by Nisa Bakkalbasi

As the end of 2012 is approaching, this is my last message to you as your Chair.  It has been an honor to serve you and a joy working with you. I am tremendously proud of our division and its vital contributions to all aspects of librarianship in the fields of physics, astronomy and mathematics, and to overall mission of the Special Libraries Association (SLA).

Libraries are constantly adapting to a changing world. The Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics (PAM) division is no exception. Another sign of change is the SLA HQ’s strategic direction in emphasizing unit collaboration in conference planning and recommendations concerning unit incentives for member recruitment. As the Chair of the Division, I can take comfort in the knowledge that members of PAM play an active role within our division and with other divisions by volunteer service.  We are well prepared for the changes ahead of us.

Since I first became a member of PAM in 2002, it has been wonderful to observe longstanding members of the PAM help new members recognize the value of becoming active members within the Division.  I am delighted to observe the growth of our new, freshly minted librarian members, as they take on more responsibilities within the Division as Committee Chairs, Web Masters, and Bulletin Editors in a short time.  I would therefore like to encourage as many longstanding members of the Division as possible to continue to recruit new members, and also help new members remain a member of the Division and take on progressively challenging roles.

Using our long-established strong ties with other divisions, we will ease into more unit collaboration that SLA HQ has been emphasizing. As the Chair-Elect, Stella Ota, communicated at the Business Meeting in July, the SLA HQ now allows 5 lead sessions per division.  Therefore, requiring more collaboration and co-sponsored sessions with broader topics. The division will be in very capable hands as we respond to the new challenges facing conference scheduling in 2013 and 2014.

In this newsletter, I am very pleased to report that our financial situation remains sound.  We have received conference program invoices, reviewed actual expenses for this year, and compared to projected budget. The Treasurer’s report in this issue includes the details about the budget. I want to take this opportunity to thank once again to the Executive Board for their prudent advice, Past-Chair Ruth Kneale for sharing her experiences from the 2011 conference planning, thoughtful and tactful work of Fund Raising Committee Chair, Uta Hussong Christian, remarkable creativity and cooperation of Session Moderators, and tireless efforts of resourceful Committee Chairs and Members. As a result of this common effort, we’ve done it without dipping into our reserve fund in a year with so many challenges! We are ending the year financially strong.

As I prepare this message, the polls will open to elect a new Chair-Elect and a Secretary.  In less than two months, I will pass the baton to a new Chair, who will lead our division through new challenges.

As this year coming to a close, thank you for this opportunity to serve the Division and give back to members, who have been my professional family in the past ten years.

All my best,

Nisa