Outstanding Information Professional Award Winner - Debbie Schachter, a profile

Debbie Schachter was the winner of the SLA WCC Outstanding Information Professional Award 2007. She gave this interview to Robyn McDowell, Chair of the 2008 SLA WCC Awards Committee.

Can you give me a brief synopsis of your career to date?

I began working in special libraries, as well as in public and academic environments, while I was still in library school. I was lucky enough to gain full time employment as soon as I graduated with my MLS by taking a maternity leave position at Pacific Press library, the first of two maternity leave positions I held there. I then had the opportunity to work in an engineering library (HA Simons), a mining library (Placer Dome) and to work in IT support at the Province newspaper, before I landed my first permanent position as Database Manager at Pacific Press library. I was in that position for about six years until I felt that I wanted to explore library management possibilities. I enrolled in a part-time MBA and also moved into my first management position at the B.C. Courthouse Library Society where I held the position titles of Head of Strategic Planning Development and finally Associate Executive Director. Taking another lateral move, to further develop my management, human resources and financial skills, I joined the Jewish Family Service Agency as Associate Executive Director. Three years later, I am now moving into the public library sphere for the first time, as Area Manager - East at Vancouver Public Library, and I am looking forward to the challenges and excitement of this vibrant and changing library environment.

Even while working in non-traditional library jobs you have remained very active in the library and information community. Can you comment on this?

As someone who has worked in a variety of library environments, and most recently in a non-library organization, I have always felt the need to remain closely involved in SLA and other professional associations, with the many opportunities for professional development and developing leadership skills. I appreciate the opportunity for networking with such a diverse group of librarians, and the opportunities I have had to make a meaningful contribution, through the various positions that I have held in the Western Canada chapter. In addition, a few years ago I began writing a monthly column for Information Outlook, SLA's monthly magazine, to continue my professional development through the necessity of self-study required to produce a meaningful article each month. This has been really effective for developing my management and library expertise, as has my teaching experiences. I would recommend these activities for anyone who is interested in developing their leadership skills or their expertise in any area of library science.

Do you have a mentor?

I consider a number of the people with whom I have worked and with whom I continue to be lucky to have friendships, as my mentors. These are people with whom I can share my worries and concerns, seek help to strategize about career and workplace problems, and from whom I receive advice. Over the years, each of them has provided me with something to take away, work on, aspire to, consider and ponder, and I feel lucky to be able to seek their input and counsel regularly. These people know who they are so I won't name them all here.

What has been your toughest professional decision?

Leaving the library world to work (in the 90s) in an IT Department, and then again in 2005 to work in a social service agency were the toughest professional decisions that I have made, but I believe that both experiences have added to my abilities and knowledge and have benefited me greatly both personally and professionally. It is certainly great to take risks if you have the tolerance to do so.

Where do you live?

I live in a house in the Hastings Sunrise area of Vancouver - a diverse and interesting neighbourhood with lots of views, gardens, grape arbours, fig trees and friendly and helpful neighbours.

Car or chosen mode of transport?

I currently drive a 14 year old Nissan Pathfinder.

Favourite movie?

I watch a lot of movies so I can't really choose one. I will say that the following are some of my favourites: the English Patient, the 1995 version of Persuasion with Amanda Root, Pride & Prejudice (the 6 part series on A&E - okay, not really a movie), Cold Comfort Farm, The Replacement Killers, Run Lola Run, Zoolander, Gladiator, Groundhog Day, Aliens and even a few more. I watch these all the time.

Reading material currently on your beside table?

Not surprisingly, I am reading a book called The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at all Levels as I am about to move into a new position. In addition, I'm waiting to get started on The Crack in the Edge of the World by Simon Winchester and Tides of War by Steven Pressfield.

Last cd bought or music downloaded?

I have to confess that my husband purchases most of the CDs (and we do purchase CDs as we like to have the liner inserts, and artwork), but the last CD I purchased was a set of Miles Davis: Complete On the Corner (1972-1975), released in the Fall.

Current favourite blog, website, or podcast?

I spend a fair bit of time on the SLA website, in addition to VPL and BPL websites, the Ivey Business Journal online, for research for my monthly column in Information Outlook and other reasons, and a number of non-profit association and organization sites, due to my current work. I also do a fair bit of online shopping so I have a few favourites in that area as well.

Favourite restaurant?

For brunch probably Provence Marinaside; for dim sum, Pink Pearl; for lunch the Red Onion; and for dinner Bishop's.

Who would you most like to have dinner with?

I would most like to have a dinner party with my closest six friends - something I haven't had the time to do in a long while. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant would probably be a good time, too.

Has there been one person who has inspired you?

I get inspiration from a huge number of people, including a lot of people I know personally and whose abilities and personalities and manners I aspire to reach. My mother has also been a source of inspiration to me.

What advice would you give to a new professional starting out?

Be proactive with your career by being involved in an association (or two), seek out leadership roles whenever or wherever you can. And do what you enjoy doing, that's the most important thing in life.

Further information on the SLA WCC Outstanding Information Professional Award can be found on the SLA WCC website at: http://units.sla.org/chapter/cwcn/Member/Award.shtml

Robyn McDowell is the Manager of the IM & Research & Knowledge Centre in the Pacific Region of the Canada Revenue Agency and a Past President of the SLA Western Canada Chapter.

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