At Dominican, I studied public libraries, readers' advisory, materials and services for children and young adults, community informatics, and digital libraries. I also attended eChicago and submitted a paper for a student symposium. Outside of school, I worked in a medical library at an international pharmaceutical company and interned in the youth services department of a public library. Another internship with an archive at an international nonprofit turned into a paid position. Before graduate school, I honed his communications expertise as a technical writer ad editor and sharpened his customer service skills working in bicycle and automotive repair shops. Some of his best work was at the Seattle Children's Museum, working with kids in the museum and in an outreach art program in underserved communities.
In recent years, the Windy Librarian worked as a tween librarian at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Besides working at the Youth Services desk and performing storytimes, I developed programming for kids from eight to 12 years old with a team of three. I also organized an annual multicultural event with a team of six to eight staff from all over the library. Community involvement outside the library was a priority, so I frequently visited schools for programs and worked with an afterschool committee that included members from other schools and children's services organizations.
I've also worked as a preschool teacher, creating curriculum, teaching, meeting with parents and coordinating with a my coteacher and other educators and administrators in our facility. I also attended the Kansas Association For The Education of Young Children annual conference.
Currently I work as a web content editor for an IT consulting firm. I build websites, write and edit content and manage several social media streams.
My best job is father to the most adorable twin daughters, Meyer and McCarty, and to the best dog in the world, Sasha. I enjoy fly fishing, cycling and anything related to cars or motorcycles. And I play viola and bass guitar.
I believe librarianship is much more than knowing genres, authors, databases, and computer programs. It's about creating connections for people and between people.
With Google, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and e-book readers, many wonder about the future of librarianship. I know there are many challenges ahead. Economic turmoil, budget woes, and poor perceptions of the profession might leave a librarian depressed and bitter. Not me. I believe the future is bright for libraries and librarians—if they make a concerted effort to build those all-important connections.
