Nothing Stays the Same
Working with technology in libraries has taught me some important life lessons. Probably the most important of these is that “nothing stays the same”. I’ve been at the University of Houston Libraries for a little over four years. In that time I’ve had the pleasure of working with some terrific people, heading some incredible projects, and growing as a professional in unfathomable ways. My time here has helped to shape me as a librarian and redefine what my goals and interests are. As part of that I’ve done a great deal of soul searching the last year thinking about where I want to go career wise. At one point during my career I thought I wanted to be a library administrator, but I’m not really sure that is the best place for me.
Although there are aspects of being a department head I enjoy, I miss having my fingers deeper in the technology. Additionally, I’ve developed a true passion for open source software and what it can help libraries do. I love working with developers and writing code myself. I love researching, testing, solving problems and implementing new software. I love teaching and writing about technology for librarians. I want to do more of this as part of my daily work. As a result, I’ve decided to make a change and explore new possibilities and opportunities. I’ve started working for LISHost as the Web Applications Specialist. I’m helping Blake with the day to day running of things which means server work that I haven’t done in a while but am psyched to be doing again. I’m also helping LISHost gear up to host additional types of library open source web applications and providing services customizing OSS web apps, particularly Drupal and WordPress. If you’re interested in having LISHost do some of this work for you or your library, drop me an email (librarywebchic [at] gmail [dot] com). My intention is to do consulting work, but if position that is a good fit emerges, who knows.
My last day at as the Head of Web Services will be January 4th, 2010. There are too many terrific colleagues at UH to say thank you to, to name them. I wish everyone all the best. To my Web Services team, my success really wouldn’t have been possible without you. I can’t say enough wonderful things about each of you.
Wow – congrats to the change! You’ll be great at “the next thing,” whatever that ends up being!
Wow! Good luck with this exciting transition. I think it’s wonderful that you’re exploring other career options — it’s very courageous to make a change like that, and it’s almost always the best choice in terms of leading a fulfilling and interesting life. And I think there is a growing market for customizing Drupal and WordPress for libraries. What better person to do work like that for libraries than a librarian who truly understands the unique needs of libraries in web design?
Wow! is right. It sounds like a big change but also a wonderful opportunity for you and for LISHost. Good luck in your new endeavor!
Good luck Karen, it was a pleasure working with you and I wish you the best.
Hey yeah, congrats! Do you have to / get to move, or work from home? Do I still have a geocaching partner for IL2009?
How exciting! This sounds like a perfect role for you. Best of luck.
I’m wishing you nothing but happiness and joy! I’m sure this is the right move for you, and really do think you’ll be successful.
Change is good … I am sure it will work out very well.
Hi Karen,
Many good wishes for your ongoing adventures…you are one terrific girl! Take very good care and enjoy your new journey!
Lorraine
Congratulations. What an exciting move for you. Sounds like a great opportunity. Also good to hear that LIShost will be expanding offerings. Exciting.
Hi Karen,
Best wishes and good luck.
I can’t wait to see what you get done now! Agreed that LISHost working with you and your chops is a *very* cool development. Maybe we should talk about moving libraryman.com over, eh? :) Many, many good wishes to you, Karen!
Congratulations! Sounds like a great opportunity. Best wishes.
Kevin
I’ll be working from home starting in January. Yes, I’m going to IL still. Have two preconference to teach and a presentation on the intranet project at UH to give.
Karen,
Congratulations from Cortland on your new job!
Thanks for all your inspiration and for always keeping my on my toes. You will continue to do amazing things no matter where you end up, but LISHost seems like a perfect fit for now. Thanks for all the advice and I wish you the best of luck down the road.
Best of luck as you move forward, Karen.
A little late to this party but that’s super terrific. Blake is wonderful, as are you and I bet you can really combine your strengths and really make some great things happen in the library web world.