I'm a reference librarian in a public library who is a recent graduate of Florida State University's College of Information with a Masters of Science in Library and Information Studies (M.S.L.I.S.). I specialized in Information Architecture, which is all well and good, but since I haven't yet really applied any of my IA knowledge and skills, it's kind of like having been an English major in my undergraduate degree, which is to say not worth much. My ALA-accredited masters' degree has definitely improved my job situation within libraries, but since I'm quickly approaching the end of my rope as far as working with the public goes, I'm looking for something else.
I have recently become a Linux devotee, which has completely altered my perspective on both computing and the technical goals of librarianship. I do believe that computer access should be a part of library service since there is so much bad information and misinformation out there. Furthermore, I believe if there is an appropriate place for people to learn about free software, it is the library. Unfortunately, libraries have taken the corporate path to software provision, and like the rest of the business world, Microsoft rules. The library software world, a microcosm of the larger software world, has its proprietary Goliath and its open source David, and my current employer is completely glued to the Goliath camp and scoffs at alternatives.
So I've decided that library technology will no longer be a hobby for me, and I would like to become a certified digital librarian. Since I've finished grad school with no plans to return and there is no set course of study for this, I will devise my own. Then I will shop myself around to prospective employers who want a grounded, visionary, thoughtful, well-informed, highly-skilled, library-savvy professional at the helm of their tech decisions. So here I am and I'm ready to get started!
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