|
|
Presented by: Barbara Semonche
NC/SLA Awards Banquet May 14,
1999 Sienna Hotel: Tuscany Ballroom
Chapel Hill, NC
It was the statesman Henry Clay who, in 1839, wrote this memorable
line to Senator Preston of South Carolina: "I'd rather be right than be
President." Clay must really have hung on to that conviction because
he
did in fact run for President, five times, but never won. Hmmm. While I
can respect Clay, I do not seek to emulate him.
Losing elections is not entirely without its rewards. Shortly
after I received David Bender's phone call the morning of March 8 with the
news that I had lost by 200 votes, the phones and fax machines in the
Journalism School went into overdrive. Then flowers, huge, colorful pots
and baskets of them, were delivered. All this sudden, unusual activity
prompted one of our faculty members to inquire: "What did Barbara
win?"
One of our staffers replied: "Nothing. She lost!"
As it turned out, there was soon to come an even harder lesson
about loss I had to face. Four days later, on March 12 while I was in
Charleston at the Networking 2000 conference, word reached me that my
younger sister, Shirley, had died, unexpectedly, of a heart attack. She
and her family lived just 10 minutes away from me in Durham. The news
stunned me. It seemed, still seems, out of order that my younger sis would
die so early and ahead of me. It was if I was indeed had slipped into a
valley. Little else mattered. But that sad event helped me clarify my
perspective about what is truly important in life. Family, friends,
colleagues: the message is this
"Get together for the good times, you never know when they will be your
last. "
This evening is a time of reflection for me, a sort of personal
memoir that I feel fortunate to share with you. For 22 years the members
of this Chapter have been a source of inspiration and support for me. And
I'm truly grateful now more than ever, because truth to tell, there is
more fellowship and kinship than membership among us.
This Chapter has a long and distinguished history of leadership in
our profession.
- We've had two members elected to the Board [Barbara Best-Nichols and
Rebecca Vargha]
- There have been two SLA Hall of Fame Members (2) [M. Elizabeth Gibbs
Moore, 1986, and Sara Aull, 1973]
- Three SLA Fellows (3) [Laura Gasaway, 1988, Fred Roper, 1989, and
BarbaraSemonche, 1995]
- There have been at least 6 SLA Scholarships awarded to Chapter student
members; the majority of them from N.C. Central University.
- There is one SLA Honorary Member [Edward G. Holley, 1992]
- We've had at least 4 members who have served as presidents of other
library associations.
- Lolly Gasaway: President of AALL
- Fred Roper: President of MLA
- Ed Holley & Marilyn Miller (both retired):Presidents of ALA
- Last year, 1998, Larry Wright was selected
as the very first recipient
of
SLA's Rose Vormelker Mentoring Award, named
for a former SLA president who was a
superlative mentor to students and new professionals. Just like Larry.
- And this year, 1999, Fred Roper (member of both the North Carolina and
South Carolina Chapters) will receive SLA's highest honor, The John Cotton
Dana Award, named for the founder of SLA.
All that's left is to see that the North Carolina Chapter has a president
of SLA in its future. And I know that we can make that happen. More about
that later.
How many of your are attending your first Chapter Awards Banquet?
[Please stand and remain standing.] How many here tonight have attended at
least 3 Banquets? More than 4? Applause is due for you all. I have someone
with me this evening who has attended as many of these functions as I
have.
Most of you know that my escort for these Award Banquets has always been
my husband, John
Semonche. For those who have not had the pleasure of
meeting Jack, permit me to introduce him. He's a gentleman, a
constitutional historian, a published author, a legal scholar, and an
award-winning computer whiz. He is also a good deal more than that, but no
need for details now. We will celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary next
month. My husband and best friend. Jack, please stand.
We have a daughter, Laura. She is married and living in Atlanta
now, but an early demonstration of her unique perspective on life brings
smiles to us both after many years. When she was 3 1/2 years old, a staff
psychologist at the UNC-CH Child Development Center where Laura was
enrolled, described this scene to us. The psychologist was assessing
language development. She explained that she wanted Laura to find the word
that would work best. For example, "If a man could be a king, a woman
could be a _________?" Laura responded softly. "Pwesident."
Not thinking
she heard correctly, the psychologist asked Laura to repeat. Somewhat
exasperated, Laura replied loudly, "I said pwesident, pwesident,
pwesident!" Not knowing exactly how to score this response, the
psychologist gave up and sent Laura out to play. The year was 1968 - - -
a U.S. presidential campaign was underway. Considering the candidates
(Nixon and Humphrey) at the time, perhaps Laura did indeed have a better
insight and foresight.
Which brings me back to the question I've been asked, repeatedly,
early on, "Barbara, why did you decide to run for SLA President?"
My reply, "Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time."
In anticipation of this and other questions this evening, I prepared a set
of FAQs. This is not a "Little Instruction Book on SLA Elections."
Rather
it is simply a journal of one person's 18th month odyssey into the higher
echelons of SLA.
When did I decide to run?
January 22, 1998 about 5:30 p.m. That was 24 hours after I was approached
by a representative of the SLA nominating committee to be a candidate for
President-elect. And about 23 hours after I talked with my Dean and my
husband about the campaign. I was going to need time, money, and support
and I wanted to be certain that these two people knew well what was
involved. At least 3 months earlier I was contacted by a former SLA
president about preparing my vita, in complete detail, to submit to the
Association's Nominating Committee. December 1, 1997 was the deadline for
nominations. My friend wanted to add a cover letter to accompany the vita.
I followed her instructions and then thought no more about it.
Nominating Committees have to sift through a large number of vitas before
a slate of candidates can be selected. Self nominations are accepted. No
candidate is supposed to know who the other candidates are. But there are
leaks, so rarely is any candidate really surprised. The serious evaluation
of prospective candidates occurs during SLA's winter conferences. The
Nominating Committee is literally holed up in a small conference room 12
hours a day for 3-4 days, sometimes longer until a draft slate is
prepared. The next step takes place quickly. Not every candidate knows
exactly which slot he/she will be slated for. And further if he/she will
accept. So members of the Nominating Committee must get quickly to all the
ones selected (sometimes catching them in meetings and hallways) to get
an answer to the question, "Will you accept?" Some candidates
answer one
way or the other immediately. Others, like me, take 24 hours.
Once a member agrees to be a candidate, a formal letter is sent to the
candidate who must respond with a formal letter of acceptance to the
Nominating Committee. Instructions are included regarding times when
photos, vitas, etc. are expected at headquarters. The formal announcement
of the slate of candidates must wait for SLA Board approval at the June
annual conference. Six months away!
In the meantime, candidates are jockeying for position. We discovered who
are opponents are and we wait to see who will make the first move.
How does one manage a campaign?
Donna Scheeder, my opponent, called me mid-March of 1998 and
suggested that we lay some ground rules for our campaigns. Since she had
been a candidate two years earlier for President elect, I thought that she
probably knew the right thing to do. She explained there is a sort of
unwritten agreement in SLA elections to avoid anything too "commercial" or
blatant or aggressive. She gave the example of one presidential candidate
who unexpectedly distributed copies of her colorful resume just prior to
the election. The concept of "even-handedness" in electioneering is
broadly applied. What to avoid? Handing out campaign buttons, displaying
campaign banners, singing campaign songs or chanting campaign slogans.
Solicited campaign statements on lists were frowned upon as well. Made
sense to me. What was left? Well, one could write articles for bulletins,
make speeches when invited to Chapter or Division meetings, jointly
participate in SLA sponsored Internet chat sessions, and attend SLA events
where we'd be introduced as candidates. I could do that. And I did, even
if it seemed a tad, well, dull.
When I returned home one evening, my neighbor, former U.S.
congressman Nick Galifianakis asked me if I had gathered my campaign staff
together since he was prepared to make some recommendations for election
strategies. I replied that I had not and probably would not do so. He
registered astonishment. What about campaign buttons and banners? Not an
option I said. No slogan either, he asked? That's right, I said. That's
too bad, he said, because I had a good one for you. Beginning to be
suspicious, I asked, "What is it?" Proudly he called out: "Don't
be
hesitant! Semonche for President." Times like these help me see
the advantages of
plain campaigns.
Where did you travel and who picked up the costs?
As a matter of course I traveled to Indianapolis and San Francisco
for SLA meetings where I made certain that I went to as many open houses,
receptions, and special events as possible. Donna did essentially the same
thing, but curiously our paths did not cross often. I also made brief
presentations for the Boston, Texas, and mid-town New York,
Princeton-Trenton, and South Carolina Chapters. I also traveled to
Monterey to attend the Internet Librarian conference.
Typically my School picked up my airfare and hotel expenses; meals were
often provided by the host Chapters. Still there were other additional
costs that I took care of.
This kind of travel is NOT required of SLA candidates and,
obviously, it does not guarantee a win, but it does help with the
"recognition" factor.
Well, what is required of candidates?
Your vita, which is published in the January issue of Information
Outlook; answers (no longer than a total of 450 words) to 3 questions to
accompany your vita; a current black and white photo. [Here is where
candidates get advice about having a "good" portrait made.] Candidates
must also have a five minute speech (exactly timed to be no more than
that) ready for presentation at 7:30 a.m. to the SLA Board and leaders
during the winter conference. That 5 minute speech probably took me longer
to write than my Master's thesis! Still, this was a surprisingly memorable
experience because I was genuinely impressed by ALL the candidate's
presentations.
The candidates demonstrated their individual wit and wisdom, and unique
styles and substance. You would have been proud to know that these members
could be your Association leaders.
Other requirements: You must also be a member of SLA. Although most
candidates do have a MLS degree, it is NOT required to be a candidate for
SLA office. Previous experience on the SLA Board is an advantage, but NOT
a requirement. Some past presidents have never served on the Board.
Multiple memberships in several Chapters and Divisions seems to be
typical, but again, NOT required. The same is true for serving on SLA
Committees. Such service is desirable since it is an accepted way to
become recognized in the Association. Whether or not a long list of
publications is advantageous remains to be seen.
What characteristics seem to provide candidates with special
advantages?
Hard to say definitively. Certainly coming from a large Chapter is
a definite plus as having served on the Board. But neither of these
factors offer guarantees of success. Perhaps the highest differential
between winning and losing comes from whether or not the candidate has
ever run for office before . . . and lost! With few exceptions, many of
our past SLA presidents have run for office at least twice, and one three
times. It's the recognition factor. Speculation about one other advantage
continues. That concerns where one's name falls on the ballot; having
one's name come first on the ballot appears to be advantageous. What other
characteristics are important?
- Excellent communication skills are crucial; that includes listening as
well as speaking.
- Fresh, original speeches are prized; recycled ones are readily spotted
and viewed negatively.
- Extraneous hand, body movements distract people from what you are
saying.
- Brevity and sincerity are valued.
- Personal warmth and genuine concern are much admired.
- Being at ease in front of a microphone is essential.
- Wit and good humor are highly thought of as is being an effective
story teller.
- Patience is more than a virtue, it is a command.
- Graceful demeanor is appreciated when people not only do not recognize
you, but can't remember what office you are campaigning for.
- Resistance to correcting people who mispronounce your name is
respected.
What particular observations can you make from your campaign?
- Smile often and easily, even when you don't particularly feel like it.
You are being observed.
- Speak clearly, quietly, thoughtfully and not all the time.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Wear stain-resistant, wrinkle-resistant , "pin-friendly" clothes.
Bright colors are fine.
- Wear clothes with two pockets; one for your business cards, one for
those you'll receive.
- Examine offered business cards thoughtfully; make notes on the back
carefully.
- Wear your name tag on your right shoulder.
- Stand up straight, sit up straight, look people straight in the eyes.
- Never be without a pen, paper or a camera (with film).
- A laptop computer may be more trouble than it is worth.
- Travel with SLA's directory.
- Avoid carrying too many things. Keep your hands free.
- Avoid panty hose unless absolutely necessary. Carry a spare pair.
- Do your homework on people, places, SLA units you'll be visiting.
Subscribe to discussion lists.
- Join other SLA Divisions and Chapters. Read their newsletters. Make
notes about people's interests and concerns.
- Keep a journal. Write summaries of your visit/tour and share them with
your Chapter and others. Be positive rather than critical in your
comments.
- Track carefully the issues members raise. Respond thoughtfully after
you've got the facts. Always follow up. Members will be surprised.
- Write thank you notes; email will do only as a last resort. Include
photos of your visit.
- Be cordial and respectful of the other candidates.
- Remember, the campaign is really not about you; it's about the
members.
- Appreciate the good times; overlook the rest.
Do you plan to run again?
I'm reminded of what Adlai Stevenson said in response to a
similar
question.
"If nominated I will not run; if elected, I will not
serve." To
which I boldly add: "But if anointed, I may reign!"
The simple answer is "no." The reason is that I believe that it's
time for the next generation to take charge of SLA's future. And I aim to
see that it is a North Carolina Chapter member who has an even better
chance than I did at winning an election.
Tell us something about SLA election turnouts.
You probably won't be surprised when I tell you that the turnout
for SLA elections rarely exceeds 25%. In this election 3,436 votes (or
about 23.6%) were cast. One hundred ballots (higher than usual) were
declared invalid. Donna garnered 200 votes more than I did. Apparently
small differences in results are typical. Although in one presidential
election, I'm told, that there was a 1,400 vote difference.
I can say with confidence that Donna will make an energetic,
dedicated president for SLA. I've known her for a long time; she is a
veteran member of the News Division as well as her own Washington, DC
Chapter. She has my enthusiastic support now and as she prepares to lead
the Association into the 21st Century. I'm also confident that she will
receive similar support from this Chapter. The other newly elected Board
members are Doris Helfer, Dottie Moon, Juanita Richardson, and Lynn
Tinsley. They are champions deserving of our best efforts to support
them.
What about the future?
I'm reminded of how Yogi Berra responded when asked a
similar
question.
"Prediction is very hard, especially when it's about the
future."
I couldn't agree more, however it doesn't stop me from
speculating about it. [BTW, Mr. Berra's granddaughter is a student in our
Journalism School. She reports that her grandfather really talks that way.
She adds further that he has been a great influence on her and her
interests in sports.]
As for my future, I'll continue with my special assignments for
SLA, the News Division and my beloved North Carolina Chapter. There will
also be an exciting, new, state-of-the-art journalism and mass comm
library in my future. The move is set for July 13; the grand opening will
be in April 2000. Remember, you'll all be invited.
As for our Chapter, well it will have a future president of SLA.
Don't know who or when, but it will happen because we are motivated to
make this prediction come true.
Next, we will all answer the call to leadership, in our Chapter
and in our Association. More of our members will be serving on SLA
committees and, indeed, on the SLA Board. Furthermore, there are over a
dozen major SLA Awards and Honors as well as an impressive number of SLA
Scholarships and Fellowships, many with cash supplementing the
certificates and plaques. While our Chapter members have been honored
occasionally in the past, I believe that we have many more members are
long overdue for high honors. NC/SLA needs to actively encourage and
promote members' achievements and then set out to see to it that
nominations are made to the SLA Awards and Honors Committee in a proper
and timely manner. We need cheerleaders and champions. The benefits to the
Chapter in terms of membership recruitment and retention are obvious.
Further, our Chapter will become prime movers in continuing
education programs for the newcomers and the veterans. We'll become
partners with educators in many fields, for we recognize that MLS degrees
are not the only passports we'll need to the future.
Finally, our Chapter will inspire the next generation of special
librarians, database architects, systems analysts and digital wizards.
We'll recognize common values and encourage new skills from a vast array
of yet-to-be-known information professionals and knowledge managers. To do
this our Chapter will learn how to cope with chaos, champion talent,
mentor newcomers, create opportunities, and cheer our colleagues.
And why will our Chapter do all this? Because it can, because it
must, not only survive, but to thrive. Our future depends on focusing our
perspective so that our vision goes beyond and above the valley. To
accomplish this goal we need to enhance the three senses:
- A sense of direction: where are we going and how we're
going to get there
- A sense of balance: discover not only how to do things
right, but how to do the right things
- A sense of humor: how to take our work, but not
ourselves too seriously.
Thank you all for listening to me tonight. This has been a
memorable experience for me.
|