Support : Publications : Chronolog Archives : Nov/Dec 2002

InfoStars: A Year in Review

With the launch of the Quantum2 program in 2001, we also announced the selection of Dialog InfoStars from the information professional community. These individuals are inspiring examples of creativity and innovation, whose stories provide insight into their professional achievements and leadership qualities.

Here are two of the information professionals selected in the United States and Europe as role models.

Elena Gutierrez is a Technical Information Specialist for Almirall-Prodesfarma in Spain. "...My company is in the business of providing innovative pharmaceutical specialties that contribute to improving the health and quality of life of people all over the world."

Marilyn Bromley, Library Director at The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. (BNA), is dedicated to ensuring that the Library is appreciated as a valuable part of BNA. Marilyn says, "In completing our ROI analysis, we ... successfully demonstrated our contribution to BNA's bottom-line, and we ... received ...[the] endorsement of our services and work."

Here is a review of those information professionals we have selected in 2001-2002 as role models.

Duncan McKenzie, manager of the Information Center at Quaker Oats, outsources most of the online research to a company of independent info pros. "Instead of having to spend time hiring, training and supervising a staff of researchers. This frees me to focus on the value-adds that only the Information Center staff can provide to Quaker staff," he said. "I operate the Information Center as if I have a storefront business....to coordinate evaluation, purchase and support for desktop information.

Betsy Hoza, Information Specialist, and Laura DeGraff , Director of Information for DDB Worldwide attribute their success within DDB to their willingness to get out and meet their users. "Part of the joy is interaction with our patrons," Betsy commented. Laura's biggest challenge is creating awareness of the Information Center among a constantly changing staff. "We're always working to maintain our position in the front of our patrons' minds, to make sure they think of us when they need information."

Carol Gates, manager of the Business Information Center at William Blair & Co. LLC, and her staff of 11 take pride in providing good service, in meeting deadlines, and in going the extra mile. "We're in an environment that is very information-intensive," she said. "People work under such tight deadlines that they can't do all of their own research at their desktop." The BIC provides research and current awareness services and teaches people how to use the web as a business research tool.

Margareta Nelke is Manager of Technology Intelligence for Tetra Pak. She is committed to making sure that Technology Intelligence plays a very real part in managing information and making it accessible and useful to all Tetra Pak staff. Margareta's advice. "... There are always opportunities when things are changing, whether it involves technological or market changes."

At Dofasco Inc., one of Canada's leading steel producers, Linda Pauloski, Manager, Library Resource Centre (LRC), emphasizes that the success of the LRC depends on the "energy and enthusiasm of the whole LRC team." Linda and her staff seek to reduce uncertainty around decision making and help their customers make decisions more quickly. The LRC staff play a networking role to encourage communication and reuse of knowledge to reduce duplication.

Chris Brune, VP Knowledge Manager, Bates Worldwide, believes, "Knowledge management will be the glue that makes this network into a true network. Who can say what ideas, insights, connections or inspirations will emerge when the right person is exposed to the right information, whether it comes from a written document or a conversation with a colleague? But we know they do emerge because we have seen it with our own eyes."

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