honoured by Susan DiMattia as winner of the SARC Certificate of Merit Award in Outstanding Leadership for the 1998/99 academic year. The Student Group also earned two runner-up Certificates of Merit in Innovative Programming and in Creative Electronic Services. The awards had been presented at Susan's reception for students in Minneapolis, Monday, June 7th, 1999. The Student Group would like to thank the Toronto Chapter for their continued support and leadership.

Pictured, from left to right, are Astrid Lange, Tracey Palmer, Iona Cowan, Susan DiMattia (SLA President), Dave Hook, Danielle Levesque, Susanne Baker (Toronto Chapter President, and Helen Kula. Missing are Nicole Stewart and Christine Chang.