Vol. 28 No. 3 Nov/Dec 2000

Meet the Advisory Council - SLA- Sci-Tech Division Public Relations Chair

Name: Hema Ramachandran

SLA Title: Chair, SLA Sci-Tech Division Public Relations Chair

Education: BA in Librarianship from the University of North London (England) and MLS from Florida State University

Institution:….See above!

Job title:…..Technical Reference Librarian (official title!) at California Inst. Of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena. Responsible for Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mathematics.

Years in librarianship:…. More years than I care to remember!

Why I became a librarian:…….Wanted to work with scientists/engineers etc. and be part of the research environment - but did not have an aptitude to pursue a career in science itself....And I have managed to do that all my career, having worked in a construction company, a NASA agency and academic campuses in science/engineering areas.

If I weren't a librarian, I'd be: Not sure - rarely crosses my mind - especially since the field has changed and evolved over the years and I feel rejuvenated constantly! However, the travel industry is something that interests me.

Why I got involved in SLA/or benefit of being active in SLA: ..I become actively involved when I worked at the Transportation Library, Northwestern University (involved heavily with the Transportation Division, of course!). My focus has since shifted but I find that the benefits are numerous: sharing of ideas, problems and challenges; professional friendships that are useful in the working environment; and a sense of belonging to a wider community.

My role model is (doesn't have to be a librarian!): Billie Connor Dominguez (my mentor and a very good friend). I admire her energy, enthusiasm and especially for giving time to fledgling members of the profession.

For me, a perfect weekend would include:…No housework! Meeting friends, going to a movie/dinner etc with my husband and friends.

Favorite movie:…Changes all the time. Right now it is Notting Hill - I like romantic/comedies and since I grew up outside London it adds to the enjoyment!

People would be surprised to know that I... Can't think of a thing!