New theme, library meme, and other stuff

Last night, as I was updating my WordPress, I decided I was sick of my old theme. So I found a new one. No great shakes… except that I’ve been blogging for the library. It’s quite interesting to put all the things I’ve talked about here into play over there. So, on the sidebar of the new theme you will also find the latest posts I wrote for the library blog.

As I was cleaning things up for an upgrade I noticed that Jill tagged me! I missed it like a big dope.

So, how did I become a librarian? Is it too smoochy to say I think I always was one? My mom is a librarian (and her little dog too); I loved computers; it just, kind of, made sense, I suppose. The really exciting thing was when I realized that I wanted to be a Technology Librarian. That can be pinpointed to a day: May 3, 2005 I attended the NEASIST Spring Program: Syndicate, Aggregate, Communicate. Jenny and Michael opened doors that day for me. I came home and started a blog. Shortly after I enrolled in SU‘s advanced study program in Digital Libraries and, viola, here I am.

• Best library school faculty member when I was getting my degree: Jill Hurst-Wahl, Information School – obviously!? It’s not just because she memed me (although that would be a fine reason!), but it’s hard to find a connection when you’re taking online classes. You often feel like an afterthought. But Jill did it and it mattered a lot.
• Favorite class: Planning and Designing Digital Library Services taught by Mr. David Lankes
• Best bosses: Myself! I also really like Denise, my current boss. She gets it.
• Favorite library: Cook Memorial in beautiful Tamworth, NH… not just because my mommy works there, although it doesn’t hurt. It’s just a really welcoming place.
• Most unexpected career move: Becoming a Library Director at 22.
• Best career move to date: Cultivating a professional identity outside my job.
• Favorite piece of advice to others: Try it! You won’t break it and it won’t break you.
• Best piece of advice received: Play.

And with that I’m off to dust off my goods for NELA next week. I’ll be doing a super hands-on gig on how to get started overhauling your website: Easy Web Fixes. More on that later, to be sure.