Even though Associations Solutions client Special Libraries Association isn’t able to hold in-person events right now, it is doing more than ever to provide value to members. Starting in March, SLA has held weekly Virtual Roundtables and Virtual Hangouts to provide frequent spaces online for members to connect, share knowledge, and build relationships. Virtual Roundtables are a forum for interactive discussion about issues relevant to information professionals such as mentorship, marketing, working with industry partners, advocating your position within your organization, and return on investment. SLA members have joined Virtual Hangouts to socialize, share about the challenges of working from home, participate in trivia games, and connect about shared interests. SLA continues to hold online learning programs including live and on-demand webinars, and will host its first half-day, virtual learning event, InfoTrends, on June 30 – a half-day program including speaker panels, breakout discussion groups, and a networking reception.
SLA engaged in advocacy efforts to support the closing of public-facing libraries and information organizations during the public health crisis to ensure safety and urged employers to retain librarians and information professionals as they face budget difficulties. Additionally, SLA established a COVID-19 resources webpage with links to reliable public health information, SLA 2020 Annual Conference updates, emergency planning and recovery resources, available online learning opportunities, and industry resources. Also, to ensure that SLA members will continue to have access to member benefits during this challenging time, SLA extended all memberships 90 days.
All of SLA’s 82 communities, which include chapters and special interest groups, are open at no charge for all SLA members. Open access to communities allows members more exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences, cross-pollination of ideas and insights, and joint development of programs and events.
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