Yes, It’s True

Posted On Nov 16 2007 by

There’s nothing like a very flattering press release to turn rumor into fact. It’s true, starting January 7, I will be the Executive Director, Networked Library Services, at OCLC. I’ve had a great run at NCSU Libraries, where I have been just shy of nine years. I’m immensely appreciative for all the opportunities that were given to me here—a library that puts its money where its librarians’ mouths are, aspires to and achieves greatness, embraces practical advocacy, and hires some of the best people you could ever hope to work with. I can honestly say that in nine years, I …


New But Not Surprising

Posted On Nov 9 2007 by

I always wish that I would put more of my predictions in writing. At least the ones that I ended up being right about. Actually, even being wildly wrong can be fun. Anyway, here’s one I predicted, but the formal announcement is missing some of the details that folks might not be aware of. SirsiDynix, the seemingly last library vendor on the market without a detailed plan for a “next generation catalog,” has made an OEM agreement with Brainware for a next-generation faceted search solution. The press release is online (pdf). The release is slated for Summer 2008 . . . …


Trick or Treat

Posted On Oct 31 2007 by

A bunch of my colleagues are dressed up today. I considered donning my khaki-colored dockers, denim shirt, and brown loafers, but was afraid that no one would recognize me as being a vendor. I needed too many props to pull off the costume, like some PowerPoint slides that look like a real website. I have mastered the ability to smile, rock back and forth on my feet while swinging my arms, and exuding that look of “Boy, do I have a solution for you!” It’s getting harder these days to determine whether what libraries are getting is a trick or …