Convergence 2000

 15th Anniversary Luncheon

By Carol Williams, Co-Chair Student Liaison

Convergence 2000 was a coming together of the past (the Anniversary luncheon), the present (the useful, timely, and informative programs), and the future (the Strategic Planning meeting). My remarks will reflect on the first component -- our history.

In preparation for this event, Patrica Cia and I used Chapter bulletins (Alert, Chapter Eight, On The Edge, and Wired West) to compile a list of executives and significant events from the beginnings in 1983 (the creation of the Provisional Chapter) to the present. This task was greatly facilitated by the work of Jolene Wright (Archives Chair for 2000/2001), who had reorganized the Chapter archival material as a student project at UBC's School of Library, Archival, and Information Studies in 1998/99. Diana Broome, then WCC Archives Chair directed this project. We look forward to input from Chapter members (past and present) for corrections and additions to this documentation of our history.

Western Canada Chapter was honoured that 4 Charter Members - those individuals with the vision and determination to start up the Chapter 17 years ago - were present as special guests for the Saturday Anniversary Luncheon in Calgary, Sept. 30th.

• Bev Bendell, President of the Provisional Chapter (WCPC), 1983/84. Bev also held the position of Chair of the Petroleum Division of SLA. She left library work in 1988 and moved to Canmore to work for the Alpine Club of Canada. Though officially retired as of June 2000, Bev is still involved with the Alpine Club (and still using her library skills on their behalf). Bev travelled from Canmore to Calgary for this occasion and spoke on behalf of the other "founders" to share some early experiences of the Chapter.

• Diana Broome, President, WCPC, 1984/85. Diana has continued to be actively involved with WCC, as Public Relations Chairs, 1987/88, President in 1996/97, and Archives Chair 1998-2000. Diana currently heads up Information Resources at the B.C. Teachers Federation.

• Liz Johnson, President, WCC, 1985/86. Liz works at the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board.

• Linda Sharp, Membership Coordinator, 1985/86; Bulletin Productions Editor, 1988/89; Secretary Treasurer, 1989/91.

• Susan Lowe, Newsletter Editor, 1985/86; President 1987/88; Public Relations Chair, 1987/88. Susan looks after Library/Records Management at Alliance Pipeline Ltd. In Calgary.

Eric Marshall, Winnipeg regional contributor from 1984/85 through to 1986/87 was unable to attend the luncheon due to his commitment to attend the International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers conference in Victoria. Eric, now retired and living on Vancouver Island, has been made an Honorary Member of IAMSLIC. He sent an email to Convergence organizers, and this was read at the luncheon.

The Chapter is in debt to the early members who brought the Chapter from Provisional to full status; who did so by surveying members needs; by creating by-laws; by setting up procedures with the related documentation; and especially by setting a tradition of communication to members and of exceptional programming to provide opportunities for lifelong learning. Reviewing the list of programs and the notes from Presidents in the Bulletins over the years, we can see that there are recurring themes and issues, including:

• the challenge of overcoming geographical diversity;

• the importance of providing education through quality programs;

• the goal of promoting the value of special libraries.

Current and future SLA WCC Boards will, no doubt, work to carry on the tradition of meeting these challenges and take advantage of the opportunity to meet with our special librarian colleagues to share experiences.