Hello!
I am pleased to announce that our chapter has a new web site! http://units.sla.org/chapter/cmd/index.htm A round of applause goes to to our web administrator, Greg Horvitz, who diligently and skillfully pulled together the new site with help from Sean Henry and Ashley Conaway. The site will be expanded in the coming months with additional resources and chapter information. Please take a minute to visit and bookmark it.
Our chapter's first program of the year is coming up March 19th, at the The National Cryptologic Museum in Ft. Meade, Maryland. It features guided tours through the museum, a light fare buffet & cash bar, and of course, all the conversation with colleagues you can muster. The museum houses a fascinating collection of ciphers and takes visitors into the secret world of codes-- it's a puzzle enthusiast's dream...;-) Everyone is invited, so consider bringing family members and friends! Registration closes March 16th. http://units.sla.org/chapter/cmd/cryptomuseum09.htm
Sean Henry, our program organizer and President-elect, has developed this year's roster of chapter programs. Reserve these dates on your calendar!
October 22........ National Electronics Museum Tour & Program
December 8 ......Holiday Cheers Program
This year our chapter is renewing its efforts of helping students at the University of Maryland iSchool enter our profession. On February 10th the first in a series of Chats was held with members of our chapter and students at the iSchool's lounge. Lead by Board Member, Judy Tapiero, the first Chat session gave 12 students a "behind the scenes" look at working in government organizations. Our 3 chapter member volunteers, Peggy Carr, Tracy Landfried, and Cindy Sheffield shared their insights and experiences of working in different government agency settings, and "chatted" with students about working in diverse organizations. The next Chat with students will be February 19th and will focus on what it's like to work as a consultant.
As you can see from the photo, the atmosphere at these Chats is informal and friendly, perfect for casual conversations. Remember when you graduated with your MLS thinking that grad school hadn't prepared you for the "real world"? We're trying to help students avoid that feeling. So please volunteer for a Chat to share your experience with iSchool students! Contact Judy at judith@theorganizedlibrary.com. Upcoming Chat topics are: Law, Academic, Medical/Health, and Non-Profit information services.
Our Chapter Board held its first meeting for 2009 and I am happy to report that work has started on improving the organization of our archives and on developing our chapter's new strategic plan. Our next meeting is an Executive Board meeting with invited Committee Chairs, set for March 5th in a lunchtime conference call.
The latest SLA Salary Survey report is now available for borrowing by members of our chapter. The loan includes access to the SLA electronic salary calculator. This is an exclusive benefit of being a member of the Maryland Chapter! Details can be found at http://units.sla.org/chapter/cmd/survey08.htm
And this note from our colleagues in the DC Chapter. The DC Chapter is now extending its member rates to Maryland Chapter members when attending their programs! So whether you're a member of the DC Chapter or Maryland Chapter of SLA, you can attend the programs of both chapters at member rates! A sweet deal.
Remember to check our chapter's blog, The Cutting Edge, for the latest news and updates about events and activities. http://sla-divisions.typepad.com/maryland/
Best regards,
Chris
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