Professionally:
I believe in people, whether they are patrons or staff. People are varied and we must learn what each of us needs and has to offer. The difference between a leader and a technical specialist is their orientation towards people over tasks. Before staff can turn outward and engage broad swaths of the community, before staff can be challenged to do their jobs better or differently, they must feel safe and important. Libraries exist for their patrons and, even with all the best technology available today, quality service depends on the mindset, training, and initiative of the staff.
I am excited by innovative technologies that impact patron experiences in libraries, whether that technology isĀ digital books and magazines, streaming video, virtual meetings, or printing/copying services. Many of the technologies we take for granted today (eg: PowerPoint presentations, air conditioning, even electric lights) were once considered highly innovative. Libraries are far more than buildings with books, and emerging technologies continue to play an important role in the ways library staff provide services to library patrons.
You can read some of my ideas about libraries and other topics on my blog.
I have lived, worked, and traveled in Japan, China, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Canada, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Israel, Russia, and numerous countries in Europe. I speak Japanese and have exposure to Chinese, French, and Spanish. I have employed or worked with team members from most of the above listed countries and more. My life experience includes multiculturalism, diversity and inclusivity.
Personally:
I am happily married with two wonderful children (whose only common characteristic is that they are wonderful). For a number of years, I moonlighted as a certified US Soccer Federation referee. I enjoy puzzles and mental challenges, and I like to read and discuss almost anything that results in learning something new. I collect first edition books, especially speculative fiction. Lately, I have rediscovered poetry. I like rain and I love to be around plants and animals.