Seeking Certainty
Posted On Feb 2 2017“Uncertain times” is a phrase you hear a lot these days. It was actually in the title of the ALA Town Hall that took place in Atlanta last month (ALA Town Hall: Library Advocacy and Core Values in Uncertain Times). Political turmoil, uncertainty, divisiveness, and vitriol have so many of us feeling a bit unhinged. When I feel rudderless, adrift, even completely lost at sea, I tend to seek a safer port. I’ve exercised this method personally, geographically, and professionally and it has always served me well. For example, the stability and solid foundation provided by my family gives me solace …
Libraries talk Web-scale at LITA Forum
Posted On Oct 22 2010It can be informing, affirming and on occasion surprising when members of the OCLC community take to the public stage. In the case of the recent LITA Forum, these converged in a very positive way as four panelists presented their early experiences with Web-scale Management Services. After a brief product overview from my OCLC colleague, Rob Ross (thank you, Rob, for so adroitly stepping in to take part in this presentation) , the crowd heard from Jason Griffey (Univ of Tennessee, Chattanooga), Kyle Banerjee (Orbis Cascade Alliance), Michael Dula (Pepperdine Univ) and Gina Persichini (Idaho Commission for Libraries). The slides …
I Love Public Libraries
Posted On Mar 22 2010Two more firsts for me this year. After several years of near-misses, I’m finally making it to the PLA Conference in Portland. I also decided to join PLA this year. Having been on the LITA Board for 6 years (3 as an officer), I have heard many times about the expense of professional affiliations. I’ve always paid my own way for ALA and Divisional memberships, which I find to be a bargain compared to other professions. In previous years, I could not think of a good reason to join PLA. But then my job changed at the same time I …