SLA2010: Day 1 - First Open Board of Directors Meeting

I and the other board candidates have been encouraged to attend the open Board of Director meetings at the SLA Annual Conference.This allows us to hear what they discuss as well as interact face-to-face with the current Board members.  (We're also listening in on the monthly board conference calls.)  This afternoon was the first of two meetings.  The breadth of topics discussed was amazing, especially at this meeting where some committee reports are presented.  We got through all of the agenda items today except for two which were saved for tomorrow for the second open Board meeting.

To be on the Board means being able to attend to the details of the Association, and take both a short and a long view of its needs.  Because much of the work of the Association is done by volunteers, there is also a concern that the work not be onerous (e.g., division reports).  While the work may not be onerous for many of the volunteers, the amount of work that the Board does is incredible.  The 14 members of the Board work hand-in-hand with the Association's 20-member HQ staff to oversee an Association of 9,700 members.  (Yes, that is fewer members from last year likely due to the economic turmoil that is occurring in libraries and other information organizations.) This is truly a working Board!  And...yes...I due want to participate on it and help SLA remain viable and successful!

BTW in past years, I've blogged for SLA during the conference.  Because SLA desires to create a level playing field for its candidates, I am not blogging this year.  I am twittering, though, which allows me to comment and interact with others in real-time.

What's in store for the rest of the day?  Besides enjoying the area, while trying to stay cool (it's 93F outside and high humidity), there is a Board dinner tonight and another opportunity for us all to get to know each other.


Photo above was taken yesterday in the French Market area of New Orleans, when I had a chance to walk around and see some of the city.  So nice to eat outside while listening to live jazz music!