by David Stern, Rhode Island Chapter, Knowledge Management, Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics, and Science-Technology Divisions

SLA is a great place to become future ready … because it is THE place where all the tools, knowledge, and opportunities exist to make you a more complete professional.

Where else will you find such a broad group of experts with comprehensive knowledge of the tools, the trends, and the bleeding-edge developments in the industry? Where else will you find a sandbox of the latest tools, with a cadre of colleagues ready to assist you and play in hopes of finding new applications? Where else will you find a risk-free environment in which to develop speaking, writing, management, and leadership skills? Where else will you find a ready-made network of librarians and industry colleagues interested in exploring new solutions to age-old or brand-new issues? Where else will you so easily find such a group of like-minded people, and develop life-long friendships?

And SLA does not just make you future ready by preparing you to face the rapidly changing information and knowledge world –  it also allows you to impact this future. In SLA you will be collaborating with vendors and publishing partners in order to influence the future. Be future ready and futuristic!

David Stern is Associate Dean for Public Services at Illinois State University. He is an SLA Fellow with prior service on the SLA Board of Directors, and as Chair of two Divisions and has spent numerous after-conference hours on the dance floors and at baseball games.