|
Quantum2 Feature
Libby Trudell, VP of Market Development at Dialog, recently participated in a panel at a joint San Francisco/San Andreas chapter meeting to mark SLA's centennial anniversary. Looking forward to the future, particularly through the eyes of information users who have much more direct access to digital information today, she envisioned how our roles as information professionals will continue to evolve. Here are some highlights of her remarks:
SLA on the Cusp...100 Years and Looking Forward
"To ask why we need libraries at all, when there is so much information available elsewhere, is about as sensible as asking if roadmaps are necessary now that there are so very many roads" — Jon Bing, Professor of IT Law, University of Oslo
This quote would be even more relevant if it used the word "librarians" instead of "libraries".
Many of our clients want and need to find information for themselves — that's the reality of the web-enabled world in which we live. However, without a "map" to help them find the credible and authoritative information quickly, many would find navigating this digital world something of a maze.
The idea of creating this type of guide is not a new one. Indeed, the concept of "pathfinders" is something that some may be familiar with from library school However, an information map is far more than a list of resources. It is a multi-dimensional framework for organizing internal and external knowledge for the organization, a set of tools for navigating it, and a means for consultation along the way. And it's not a generic "one size fits all" process, since we create specialized information maps that are tailored to the specific needs of the organization we serve.
By being tuned in to the strategic direction of the organization and tracking trends in the market served, information professionals are ahead of the curve in the demand for information. This leads to a continuously evolving map aligned with the changing needs of the environment.
Looking forward — communicating value as ideal information map makers
As information professionals, we are also very good at putting those information maps into users' hands. Not just when they are at their desks, but wherever they are — into their mobile devices or collaboration tools, or in "the cloud". Additionally when users need something beyond self-service, we draw on expertise and information-seeking skills to find the information that's "off the map." And we organize, analyze and seek connection points in the information that we deliver.
However, as users become more and more self-sufficient, how will we change ourselves? How do we communicate our value to the stakeholders in our organizations?
We have to get better at communicating to our stakeholders that, as they will always need maps to take them along the "new roads", and that .we, the librarians and information professionals, are the ideal "information map makers". — So here are three suggestions for ways to communicate that value.
Interact with clients — Every interaction we have with our stakeholders is an opportunity for communicating value by asking how the tools we provide enable them to be more effective in finding information, or how information we provided is helping them make better decisions. These discussions not only surface new opportunities and needs, they also build up examples or stories that embody value of timely and credible information to the organization.
Seek testimonials — Begin an initiative to get executive level testimonials about the value of information services or about particular information professionals in your organization. You can share these other executives.
Market your "brand" — Many information managers understand the importance of creating a brand for the information center and that's a great thing to do, but equally important is to create your own personal brand—what you stand for in terms of leading change, suggesting more efficiency in the organization, , spotting trends, being connected with users, and understanding their world and priorities.
So — let's re-imagine ourselves as the master map makers, take risks to drive change and lead the strategic use of information for the next 100 years.
| 
As always, your suggestions for workshop topics, and ideas for improving our content, are welcomed. If you know a friend or colleague who would benefit from Quantum2, please encourage them to visit 