SLA Contributed Papers

I am happy to announce that my abstract, "Federal Government Information Goes Social? Inspiration from Change.gov" for the SLA Contributed Papers Session has been accepted for development into a full paper and presentation!! I was surprised and excited when I saw the email Saturday morning. Out of 44 submissions the committee selected 9 abstracts. I don't know who else or what other topics will be presented but I feel really honored to be included in this group. Now I have to start the research, writing, and presentation process - at least I have 3 months!

Gen Y and the Recession

MSNBC recently came out with an article proclaiming that Gen Y job-seekers are hit hard.
The article argues that our nation's youngest workers are getting hit hardest in the recession because companies do not have the time or money to train new grads. I enjoyed Lindsey Pollak's blog post that was written partly in response to this article. She wants the media and general public to stop putting the blame on Gen Y. I agree with Lindsey's arguments that Gen Y has been unfairly labeled and that Millenials have quite a lot to offer the U.S. workforce.

The MSNBC article mentioned one job seeker that had been sending out almost a hundred applications in one month and another job seeker frustrated their McDonald's management application was not accepted. However, their actions go against tried and true career advice: just because you send out a million applications and even apply to places "below" you does not mean that you will easily secure a job. All companies are looking for employees that would be a 'good fit' because of their past experience, technical skills, interest in the field, and personality. It is a better idea to apply carefully to less positions and to really target your search. I realize that as there are less and less job ads this can become frustrating. But people in general must realize that you have to look outside of responding to job ads to enjoy a successful career. I would recommend creating a solid online presence, getting involved in your industry's professional associations, and working your existing network of contacts while trying to meet as many new people as well. Trust me it will pay off!

Thoughts on Gov 2.0

I submitted an abstract for the Contributed Papers Session at SLA Annual about Government 2.0 and inspiration from the Change.gov website. I won't know whether it will be selected for full paper development for a few weeks. I have come to discover that there is so much being written about Gov 2.0 right now. The role of librarians and professional information managers is an interesting angle to the whole discussion. Technology generally takes the dominant role in these types of discussions. For example, President Obama has talked about appointing a Chief Technology Officer (CTO). It is my hope that the new administration will include libraries and information managers in discussions of reforming government technology and transparency. I think that we have quite alot of experience to offer.

An interesting group created during the Obama transition is nicknamed (TIGR) and stands for Technology, Innovation, and Government Reform. This group is looking at how to reform government through technology and innovation. A tall task since government is notorious for its slow-pace and strict adherence to rules that stifle creative thinking. I plan on researching more about this group as I find my professional interests shifting more towards the public policy arena.

Inside the Transition: Technology, Innovation, and Government Reform

Uses of Google

As I start my professional career I am constantly thinking about my strengths, weaknesses, and marketable skills. I also think about what the future of the information profession will look like and what my role will be in the coming years. I got a good laugh out of this graphic today. Its message helps put the Google search engine in perspective.

I use quite a few Google services but there is nothing that can take away the need for human understanding of information needs.


The following PPT presentation from the Pew Internet & American Life Project offers thoughtful perspective about the digital age and suggestions for keeping MLSers relevant.

Symposium on Information Policy in the New Administration

On Thursday January 15 I attended the ASIST event, "Symposium on Information Policy in the New Administration" held at Catholic University. I drove down after work and let me tell you it was one of the coldest days in DC so far!! Brr...luckily I didn't have too much trouble finding the event location. I'm really glad I attended...I tend to geek out on government information policy, politics, and inside the Beltway stuff. More information about the program can be found here: http://asispvc.blogspot.com/

Although it was attended by alot of library folks the actual presenters came from a broader range of policy backgrounds. Some of the themes included:

• information policy and e-government has a history of decentralization
  
• history of secrecy within government is hard to break
• Obama administration is promising greater transparency
• Digital divide still exists and the role that broadband and network neutrality will play
  
• Quality of the government data must be improved and standardized
• Need to open data sets to the public and researchers

I have some experience working in government information settings so alot of the past issues and hopes for the future really hit home for me. For example there has been a lot of talk about President Obama appointing a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to help drive technology innovation within the government. While folks are optimistic the panel discussed the possibility that this move would put "another chef in the kitchen." There are already a myriad of government groups charged with information policy and technology tasks.

My personal hope is that the CTO will include librarians and information professionals in their policy and actions. Not only are public libraries becoming de-facto e government service providers but there must be some consideration to information and not just whatever whizzbang tech tool is the latest craze.