Rebecca Vargha inaugurated as SLA president

School of Information and Library Science (SILS) Librarian Rebecca Vargha was recently inaugurated as the Special Libraries Association (SLA) president during the annual conference in June. She is the first person from the state of North Carolina to be chosen for this leadership position.

“Becoming president of SLA is the beginning of a journey for me, one that began early in my career,” Vargha said about her new position. “I am truly honored and humbled to lead the organization for the next 18 months.”

During her inaugural speech, Vargha highlighted three key areas that she will focus on during her term:

• Increasing membership growth and retention.
• Planning SLA 's 100th anniversary celebration in 2009.  
• Reaching a net growth of 1,000 members by the 100th anniversary.

She plans to achieve these goals through a Membership Working Group, strategic conference exhibits and expanding the successful Member-Get-a-Member campaign.

In her address, Vargha acknowledged the dynamic evolution of North Carolina from an economy based on tobacco, timber and textile industries to one embracing a “range of information-based technologies and services.” “My vision for this association is to focus our talent and energies on creating a strong, vibrant force for learning, teaching, and innovation throughout the world,” she said.

Vargha concluded her inaugural address by emphasizing the importance of collaboration: “Our opportunities are endless, our journey is long, but, working together, we can accomplish great things. The important first step is to begin together.”

Photo courtesy of the Photo Group 2006.