South Carolina Library Association (SCLA) Special Library Section Officers Meeting via Chat—April 4, 2008, 7:30–9 pm

Lisa Gieskes, Chair; Amanda Fleming, Vice-Chair; and Asima Mahdi; Secretary were all present for the first meeting of this section.

I. Spring Workshops
The Chair proposed that the Special Library section should conduct workshops on teaching and promoting Second Life (SL) to librarians since the recent University of South Carolina (USC) College of Mass Communications and Information Studies (CMCIS) Alumni Society’s Second Life networking event for ICOMM 2008 was so successful. There are initial plans for introductory workshops and advanced workshops. The workshops can be either completely virtual or conducted in person. There will be a charge for these workshops, $20 for general participants and $10 for student participants. (Donated lunch will be included for in person sessions)

As of February 29, 2008, the section has $45 in funds. The workshops will serve as a way to increase the visibility of the Special Library section and to generate revenue.

Depending on when and where suitable sites for the workshops can be found, tentative scheduling is set for May/June, around the time school lets out. Each of the officers has agreed to contact individuals at USC-School of Library and Information Science (SLIS), USC, schools, and special libraries who may be able to assist in securing meeting space as well as to gauge interest level and knowledge of Second Life. There is also a possibility of presenting a SL workshop geared towards parents since there is a TEEN SL.

II. SCLA Annual Conference
The Special Library Section is working on a program to present at the SCLA annual conference in October. Program proposals are due on Friday, April 11, 2008. The Chair suggested that the Vice Chair speak about her work as a government librarian. The Chair mentioned that Stacia Clifton, a librarian with the Peace Corps, SLIS graduate, and ICOMM 2008 SL panelist, is working with virtual libraries and might be interested in coming back to SC to participate on a panel. The Vice Chair will contact medical, legal, and federal librarians who might be able to speak on their areas of specialization and how virtual libraries play a part in their work as well as pros and cons. The Chair will propose a program on special libraries doing special outreach. She has already spoken to the Director of Talking Book Services and librarians at the Medical University of SC (current projects include Hands on Health and environmental health outreach). The Vice-Chair will check about the availability of equipment and look over the SCLA Handbook regarding the necessary forms and guidelines.

III. Chair Report
The Chair went to the SCLA Leadership meeting in January, made contact with the SC Special Library Association, and attended the SCLA Officers meeting in March to inform the leadership of the appointment of the Special Library Section Vice-Chair. She also offered to co-sponsor a gaming workshop with the SCLA Youth Services Section. She also discussed hosting a panel for the SCLA 2008 annual conference.

IV. Vice-Chair Report
The Vice Chair will try to establish a panel for government librarians at the SCLA 2008 annual conference in October. She will also come up with a title for the legal portion of the programming.

V. New Business 

 There was no new business to discuss. Meeting adjourned.