A FRIEND IN NEED … SLA joins Tsunami Relief Effort

Many governments and organizations are helping address the devastation caused by the tsunami in southern Asia and SLA is no exception. HQ staff has stepped forward with an initiative to serve as an information clearinghouse for the global IP community. Read more about the Tsunami Relief Effort and the initiative's focus on critical areas of need.

SLA IS COMING TO TOWN … SLA Opens 2005 Annual Conference Registration

SLA announced the opening of registration and housing services for its 96th Annual Conference and Info-Expo to be held June 5-8, 2005 in Toronto ON (SLA Press Release 2005-03). In the words of SLA Executive Director Janice R. Lachance: 

"This is our first event in Canada since 1995, and it marks a turning point in our growth as an international organization. The library and information profession has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. The ability to adapt to these changes is directly related to the level of professional development one receives. Our conference is one of the best in that regard, and Toronto is the perfect city for us to continue that journey." 

Can't argue with that! More information is available at the conference web site: www.sla.org/toronto2005. Stay informed as SLA 2005 approaches; sign up for the Conference Connections e-newsletter.

PICK ME! PICK ME! … Election Ballots To Be Mailed January 31, 2005

Ballots to elect the 2005-2006 SLA Board will be mailed to the membership on January 31, 2005. An SLA Board Candidates Community is also available for the first time through the Communities of Practice section of the web site - join the community and let the candidates know what you think about the state of the profession and how they can help shape a better future.

YEARNING FOR LEARNING? SLA Online University to Launch in April 2005

Last October, the SLA Board approved funding for the SLA Online University and on December 13th a contract was finalized with Learn.com who will be developing and hosting the site; the anticipated launch is April 2005. This medium will deliver a variety of courses and seminars and will be of particular value to those who cannot attend on-site learning opportunities. Initial content will be drawn from five areas: 1) Online Seminars; 2) Continuing Education courses at the Annual Conference; 3) Learn2 Course Library - 220 courses on office and professional development topics; 4) Partner Programs offered with partner institutions; and 5) Online CE courses. Look for complete details in a feature article to appear in February's issue of Information Outlook.