Join LMD

LMD delivers value to members by focusing on the overall professional challenges not directly connected to subject matter.  LMD is the forum where SLA members discuss career options, career planning, workplace dynamics, and communication strategies. LMD is where you find out how to advance your ideas by constructing a business case, how networking actually works, how to deal with sticky work situations and much more.

Your subject division is where you go for specifics about resources, research, vendors, technology and the like. LMD is where you go to ask questions such as “what would be my best career investment in terms of continuing education?” or  “how can I describe my skills in such a way as to appeal to employers in all sectors?” or “how do I get around perceptions related to my age?”

LMD’s website discussions, webinars, and conference sessions are all about helping you to be the best you can be in your career – now and throughout your career!

Why LMD?

The Leadership and Management Division draws its members from across the many arenas in which SLA members work. Members represent a wide range of experience, from seasoned senior managers to new information professionals interested in leadership and management concepts. LMD offers its members specialized programming and continuing education opportunities and an assortment of professional resources. LMD is the place to be for …

• guidance and development in the “soft” competencies needed to succeed in the workplace ~ navigating organizational culture, dealing with people
• creative innovation and leadership savvy ~ managing projects, planning, crafting business plans

LMD brings you endless networking & information sharing opportunities with like-minded information professionals!

• The Leadership and Management Division is the source of career advice, guidance, and support for every member of SLA.
• No, there is no requirement to be a supervisor!
• We are all leaders in unique ways. Let LMD show you how!

What does LMD offer?

High quality and sought-after programs at the annual conference

Professional Development Webinar Series

Active Involvement in LMD

But the greatest value is participation in the LMD community – dedicated professionals ready to offer their insights and experience. With you – yes, you!

Sign up now at Join SLA

Questions? The Membership Committee is happy to talk to you.

Susan Forbes and Valerie Ryder, Membership Co-Chairs

Each year many members choose to give their time and expertise to lead the Association in varying capacities. Some positions are elected and some are appointed. Some are at the international Association level – Board of Directors and Committees. Some are within the various units of the association – either within Chapters, Divisions, or Caucuses.

Investing in volunteer efforts can provide an alternate track for management or professional training which might not be available through your employer. Getting involved in SLA leadership and in the Leadership & Management Division will provide professional and peer relationships that can broaden your technical and interpersonal skills, challenge you and enrich your life.

Develop Skills/Stretch Abilities – SLA offers the opportunity, in a non-threatening environment, to build on existing skills, stretch abilities, and learn skills which will translate to the job.

Contribute to Your Profession – Share your knowledge and ideas with your peers.

Career Builder – The skills learned through SLA work translates to skills which you may need to excel in your career. You learn skills of delegation, motivation, mentoring, budget development and management, desk-top publishing, web-publishing, chairing an effective meeting, fund-raising, and how to recruit and reward others – just to name a few.

Networking – Discover new resources and new colleagues who share your interests.

Interested?  Contact your LMD Chair or Chair-Elect.

For a list of positions see our current leadership page