Welcome to the new MLA Informationist SIG.

The mission of the Informationist SIG is:

• To provide a forum for informationists to share knowledge and experience,
• To facilitate professional development of informationists,
• To provide opportunities for programs which aim to improve the quality and effectiveness of informationist services in all library settings

The Informationist SIG will have two co-conveners who will serve two-year terms of office and have the following general responsibilities.

• Organize face-to-face or virtual meetings for current and potential SIG members.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with MLA sections and other SIGs.
• Coordinate a meeting during MLA Annual Meetings Maintain a directory of SIG membership with contact information and professional interests.
• Maintain an electronic mailing list for communication and distribution of publications and announcements of interest to the SIG membership.
• Maintain an MLA supported Informationist SIG website and listserv.

Please grab your morning 'cup of joe' and join us at MLA 2012. The Informationist SIG will meet on Sunday, May 20th, 7:00am - 9:00am, Washington State Convention Center, Room 204.

This is a great opportunity to meet and share information and experiences.

Some ideas for discussion include:

• Fee for Service. Is this a viable option in today’s economy?
• Evaluation of informationist services. How can we measure success?
• Role of the informationist in EBM research. Can the informationist be recognized as an integral part of a systematic review team?
• "A Day in the Life" A series of vignettes illustrating the variety of opportunities for informationists.

These are just a few thoughts to get the creative juices flowing. Please add your experiences, suggestions, and current research to the listserv and come to the Informationist SIG meeting at MLA 2012 for a lively discussion

To join the Informationist SIG Listserv, go to http://informationist.mlanet.org/mailman/listinfo/informationist_sig_informationist.mlanet.org and follow the instructions. You can either create your own password or the system will assign you one. If you forget your password, go back to the listserv subscription site. At the bottom of the page enter your e-mail address and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options". On the next page, click on the "Remind" button.

Use the Listserv as a venue to post information resources, conferences, educational opportunities, research, and career opportunities relevant to the informationist community, as well as a springboard for discussion.

Co-Conveners: