Programs and Events 2009
Special Libraries Association President Gloria Zamora Engages Colleagues
The Public Affairs Section, Abu Dhabi, hosted Special Libraries Association (SLA) President Gloria Zamora on April 12, 2009 for a presentation on “Professional Organizations and Their Influence on the Profession.” Approximately forty people including students, faculty and information professionals from universities, libraries, and other institutions attended the presentation. Gloria is the Manager of Government Relations at the Department of Energy’s Sandia Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her talk focused on the importance of professional associations offering their members unique professional development opportunities. “Eighty percent of being an association is looking forward,” according to Ms. Zamora.
In addition to the presentation, Gloria visited The Center for Documentation & Research in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Abdullah El Reyes, Director General of the Center, hosted Ms. Zamora’s visit to the Center and the tour of the Center’s library.
This program has a unique multiplier effect, given that faculty and information professionals attended. The focus on professional organizations demonstrates how professionals in the US can advocate change through these organizations while improving their professional skills and knowledge base.