WebJunction

I have been extremely lucky in that I have had what I consider to be 2 mentors in libraryland. One of which is Jody Combs, Director of the Digital Library at Vanderbilt University, whom I approached several years ago about starting a more formal mentoring relationship. I wasn't sure I was at the right institution, focusing on the right areas in technology, or even in the right career. He helped me better understand myself, and I was able to redirect my energy, and here I am now in a job I love, doing very cool things. We still keep in touch and I appreciate all he's done for me.

The other person I consider to be a mentor is Marshall Breeding, also at Vanderbilt University. He's known world-wide as an expert on the business of library automation, and many other technological topics. He presents and writes more than anyone else I know. He was first a colleague, then a friend, and after I while, I realized that he had so much expertise and professional development guidance to share. So I began to "bug" him and he's been very kind in offering tips, tricks, and helpful information.

Both of these men have influenced me greatly and I appreciate their advice and friendship. In my eyes, they are the best mentors in libraryland.

Go Vandy!

(I got my MLS from Peabody in '75).

Alas, my mentors are long dead ... but that's why books are written: Jesse Shera, Ranganathan, and Louis Shores.

Refer to Shera's "social epistemology" whenever you hear the word "tagging" used for Library 2.0

I love it when we uncover those bridges back to those who came before us. I will certainly be looking at "social epistemology" as one of the foundational concepts to the sorts of things we're working on today. In Karen's interview (coming soon, I heard today) she talked about how email was her first "2.0" tool. Marilyn says the same thing. I wonder what we'll be saying when we're on the other side?