Experiences at kitsap regional library system

Working in a public library demands that you constantly stay up to date on the latest innovations in technology. The Internet is so ubiquitous now, it's hard to imagine there was a time when it wasn't available everywhere.

Thanks to an innovative and forward thinking IT department, Kitsap Regional was always on the forefront of providing Internet and computer services to the community. Unfortunately, this often led to employees, particularly those who worked on the reference desk, feeling overwhelmed or caught off gaurd when new technologies or services suddenly appeared. Every new technology has a learning curve, and the worst feeling for an information provider is that you're having to negotiate that learning curve in front of a public audience.

As someone who is comfortable learning new things and enjoys working with IT staff, I became the official reference liason to the IT department. I learned about new technologies before they arrived, and used the lead time to train and inform the reference department. Ultimately this arrangement led to vastly improved customer service, and a happier reference department....

Reference and research services at a busy public reference desk. Selected and maintained business reference resources. Served as technology liason between reference and IT departments.