Volunteer Spotlight

The Volunteer Spotlight recognizes volunteers who have diligently served the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP). The volunteers included in the Spotlight were selected by AIIP Directors for their generous giving of time and talent along with their energy and excitement about AIIP.

Risa Sacks

Recognition Date: 2012-11

Risa conducted a wide range of interviews (a specialty of hers!), did research, and wrote an extremely helpful and timely report on issues related to where we locate our annual conference. Her work has translated directly into site selection policy being recommended to the Board. - Jocelyn Sheppard, AIIP President-Elect

Risa says:

For 20 years I have known AIIP-ers as one of the most talented, competent and generous groups of people I’ve ever encountered. It’s been a privilege to give back in small part for all AIIP’s contributions to me personally and to the field of independent information professionals.

Risa Sacks Information Services specializes in custom tailored phone inquiries and in-depth interviews in addition to manual and online research. The company has extensive experience in locating and interviewing experts in all fields and searching out hard-to-find details. Risa has been providing unique and targeted information to businesses, government agencies, and research organizations for over 20 years, and she frequently acts as subcontractor to other information professionals, covering phone and primary aspects of research.

Barbara Quint, in introducing a series of Risa’s articles in Searcher magazine, describes her as “information researcher extraordinaire...”

Mary Ellen Bates, in her book, Building and Running a Successful Research Business, calls Risa “a top-notch telephone researcher.”

Competia International nominated her for the Most Insightful Book for Super Searchers Go to the Source: The Interviewing and Hands-On Information Strategies of Top Primary Researchers – Online, on the Phone and In Person.

In 2008, AIIP honored Risa with the Sue Rugge Memorial Award for mentoring and helping other information professionals.

For more information, visit Risa at www.RisaSacks.com or connect on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/risasacks.
Richard Torian

Recognition Date: 2012-09
The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Richard Torian for his volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Awards Committee

Richard has taken over the reins of the Awards Committee and has thoroughly and ably managed all aspects of the awards process. This includes two major award cycles: the Technology Award in October, and the several annual awards given at the Annual Conference. His work is very professional and, as a Director, I knew I did not have to worry about the work being done when he was in charge. - Vada Repta, Secretary

Richard says:

I am honored and pleased to be selected to be spotlighted as an AIIP volunteer. By volunteering for AIIP, I have had a chance to meet and work with many wonderful AIIP members, to increase my skills, and to better feel that I am part of an outstanding organization.
Business Research Services provides specialized business research and analysis services based on accounting, business, and information research and analysis skills.

Learn more about Richard Torian and connect with him online:
- Richard on LinkedIn
- Graphs for Decision Making blog
- Ideas for a Small Company blog
Lorette Weldon

Recognition Date: 2012-09

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Lorette Weldon for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Website Administration Committee

Lorette has been a reliable team member who has always stepped up to perform tasks in a quick and responsive manner. As a long-time volunteer, Lorette has managed content of high value to all AIIP members, such as AIIP’s webinar archives. Lorette’s motto has been, “I’m here for you” – all while completing her doctorate. Her can-do attitude and sense of humor have been greatly appreciated! - Connie Clem, Chair, Website Administration Committee

Lorette says:

It has been a very special position that AIIP has allowed me to be a part of. The enjoyment of working with Connie Clem has helped to give me a better perspective of being a webmaster. This experience has helped me grow as an independent information professional. Through this volunteer project, I have also met and worked with all of the members of AIIP via posting their accomplishments and announcements on the AIIP website. As my motto clearly says, "I am here for you!" Thank you for this tremendous honor.

Lorette Weldon, Ed.D., is an independent researcher, author, and teacher in the areas of developmental reading and concepts/applications of information technology. She is the author of a 2012 book on librarians and their computer savvy, in which she shows that the work-ready graduate may not know how to code but can troubleshoot and problem-solve technological errors. She also covers what SharePoint® 2010 can and cannot do. Library students may find the book helpful in choosing which sector to work in, such as education, associations, health sciences, law, or the federal government.

Find Lorette online at her SharePoint Reading Bee website or see her new and recent books at Amazon.com.
Cindy Shamel

Recognition Date: 2012-03

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Cindy Shamel for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Webinar Committee Chair; Inquirers Committee Chair

Webinars seem to run flawlessly. Cindy always manages the conversation well, gives credit to her team and posts the recorded file promptly. I think members agree with me that the webinars are a valuable component of membership. - Jan Sykes

Cindy Shamel says:

I am honored and thrilled to receive this recognition from my colleagues in AIIP. Volunteering for AIIP has provided countless opportunities to learn and grow as an information professional and a successful business owner. As AIIP Webinar Committee Chair I have had the opportunity to work with some of AIIP’s best, and I have enjoyed delivering a very valuable benefit to all of AIIP’s members.

Overwhelmed by torrents of information coming your way, or concerned that you’re missing something in the information stream? Shamel Information Services (http://shamelinfo.com) manages the flow, delivering value added business research and analysis as needed. We perform information audits and gap analysis of organizations’ information assets and also consult on copyright compliance best practices.

Connect with Cindy on LinkedIn.
Jan Knight

Recognition Date: 2012-03

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Jan Knight for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Industry Relations Committee

Jan Knight’s monthly vendor highlight is a great service to the President, to our members, and to our vendors, in increasing awareness of the many benefits AIIP offers through our vendor relationships. Jan can be counted upon to deliver what she commits to - and well! - Linda Rink

Jan says:

It’s been a pleasure to relieve Linda Rink of some of her committee responsibilities and I hope to continue doing so in the future. The vendor discounts and relationships we have with so many of these great companies are a huge benefit to all AIIP members and they make us all more successful as IP’s, and I like dealing with them.

In the past 11 years of being an AIIP member, I have worked on numerous committees ranging from the “old” PDF Member Directory, Awards Committees, Website Usability, Mentoring, and others I can’t even recall! Volunteering for AIIP not only allows me to “give” to the association but enables me to learn more about the benefits of membership as well as puts me in a great position to get to know new people, learn to work with them and become friends.

Jan is an independent market research consultant and President of Bancroft Information Services (http://www.bancroftinfo.com). She provides customized business intelligence and secondary market research to companies needing to make informed decisions. Her work helps to shape business plans, marketing strategies, and new business development for a diverse set of clients including start-ups, technology companies, marketing strategists, and small and medium sized businesses in all industries.

Jan collaborates with other consulting firms to offer assistance in developing SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) government grants as well as with a separate group of consultants who write Investor Grade Business Plans for technology companies. Her work in these relationships focuses primarily on commercialization strategies and market and competitive analyses.

She is a partner and/or mentor and a frequent participant or presenter at business incubators and entrepreneurial events within the state of Arizona and most recently has become a product reviewer for FreePint and a VIP Live Wire contributing editor.

Jan holds an M.A. in Information Resources & Library Science from the University of Arizona, and a B.A. in Renaissance/Humanities Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. Originally from England, Jan has worked in both the advertising/marketing and publishing industries before starting her own business in 2001.
Ulla de Stricker

Recognition Date: 2012-03

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Ulla de Stricker for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Conference Committee

Ulla has graciously served as the Conference Committee co-chair for two consecutive years, and each year she has developed a top-notch experience for the AIIP membership. She has served with grace and professionalism. Her enthusiasm and generous nature make her a natural leader. Her professionalism is the icing on the cake!

- Marge King, AIIP Immediate Past President

Ulla says:

I believe in giving back to the profession and especially to an association that gives me so much value: It is my pleasure to serve AIIP in any role whatsoever!

Established in 1992, de Stricker Associates serves clients in a wide range of projects related to information and knowledge management, corporate memory, research support, and library services. In particular, the company has established a strong track record in strategic planning for support of knowledge workers. As a result of her extensive experience and expertise and dynamic communication style, Ulla de Stricker is a sought-after coach, speaker, and author.

Visit www.destricker.com to see Ulla's blog, company description, seminars, and articles, and connect with Ulla on LinkedIn.
Missy Corley

Recognition Date: 2011-12

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Melissa "Missy" Corley for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

AIIP Conference Planning

Missy Corley was an integral member of the 2009-2010 conference planning teams. Her creative and project management skills ensured that we communicated a consistent, clear, and engaging message for all of our target audiences. Missy always executed with flair and enthusiasm and it was a great pleasure working with her! - Jocelyn Sheppard, Chair

Melissa Corley says:

I learned a lot about AIIP by getting involved and really enjoyed working with my fellow committee members on both conferences.

Bayside Research Services, LLC, in Easton, Maryland, is a provider of genealogical and historical research services along with archival scrapbooking materials and services. Specialties include Eastern Shore history and genealogy (Talbot County, Dorchester County, Caroline County, and Queen Anne’s County), house histories, and document retrieval from repositories including the Maryland State Archives, the National Archives and Records Administration, and the Library of Congress.

For more information about Missy Corley, owner and personal archivist, visit her website or her LinkedIn profile.
Missy can be reached at missy@baysideresearchservices.com.
Donna Cohen

Recognition Date: 2011-12

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Donna Cohen for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association. Website Update Committee Donna has been instrumental in the process of updating AIIP’s website. In 2010, she steered the committee that evaluated aiip.org. She’s skillfully led the Website Update Committee through the RFP process to solicit a vendor who will improve navigation, organize content, and define audience segments. - Debbie Wynot, Director, Marketing and Web Donna Cohen says: Thank you for this recognition. Throughout the process of both website committees I appreciated the trust that the Board liaisons had in me, and the support they offered. I also was lucky to have many strong team members who collaborated so well to accomplish so much. Since 1995, D. L. Cohen Information Services has conducted information needs assessments, provided website usability testing and heuristic evaluation, designed website information architecture, created website content inventories and designed virtual and physical libraries. D. L. Cohen Information Services has worked with private businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Donna Cohen is now focused on three marketing paths: Helping clients “vision” a new website, define the content it should contain, and create a hierarchical content inventory which reflects the structure of the future site. Usability testing of new websites. Heuristic evaluation of existing websites. In the 1970s, Donna worked in social service agencies. From New England she next came to Oregon, received her M.Ed., and taught industrial arts for 12 years. After returning from the Peace Corps in 1994, where she taught design and technology at a college of education in Botswana, she went to library school at the University of British Columbia. In 1995, she returned to Oregon where she worked as a part-time community college librarian while she built her business, which went full time in 1998. She does still occasionally provide on-call reference services for a public library – to stay in touch with the “library world.”
Judith Binder

Recognition Date: 2011-12

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Judith Binder for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

AIIP Webinar Committee

Judith serves as an ideal partner in AIIP volunteering. She takes initiative and seeks opportunities to grow in her role and participation. I can count on her timely and insightful participation in all decisions and discussions. Judith enthusiastically tackles new challenges and keeps smiling despite the vagaries of webinar technology. - Cindy Shamel, Chair

Judith Binder says:

Being an AIIP volunteer is an important part of my business. It is an opportunity to stay current with technologies and trends in my profession, build my brand and increase my firm’s name recognition, be an active member of my professional community - a positive in any evaluation, lead directly or indirectly to business opportunities, and develop meaningful relationships with other association members.

Judith Binder is Vice President of RBSC Corporation's Research Group. RBSC provides business, market, and competitive intelligence services to major corporations, middle market and smaller organizations, including professional service firms.

RBSC delivers Right Answers. Right Time.®
Lorene Kennard

Recognition Date: 2011-09

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Lorene Kennard for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

AIIP Get-Together, SLA 2011; 2009 and 2010 Conference Program committee chair

I’d like to recognize Lorene’s willingness to engage with SLA 2011 conference attendees interested in AIIP, and to let attendees know about the AIIP get-together at the SLA conference. Her efforts helped ensure that AIIP not only had a successful networking event, but also allowed interested attendees the chance to interact with enthusiastic AIIP members. Her work earned AIIP new members! - Scott Brown, AIIP President-Elect

Lorene says:

When I exhibit at the Special Libraries Association annual conference, potential clients are always interested in the structure of my business. When they find out that I am a one-person business, they are curious about how it works, as many of them have considered starting their own businesses. I always mention AIIP during these conversations. This year, since AIIP had a get-together in Philadelphia, I was able to suggest they attend the get-together to meet more AIIPers and find out more about the organization. Apparently, a lot of them took me up on it!

Lorene's company, Walnut Avenue Research, is an independently owned research and consulting business.

We provide custom projects tailored to meet your specific information needs.

We help organizations make better decisions.

We work with entrepreneurs and new business owners in the start-up phase to determine market opportunities and direction and what types of products their new companies will offer.

We work with established businesses to find and analyze information on competitors and potential clients and to determine appropriate marketing plans.

We work with companies and non-profits to analyze where they are being mentioned in the media and how to increase the number and quality of media mentions.

We also monitor where prospective clients and competitors are being mentioned in the media.

We work with organizations looking for a vendor to provide or implement a service by identifying appropriate vendors and providing a thorough review of each of their products and services.

Walnut Avenue Research is your intersection of questions and answers.

Follow Lorene on Twitter at @walnutresearch, check out Walnut Avenue Research on Facebook, or connect with Lorene onLinkedIn.
Jan Davis

Recognition Date: 2011-09

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Jan Davis for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Chair, Conference Program, 2011 and 2012; Member, Long Range Planning Committee

Jan is incredibly insightful and forward-thinking in everything she does, and she generously brings these same traits to her volunteer roles. Jan's business acumen is exceptional, and her contributions to the Long Range Planning Committee were equally exceptional.

- Marge King, Past President

Jan says:

As an AIIP member since 1997, I’ve witnessed the organization grow and evolve through a cast of dedicated volunteers, and without these volunteers AIIP wouldn’t be the dynamic association that it is today. Volunteering with AIIP has been a meaningful way to “give back” and get to know some of my fellow members better.

Founded in 1997, JT Research provides company, industry, and merger and acquisition research and reports to business appraisers, financial analysts, and forensic economists.

Get connected with Jan on LinkedIn and on Twitter at @jtresearch
Heather Carine

Recognition Date: 2011-09

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Heather Carine for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Chair of AIIP Connections Committee & Editor, AIIP Connections

Heather selflessly threw herself into leading and organizing AIIP’s Connections quarterly. She kept everyone on schedule, and boosted the quality of Connections up a notch with good writing, editing, and layout. She even recruited one of her top editors to replace her, Joann Wleklinski. Oh, and she coordinated all these activities from Adelaide, Australia! - Ellen Naylor, Director, Member Benefits

Heather says:

It was an honour to serve as the Editor of AIIP Connections. I took on the role, as it was one way that I could volunteer for AIIP from Australia. Serving as Editor also helped me to develop connections with colleagues around the world.

The role was made a lot easier due to the wonderful AIIP Connections team of Eiko Shaul, Karen Klein, Joann Wleklinski, Robbie Marks, Andrew Youngkin, Barbara Pilvin, Vikki Bell, Melanie Noviss, Amelia Kassel, Andrea Carrero, Darlene Swanson, Ellen Naylor, and former AIIP Presidents Marcy Phelps and Marge King.

Carine Research is a business research service specialising in providing tailored research for Australian and international businesses and delivering research workshops.

Established in 2006, Carine Research is led by Heather Carine, an accomplished business researcher with over fifteen years’ research experience as a researcher through roles as a corporate librarian, knowledge manager and marketing adviser at Australian law firm, Hunt & Hunt and Goldman Sachs in London.

Read Business Research Tips, Heather's monthly newsletter, orconnect with her on LinkedIn.
Jane Langeman

Recognition Date: 2011-06

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Jane Langeman for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

AIIP-L Replacement Committee

Jane lent AIIP her technical expertise, patience, and thoroughness to get our Lyris software upgrade for AIIP-L. Responsibilities included negotiating contracts, testing software, and coordinating all aspects of installation to minimize disruption. This has been a key accomplishment especially since AIIP-L is a key member benefit quoted by many as worth the price of AIIP’s annual dues alone. - Ellen Naylor, Director, Member Benefits

Jane says:

I love the diverse and talkative nature of AIIPers. When I saw the conversation hiccups caused by the age of our discussion list software, I knew this was a place I could help. Joining Ellen Naylor and Mary-Doug Wright with the efforts they had started was easy and, dare I say it, even fun.

Langeman Consulting (http://www.langemanconsulting.com) provides project and information management consulting for those with a fear and loathing of working with technology and technologists.

Connect with Jane on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/jlangeman.
Connie Clem

Recognition Date: 2011-06

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Connie Clem for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Website Administration Committee

Connie tackles the endless job of updating each section of AIIP’s website with great vigor, promptness, and intuition. She is extraordinarily proactive with committee changes, conference information, announcements, and much more. Connie uses her social media expertise to prompt, compose, and participate in sending kudos to AIIP and its members. - Debbie Wynot, Director, Marketing/Web.

Connie says:

Volunteering to work on AIIP’s website has helped me get the most out of my AIIP experience. I’ve worked with brilliant and committed current and former board members, committee chairs, and volunteers who have become not just colleagues but friends. I’ve learned from them, learned the business of a nonprofit organization from the inside out, and expanded my portfolio of web applications.

Clem Information Strategies (http://www.cleminfostrategies.com) creates change through information—whatever it takes: source and original research, writing/editing, or online communications including social media. Connie’s clients are most often connected with the government and non-profit spaces, where her background in public policy, public safety, the justice system, and related social services help her frame the communications challenge, collect and analyze meaningful information, and share a message that works.

Connie "tweets" at @ConnieInfo. Connect with her at http://www.linkedin.com/in/connieclem.
Michele Bate

Recognition Date: 2011-06

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Michele Bate for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Mentoring Committee

Michele brought much needed structure and process to the mentoring committee. Now people can easily read about mentor/mentee responsibilities online, and a detailed form helps to facilitate the matching process. In addition, there are now checks and balances to ensure the mentor/mentee relationship stays on track throughout the year. - Ellen Naylor, Director, Member Benefits.

Michele says:

It has been a pleasure to serve on the Mentoring Committee. It is extremely rewarding to match mentors with mentees as it is such a popular member benefit and both parties derive value from the relationship. I have had the privilege of working with some excellent people (Sharon Nottingham and more recently, Shelly Azar) and have found volunteering to be an excellent way to get to know fellow AIIP members.

Archer Van den Broeck helps its clients to know who they are dealing with, whether they are investing in another company, making a senior hire, or involved in litigation or other form of dispute. We are based in the United Kingdom and specialize in due diligence, litigation support, fraud investigation, asset tracing, and other investigative research. Director Michele Bate has over 20 years’ research experience and was the research director for a major investigations firm before setting up her own business.

Connect with Michele on LinkedIn.
Joann M. Wleklinski

Recognition Date: 2011-03

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Joann Wleklinski for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

AIIP Connections Committee, Editor in Chief

Joann is a never-ending resource of intelligence and philanthropy. Time and again she has stepped up to the plate and taken on positions where we were in dire need. Sad to see her leave the Volunteer Committee, I was pleased when she generously stepped into the position of AIIP Connections Editor, a vital and important role for AIIP. I look forward to working with Joann in years to come. - Cynthia Hetherington, AIIP President-Elect

Joann says:

As the incoming editor of AIIP Connections, I will be putting together your favorite quarterly AIIP read. In my beginning, there was information research. Lately I’ve been copyediting written material to make it read better, and yet still in the author’s own voice. I’ve also been known to write an article or two myself, and I enjoy that. And I’ve been dabbling in grant writing.

I’m ever so grateful to have a place like AIIP. So many smart people to hang out with and learn from.

Wleklinski Information Services (http://www.wlek.com) is dedicated to locating the key information that will help make you more successful. Wleklinski Information Services performs the due diligence necessary to help you find that hidden information to gain your competitive advantage.

Joann Online

I am on Facebook. You’ll find me; how many Wleklinskis can there possibly be? I’m dabbling in Twitter, and have LinkedIn on my radar.
Eiko Shaul

Recognition Date: 2011-03

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Eiko Shaul for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

AIIP Connections Committee, Director of Advertisement

Eiko has been an incredible AIIP volunteer. She is very reliable: when she says she will do something by a certain date, you can count on it. She is incredibly gracious, always giving the other person credit, but she is a real workhorse. - Ellen Naylor, Director of Member Benefits

Eiko says:

Through volunteer work I learned a lot about the AIIP and running a business. It also gave me opportunities to become connected and to get to know other members and people outside of the association. All in all, volunteering has been an enriching experience in many ways, including learning about myself.

Before Eiko retired from business in 2011, her company, Shaul InfoResearch, provided business research to companies and to consultants. The service offered researching and evaluating information and analyzing it for strategic and tactical business planning and decision making.

Eiko offered the service in English and in Japanese. Many clients were from the U.S. and interested in Japanese markets, while others were from Japan and from Canada. Eiko also had the pleasure of participating in collaborative projects with AIIP members.

Main sources used for projects were the Web, databases (English and Japanese) and contacting organizations (e.g. associations, government agencies) and people (e.g. experts, researchers).

Read more about Shaul InfoResearch at http://www.shaulinforesearch.com or connect with Eiko on LinkedIn.
Susan Berkman

Recognition Date: 2011-03

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Susan Berkman for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Annual Conference Committee

Susan is simply amazing. She has worked tirelessly at getting sponsors and exhibitors for the AIIP Conference not only for 2010 but again for 2011. Susan has taken her in-depth knowledge of the industry and parlayed that into record sponsorship levels for 2011 (beating her own previous record!). She is a true leader and is extraordinarily committed to AIIP’s success. - Marge King, AIIP President

Susan says:

AIIP is an organization unlike any other I have ever belonged to, and I am proud to be a member. It has been my pleasure to give back to AIIP as the Marketing Coordinator for its annual conference, which involved soliciting sponsors, exhibitors, trainers and advertisers to educate and support our members at the conference. I thank you for this honor and recognition.

Research-Ability LLC serves the corporate market, particularly those in the sales and marketing arena for various verticals. Company and industry information is our specialty. When Google just isn't enough, contact us.

Get to know Susan and Research-Ability at http://www.research-ability.com.

Susan's blog: http://research-ability.com/blog

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/researchability
Mary-Doug Wright

Recognition Date: 2010-12
The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Mary-Doug Wright for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Chair, AIIP-L Committee

I couldn't have picked a better, more understanding person to run our AIIP-L. Mary-Doug has been so dedicated with all the problems we've had with Sparklist. She is so diligent, patient and reliable. When she says she is going to do something, she surely will. - Ellen Naylor, Director, Member Benefits

Mary-Doug says:

I believe in “giving back,” and being able to work with other AIIP members in a volunteer capacity has been a rewarding and enlightening experience. AIIP is one of the most supportive organizations I’ve been involved with, along with its congenial and generous members, and it is an honour to be able to support its goals.

I’ve been fortunate in my career to have worked with thought-leaders in health policy, health services, and health technology assessment research across Canada and internationally. As a member of AIIP, I now have a similar opportunity to work with thought-leaders in the information world.

Mary-Doug has been an information specialist/research librarian for 19 years and brings to her clients extensive expertise and experience conducting environmental scans and comprehensive literature searches. She founded and has been principal of Apex Information since 1993. She specializes in health information research (policy, services, economics, technology, clinical, consumer) and the social sciences. She conducts comprehensive secondary research (primarily literature-based) for systematic reviews, health technology assessment, critical appraisals, and evidence-based decision-making. Customized deliverables include raw data, bibliographies, topic summaries and overviews, and detailed reports.

Apex Information serves local, national and international clients in academic institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private consultancies.
Learn more at http://www.apexinformation.com and connect with Mary-Doug online at:
- Twitter: @mdwright
- LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/marydougwright
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marydougwright
Phyllis Smith

Recognition Date: 2010-12

The Board of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) recognizes Phyllis Smith for her volunteer work on behalf of the Association.

Membership Committee and First Timers Committee

Phyllis is a valuable contributor to AIIP membership efforts. She serves on the Membership Committee and the First Timers Committee, which welcomes new members to the AIIP conference. One new AIIP member attributes her growth in AIIP and our profession to Phyllis. Phyllis works diligently to renew lapsing memberships and offers insightful perspectives about membership retention issues. - Betty Story, Director, Membership

In the Know Information and Research Consulting specializes in tracking down elusive information with quick turnaround. We also provide library services on demand to corporate and government information centres. Such services include research, fact finding, development of focused marketing materials, and training. Phyllis Smith, principal of In the Know, holds an MLIS and a BA in Criminology.

http://www.in-the-know.com