Category: Personnel

Public computing : Thoughts from the field

Librarians generally don’t like to say “No” to patrons: no, you can’t do this, no, you can’t have this. But they don’t understand the technical challenges involved as we try to preserve and protect public computers so that everyone has a consistent experience. Plus, there’s this whole thing about what is a public library computer… Continue reading Public computing : Thoughts from the field

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3 truths about your library’s website

I create websites for public libraries.  I’ve been doing that for more than 15 years.  In that time, I’ve learned a few things, especially in my current job, where I work on sites for multiple libraries.  I’ve learned some hard truths about these sites, and sometimes I’ve shared those with the clients I’ve worked with. … Continue reading 3 truths about your library’s website

How to hire a library tech: Part 4 (Warning Signs & Final Advice)

As a followup to the Head Meets Desk posts, I asked techs and administrators from around the Web to send me their best advice on hiring IT staff for a library.  What follows, here in Part Four, is the advice received from both administrators and library techs.  (See Part One here,  Part Two here and… Continue reading How to hire a library tech: Part 4 (Warning Signs & Final Advice)

How to hire a tech: Part Two (Job ads and requirements)

As a followup to the Head Meets Desk posts, I asked techs and administrators from around the Web to send me their best advice on hiring IT staff for a library.  What follows, here in Part Two, is the advice received from both administrators and library techs, specifically on items relating to creating job ads… Continue reading How to hire a tech: Part Two (Job ads and requirements)

Head Meets Desk (Part Two)

(You can see Part One here.) Last time on MeanLaura, I shared stories from library IT staff about moments they had with non-tech staff that were frustrating.  This week, I’m sharing more stories, this time about some of the…interesting…things that patrons have done.  Enjoy, and please post your own stories in the comments–I know you’ve… Continue reading Head Meets Desk (Part Two)

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Head Meets Desk (Part One)

A little while ago, I put out a call to the public library IT community to share their best (worst?) “Head meets desk” moments.  You know, those times when they drove out to a branch, only discover that the thing wasn’t plugged in, or when someone called them about a broken “cupholder.” (Is that last… Continue reading Head Meets Desk (Part One)

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Ignorantiaphobia

It’s no secret, yet it’s not widely talked about.  There’s a divide in library staff.  It’s not between degreed and the not, and it’s not digital.   It’s not about who uses Twitter and who doesn’t.   This divide may not even be a cultural divide or a generational one.  I think this one is more… Continue reading Ignorantiaphobia

Technofascists, technophobes and cyborgs…oh my?

Several weeks ago I had the privilige of attending the Virtual Worlds: Museums, Libraries and Educators conference held in the virtual world of Second Life. One of the sessions I attended was “Cyborg Learning: How to Engage Young Minds” by Dallas McPheeters, Instructional Technology Liaison for Tucson Unified School District. Because there were hearing-impaired attendees… Continue reading Technofascists, technophobes and cyborgs…oh my?