SEMLS Tech Watch

After more than seven years working as the technology consultant for SEMLS, I am leaving on February 1 to start a new adventure as the Project Coordinator to assist three Massachusetts library networks - C/W MARS, MVLC, and NOBLE - in the development and implementation of the open-source Evergreen Intergrated Library System.

This position will be an exciting and challenging opportunity to help a large group of Massachusetts libraries move to a system that was built to meet the unique needs of library consortia and can be further developed around the requirements of our own libraries in Massachusetts. For several years, I have believed open-source systems offer the potential for libraries to take control of their systems and offer improved services to users in a cost effective manner. I worked with MassCat as it moved to the  Koha system a little more than a year ago, and I am excited to participate in the next big open-source project to come to Massachusetts.

I have been fortunate to work with a wonderful group of library staff during my years at SEMLS. I valued those moments when I could bring new ideas for implementing technology to our libraries and help them solve their technology problems. I especially enjoyed working with member libraries and others on the SEMLS staff as we built a dynamic library teen Web site with My OwnCafe. I've found the staff at SEMLS libraries to be open to new learning opportunities and willing to take risks to try something new in the hopes of improving service to users. It truly has been a pleasure to work with all of you over these past few years.

After I leave, member libraries should continue to contact SEMLS for help with the databases by using the helpdesk@semls.org address. MassCat members who have technical questions about using MassCat can contact Nora Blake directly at the MassCat office. Those who have questions about their MassCat membership can contact Cindy Roach at the SEMLS office.

We have a full schedule of technology classes planned for the winter CE session, and I am working to find instructors to take over the classes I was planning to teach this session. The region plans to continue technology programming for the spring CE session by bringing in outside instructors. By the time the spring session wraps up, we will be moving into a new fiscal year with a new regional structure.

Thanks to everyone for making my time at SEMLS so stimulating and fun. I hope to continue to see many of you at conferences and other meetings around the state. Happy New Year!