I guess what struck me most about this interview aside from the fact that yes, IT guys can be quite personable—library tech is hardcore— What I mean is, I work the ref desk and simultaneously monitor a computer lab—and as such I am a USER of the library’s technology. When they upgraded my machine last week and I couldn’t log on to Horizon—and then couldn’t authenticate any of the databases… there really wasn’t anything I could do. When staff and patrons are cranky because things aren’t working—that is a big responsibility. Librarians who cross the line into the IT department have a great deal of knowledge AND they really have to keep abreast of change. They truly have specialized knowledge.
I think it was Jeff who talked about the ability to work well in the politics of library systems or university systems—and that really must be true. IT folks have this specialized understanding of the needs and capacities of the various systems and they have to work to convey the importance of things that may be totally unfamiliar to those who hold the purse strings.
The most amazing thing I learned was the cost of licenses for things like Microsoft Office—if it is $12/seat thru Tech Soup— why do I see schools and libraries using Office 2003—and sorry folks, Open Office, which I do not love.
I didn’t know what Drupal was—and I still don’t exactly know (I need to see it)—but I know I will be investigating it. Along with some of the tutorials mentioned. (Lynda.com, etc.) It was useful to hear their suggestions about taking more tech classes at ESU and elsewhere, as well as taking advance of trainings and seminars when possible. Matt’s suggestion that those who don’t want/need to be IT librarians should still get e-books and mobile devices figured out and being generally comfortable with technology and open to learning new technologies. I think that is my biggest take-away from this course. I need to be actively seeking what is new and happening with technology out there in libraries and the wider world.
