WebJunction

sigurdis

Max Anderson from SOLINET in Atlanta

Position: Educational Services Librarian
What Max Really does: Creates new workshops on OCLC and technology topics and travels around the south to teach them to willing students.
Favorite: Getting to travel all around the South and meet cool librarians from all walks of life.
Least favorite: Flight delays and rotten hotels.
Personal bit: I took up running this year and ran the 10K Peachtree Road Race for the first time.
How Max found WJ: I was lucky enough to work at the Gates foundation when the whole idea of Staying Connected/WebJunction came about and have been involved and passionate about it from Day One!

mdbardsley

Mark Bardsley from Seattle, WA

Mark spent a quarter working with WebJunction as a fieldwork student. Not only did he stimulate some great conversation in the All Aboard discussions, he conducted the first real usability testing of the WJ website. His results and recommendations are good reading. We hope to see more of Mark when he graduates and puts his talents to work in the library world!

Position: 2nd year MLIS student at the University of Washington
What Mark Really does: I am a part-time research assistant revamping the Oregon School Library Information System, full time MLIS student, webmaster for the UW ASIS&T chapter, team member in the Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition to help non-profits in Nigeria) so I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to figure out how to best use my time. I frequently give up and play choo choo trains with my two year old daughter.
Favorite: I love challenges and I love to learn. My work and student life afford opportunities for both.
Least favorite: I have to be on the computer all day. Sometimes I wonder if I should become a forest ranger or maybe a skipper...
Personal bit: I am surprisingly agile on a trampoline.
How Mark found WJ: I think WJ found me. When the Washington State site went up I got an email and registered. The rest is history.

kbary

Karen Bary from the Colorado State Library

Position: Adult Services Librarian, City of Westminster, Colorado
What Karen really does: Primarily, I work at the reference desk and do collection development. I'm responsible for adult nonfiction at my branch and adult level Spanish language and ESL at both Westminster libraries. I have also taught for Emporia State University's Colorado distance MLS program and will be teaching for them again this summer. And as a member of the Colorado Association of Libraries' Intellectual Freedom Committee, I've been involved in several projects, including speaking to professional and public groups about the Patriot Act and other intellectual freedom topics.
Favorite: At the reference desk, my favorite thing is the feeling when I've been able to connect a patron with information that is very important to them. It's not always possible to know this, so it's really special when you do. In collection development, the moment is when you've bought a title that's quirky or chancy - and it proves to be very popular. And in intellectual freedom it's the knowledge that you're acting according to your conscience - even when it sometimes seems like a losing battle.
Least favorite: The Colorado legislature passed a law saying that the photo I.D.s issued by the Mexican Consulate cannot be used for official purposes. One presumably unintended consequence is that we cannot accept these cards to issue a library card. Since this is sometimes the only I.D. some of our community residents have, we have to turn them away when they request a card. I believe my employer is interpreting the law as it is written. But I don't believe this serves anyone. This law stinks and I hate that we have to enforce it.
Personal bit: I became a librarian after almost twenty years in insurance and information technology and in that time I always felt a little bit like an idealogical misfit. As soon as I started library school I knew I'd found my people. And when I discovered that intellectual freedom is such an important aspect of librarianship, I knew it was not just a career, but a calling.
How Karen found WJ: I had a nodding acquaintance with WJ, when Rose Nelson, at the Colorado State Library, came to an Intellectual Freedom Committee meeting to talk about an IF discussion list. Thanks Rose!

Bob Wis

Robert Bocher from Wisconsin

As an Advocate, Robert is an energetic promoter of the value of WebJunction for libraries. He joined the WebJunction community in its first year and helped to build the network of knowledge by sharing his expertise on the CIPA decision. He wrote an article on Key Issues for Decision Makers and co-hosted the focal discussion event on the topic. Thanks for the long-term dedication!

Position: Technology Consultant with Wisconsin Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning (the state library agency)
What Robert really does: Work with our regional library systems to use technology to enhance library services. Work with our state government network office to implement the next state telecommunications network, which is used by 98% of Wisconsin's public libraries. Current Chair of ALA's E-rate Task Force. Co-authored a book on library, technology and privacy issues to be published in the summer of 2005.
Favorite: Finding solutions to technology-related problems. For more specific responsibilities, see my work Website at http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dltcl/pld/libtech.html.
Least favorite: Lack of time to get all the work done. And with email and voice mail accessible beyond the office, it is all too easy to get into a 24/7 work mode.
Personal bit: When I graduated from high school I had no desire to go to college and I worked as a psychiatric aid for two years at a state psychiatric hospital. This convinced me to go to college.
How Robert found WJ: I am the Wisconsin coordinator for the Gates library partnership program and learned of WJ from working on that program.

kbolan

rcullin

Kim Bolan and Rob Cullin

Taking on the role of Contributing Editor for a section of the WebJunction content is a high level of engagement in our minds. Kim and Rob are the dynamic duo who edit the Technology Planning section. Not only do they maintain and organize the section, they will soon be sharing excerpts from their recently published book, Technology Made Simple: An Improvement Guide for the Small and Medium Library (ALA Editions, Sept. 2006). Stay tuned!

Kim's Position: Library Consultant
What Kim really does: Library consulting covering a variety of topics and areas including: •facility and space planning and design for public and school libraries, •young adult services, •technology assessment and management in small and medium sized libraries, •customer surveying, •service and process analysis, •community awareness, and •customer service and marketing.
Favorite: Helping librarians see how they can make their libraries so much better just by thinking differently about things and opening their minds to the possibilities.
Least favorite: Dealing with people who are close-minded and don’t want to listen simply because it’s easier or less daunting to keep doing things the same old way.
Personal bit: I’m a fashionista at heart.
How Kim found WJ: When my co-author Rob Cullin and I started work on our new technology book, Patrick Hogan from ALA Editions put me in contact with Joe Anderson, who in turn put me in touch with Steve DelVecchio. It’s been a great experience.

Rob's Position: Co-Founder and Vice President of E*vanced Solutions
What Rob really does: Everything but write the code; General Manager, Product Design, Sales, Training, Partnership development, etc.
Favorite: Figuring out how technology can be utilized in new ways to help make people’s jobs and lives easier.
Least favorite: How hard it is to convince some people that technology isn’t difficult or scary.
Personal bit: I’d rather be wakeboarding or snow skiing than anything else.
How Rob found WJ: I’d see them at conferences, but Kim Bolan first got me really interested in WJ.

sppl

Bobbie Chapman from the Colorado State Library

Position: Technology Manager, Southern Peaks Public Library, Alamosa, Colorado
What Bobbie really does: Build, update, fix and generally maintain 30 computers, teach computer classes, help patrons with computer and internet questions.
Favorite: Fixing computers and teaching classes. Also just being in a library as reading is my third love - second love is quilting.
Least favorite: doing Window and antivirus updates.
Personal bit: I climbed Mt. Fuji 40 years ago, have a! nose ring and am known as Techno Grannie, as I'm 62.
How Bobbie found WJ: Pamphlet from WJ

vanescha

Vanessa Chavez from New Mexico

True to her Superman t-shirt, Vanessa is well on her way to becoming a superLibrarian, combining an MLIS with a law degree to pursue the intricacies of law librarianship. As a fieldwork student with WebJunction, she and fellow UT/Austin student Jacob Cleary, initiated the WJ-hosted, peer-reviewed student publication, Post-Tracks. With all the energy she put into defining the project, creating guidelines, soliciting submissions, and realizing the successful outcome, we have no doubt Vanessa will knock 'em out in the law library.

Position: Student, University of New Mexico School of Law
What Vanessa really does: Read, Read, Research, and Read. I'm heading into Law Librarianship, so law school is a necessary evil.
Favorite: Research. It makes me sound like a total nerd, but I really do enjoy doing legal research.
Least favorite: Finals Week.
Personal bit: I like melon scented candles.
How Vanessa found WJ: As a final project in library school at The University of Texas at Austin, I chose to work on the student liaison project along with Jacob Cleary. We initially intended to communicate with students at other schools to develop the liaison project, but instead, the project morphed into a peer-reviewed student publication and the beginnings of Post-Tracks.

boudicca56

Libbie Crawford from OCLC in Ohio

When hurricane Katrina and it's aftermath stirred up a flurry of requests for places to exchange vital information, WebJunction was a natural host for helping the library community deal with the disaster. Libbie was right there on very short notice, eager and energetic in her offer to be the moderator of  the hastily created Disaster Planning & Recovery forum. Libbie, we love your enthusiasm ... and your charming southern accent.

Position: Marketing Manager for Dewey Decimal Classification system
What Libbie really does: Remind the world Dewey is still alive and kicking after all these years. And....keeping up with the times, Melvil Dewey could not --even in his wildest dreams-- think about laser surgery, extreme sports, or digital television. I also work with licensees of the Dewey name in any format, dog collars, coffee mugs, signs, posters and websites. Oh and books, too.
Favorite: Talking with library staff about their libraries, helping them figure out for themselves what tools they need to serve their users.
Least favorite: When is there ever enough time? I would love to visit more libraries to see what they are doing.
Personal bit: Chile peppers are my friends. I love hot food of any culture....
How Libbie found WJ: As an OCLC staffer, I heard the buzz early on. When the hurricanes hit, I had to help!

copubs

Maureen Crocker from the Colorado State Library

Position: Librarian, Colorado State Publications Library (CoSPL)
What Maureen really does: As part of assisting the public with their information needs using online sources, I develop our library web page content with indexes and resource lists linking to Colorado government information. It's a moving target - literally!
Favorite: Reference and research are what I enjoy most in the library world.
Least favorite: URLs that disappear with no "forwarding" address!
Personal bit: I enjoy reading, family genealogy, birdwatching, and "big band" music. On top of all that, I'm currently a student of Qi Gong.
How Maureen found WJ: Through an email notice on WJ from Rose Nelson at theState Library.

aileens

Aileen Diefenback from the Fort McMurray Public Library in Alberta

Position: System Administrator/Public Services Team Leader
What Aileen really does: Spend a lot of time in meetings.
Favorite: Setting movie day up for the kids programs with the laptop DVD, digital projector and my personal computer sound system. Bring on the popcorn!
Least favorite: The people that decided to steal all the mouse balls from the mice last year. (Yes, I have updated everything to optical!)
Personal bit: During the day, I am a mild-mannered computer geek working in the public library. At night, I work for IGN Entertainment answering technical support for their GameSpy software. (Yes, I play video games!)
How Aileen found WJ: The team leader from technical services sent me the WebJuntion link as a good technical resource for libraries. I was so impressed that I just had to volunteer to contribute myself.

cceller

Chad Eller from the Gaston County Public Library in North Carolina

Position: Automation Technician
What Chad really does: Daily Crisis Control
Favorite: All the things I do, no matter how small, contribute to the smooth daily operation of 13 library facilities.
Least favorite: Working under budget constraints prevents us from accomplishing what we should for our community.
Personal bit: In my spare time, I am a huge history buff!
How Chad found WJ: From the Gates/PAC Web site - I've been visiting from day one!

mfarkas

Meredith Farkas from the Norwich University library in Vermont

Position: I'm the new Distance Learning Librarian. The library just recently created this position because it recognized the importance of developing unique library services for the growing number of distance learners and distance faculty at Norwich.
What Meredith really does: The boundaries of my position aren't clearly defined yet, but I'll be trouble-shooting online access problems, creating tutorials, developing new technologies for interacting with and disseminating information to students online, re-designing the website, providing regular face-to-face reference and instructional services, and generally acting as a diplomat to the other groups that are involved in distance learning.
Favorite: It's energizing to work in a supportive environment with great colleagues who aren't afraid of change and truly care about serving their patrons --including my supervisor and Library Director.
Least favorite: There simply aren't enough hours in the day (or the year) to tackle all the projects I'd like to do *right now*.
Personal bit: Before becoming a librarian, I worked as a child and family therapist. I'm always surprised that people don't see the parallels between that and what I do as a librarian. So much of my job involves working with people, being diplomatic, and being sensitive to people's needs and boundaries.
How Meredith found WJ: I found WebJunction while scouring the web for nuts-and-bolts advice on how to do good things in libraries. It's a tremendous resource for the entire library community, not just public libraries.

lgens44

Linda Gens from the Oklahoma State Library

As soon as Linda joined the Rural Library Sustainability project on behalf of Oklahoma, there was a noticeable burst of energy on our site. She dove right into the forums to connect virtually with members in her state and around the country. Now clocking 175 posts, she's avidly sharing ideas, resources, questions, and kudos with her colleagues. She also shared her creative flare for marketing the RLS project. What a role model!

Position: Regional consultant for the Oklahoma Department of Libraries
What Linda really does: I cheer on 35 rural library directors as they do all the work required to run a rural library!
Favorite: Talking to the people who work in those libraries—they are so awesome! I also get to travel around Oklahoma—it's a beautiful state.
Least favorite: Working on e-rate—isn't it supposed to get easier after you do this for awhile?
Personal bit: I like dogs more than I like cats. I want to meet the Dog Whisperer!
How Linda found WJ: My boss asked me to be the project coordinator for Oklahoma. Of course, I said yes before I knew anything about it. I just wish I'd had WJ when I was a reference librarian and new to the library world. It would have made so much difference in my life!

sgerding

Stephanie Gerding from the Arizona State Library

Stephanie was supporting WebJunction even before it existed. Working as a trainer with the Gates foundation Library Program, she helped lay the foundation for what was to come. Now she is actively involved with our new Community Partner state --Arizona. This month marks the official launch of their colorful site.

Position: Continuing Education Coordinator, Library Development Division, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records
What Stephanie really does: As CE Coordinator, I support Arizona librarians' important work by providing workshops, Institutes, scholarships, and online learning at no charge to the participants. Throughout my career, I have trained librarians across the country, from Hawaii to Maine and Florida to California. My new passion is writing. My first book, Grants for Libraries, is in the production phase with Neal-Schuman. I'm a columnist for Public Libraries journal and I co-author a blog of library grant opportunities.
Favorite: Getting to know and support many amazing librarians and visiting libraries. Every library is different and each is a wonderful reflection of the diversity of their communities.
Least favorite: Monthly reports!!
Personal bit: I love to travel, especially with my husband and especially where there's good food involved! It is my goal to try to leave the country at least once a year. Last year we went to Botswana.
How Stephanie found WJ: As one of the early Gates foundation trainers, I knew about WebJunction from the very beginning. Some of my old Gates curriculum is even on WJ!

wgragg

Wendell Gragg from the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, Texas

Position: Automation Coordinator
What Wendell really does: Maintain all the computers among the three libraries in the system as well as plan and implement future upgrades. I also maintain and run the Dynix system along with Horizon Information Portal. I also supervise maintenance of the library web site.
Favorite: Learning new ways of doing things with technology and passing that info on to staff members.
Least favorite: Trying to stay ahead of patrons as they find new ways to mess up the public computers.
Personal bit: I'm about to become a grandfather for the first time. Ethan Andrew will be due in early September.
How Wendell found WJ: Chrystie Hill contacted me about becoming a forum moderator. Being the shy and modest person I am, she had to threaten me to do it…..Yeah, right!

bhallmark

Beth Hallmark from Texas

Beth began her involvement with the WJ community as part of a student project to explore ways to market WJ to library and information science students and faculty. She has had two articles published on WJ, one of which included the findings from her student project. Today, she continues to promote WJ at every opportunity and is proud to be a WJ advocate.

Position: Masters student, School of Information, The University of Texas at Austin (part-time); Editor for Marketing Information, Texas Department of Agriculture (full-time)
What Beth really does: Juggle school and work on a daily basis -- it's busy, but exhilirating too.
Favorite: Learning something new every day.
Least favorite: Not having enough time
Personal bit: Being an army brat, I moved around quite a bit and have lived as far away as India.
How Beth found WJ: I had a fabulous opportunity to work with WebJunction as part of a student project. I highly recommend the experience!

ryan

Ryan Harper from Selkirk & St. Andrews Regional Library in Selkirk, Manitoba

Position: Technical Support/Library Clerk
What Ryan really does: Tell people that MSN Messenger on the public computers is NOT a good idea.
Favorite: Wielding my undeserved authority. Also, working in a library is very relaxing.
Least favorite: Seeing people lift the mouse off the pad expecting it to move forward.
Personal bit: I freelance my "talent" at Darkwood Studios by day, and work at the library in the evenings. And I enjoy every minute of it. Truly a lucky guy.
How Ryan found WJ: Was looking through some old documents when I started this position and found a link to WJ. I remember being blown away by how much help there was out there. No one should be alone when dealing with NT4.

phenley

Pam Henley from the Bozeman Public Library in Montana

Position: Technology Assistant & Reference Librarian
What Pam really does: maintain computers, the Web site, and databases; conduct staff training and some public classes; work at the Reference desk (Whew!)
Favorite: learning new things all the time, and helping staff and public become more comfortable with technology
Least favorite: when things don't work and I can't explain why!
Personal bit: I was terrified of computers until I watched my 5-year-old son take control (he's now 20 - I'm still learning from him!)
How Pam found WJ: An OCLC visitor was in the library and mentioned the site when it was first up.

janieh

Janie Hermann from the Princeton Public Library in New Jersey

Janie has been active on WebJunction for over three years now-almost since the beginning. As a moderator for the Staff Training and Patron Services forums, she has injected her enthusiasm for her job into our forums, stimulating lively discussions. She has also collaborated with WJ staff to give presentations at the Internet Librarian and Computers in Libraries conferences. Where would we be without members like Janie?

Position: Program Coordinator/Technology Training Librarian, Princeton Public Library, Princeton, NJ
What Janie really does:

• Technology Training: I develop the content and plans for the library's public technology training programs. Our list of classes is on our library web site. In 2005 more than 1,100 library customers attended classes in the Technology Center. I also provide training to library staff to improve their technical competencies and instructional capabilities and coordinate popular tech series such as the Tuesday Technology Talks and DataBytes. Additionally, I oversee the day-to-day operation of the Tech Center; supervise the library's Tech Aides, and make purchase recommendations to keep the Tech Center current in terms of software and hardware.
• Programming: As the library's Program Coordinator I oversee and coordinate the 1,000+ programs, story times, book discussion groups and training sessions that PPL offers on an annual basis. I am the chair of the Program Team at the library and am responsible for ensuring that all departments work together to provide a variety of interesting and informative programs for our community.
• Reference and Reader's Services: A significant portion of my job is spent in a public service capacity assisting library customers in the use of the library's resources for their reading, viewing, research and information needs.

lizk

Liz Kellison is on the WJ staff and is based in Seattle

Position: Content Manager, WebJunction
What Liz really does: Sit in my office and talk on the phone, write email, and instant message - all at once.
Favorite: Good ideas. Good editorial meetings.
Least favorite: Good ideas that we don't have time or resources to pursue.
Personal bit: Went on horseback safari in Botswana a couple years ago, and was charged by bull elephant. Survived due to fast horse. LOVE fast horses.
How Liz found WJ: I was on the team that wrote the original proposal to the Gates foundation.

saxton

Carol Kubala from the Saxton B. Little Free Library in Connecticut

It's people like Carol who keep the energy vibrating in our online discussions and remind us that Readers’ Advisory is alive and thriving in the modern library. From best RA resources to book reviews to book displays and more book displays, Carol has elicited great responses from our members, in addition to the hundreds of “lurkers” who read the forum. You get an idea of how contagious Carol’s enthusiasm is by the warmth with which she was received on a recent trip to China; she made new friends everywhere she went, as evidenced by her photo!

Position: Adult Services Librarian
What Carol really does: Anything that needs doing! When you work in a small public library you might be called on to perform a variety of tasks including the "plunge the toilet routine". My primary responsibilities are selection and cataloging of adult materials, interlibrary loan, book discussions and readers' advisory.
Favorite: the wonderful people who visit our library every day.
Least favorite: So many books and limited time to read them all. I'm saving them all up for retirement.
Personal bit: I have a collection of over 400 mice figurines. Not one of them is alive, thank goodness!
How Carol found WJ: An email message/announcement from our state library.

Marianne

Marianne Lenox from the Huntsville Madison County Public Library, Alabama

Marianne is a star Advocate for WebJunction. Not only does she promote WJ at every opportunity, she has created some excellent PowerPoint presentation materials to help other Advocates demonstrate the power of WebJunction for directors, trainers, and techies. Now, if she would only share her secret for managing such a whirlwind schedule …

Position: Staff Training and Development Coordinator
What Marianne really does: Hmmm, well... basically I create, find, or make available programming for our staff which enables them to better serve our patrons. Sometimes I present classes in my training office on our Beaumont foundation Laptop Lab, but also take my little dog and pony show on the road to the branches. Sometimes we host speakers from other agencies. I also arrange staff travel to conferences, seminars, and other career-building opportunities outside the library. I organize our annual Staff Development Day and am our United Way Fundraising Chair. I'm the Red Cross coordinator for our CPR / AED team, as well as a certified Trained Responder. I host and facilitate our monthly manager's meetings which almost always include some kind of training session. I designed and maintain our Staff Intranet which include frequent updates on library-related news and staff happenings. I also publish our monthly staff newsletter and a library support staff weblog. As a WebJunciton Advocate, I do presentations at conferences and seminars, but also encourage our staff to become a part of this exciting resource.
Favorite: When a staff member exclaims "Oh, now I get it!"
Least favorite: Expense reports.
Personal bit: I taught myself computer skillz by searching "free online tutorial" when I took a break from my retail management career to have babies. I also started volunteering at the library...and those two things changed my life forever!
How Marianne found WJ: I was Hardware Specialist in ITS when support for our Regional Computer Training Center moved from the Gates foundation to WebJunction in May 2003.

fishrocker

Douglas Lord from the Connecticut State Library

Position: LSTA Program Assistant, Division of Library Development
What Doug really does: The stuff no one else around here wants to do! Primarily I help libraries in applying for, understanding, and administering LSTA grants and also on reporting it all back to IMLS; I educate the library community on e-rate and help libraries get their technology plans approved; I worked on CT's latest Gates Staying Connected Grant, and co-chair the Connecticut Library Consortium's Services to Older Adults Roundtable. And I drink a lot of coffee as I drive my desk and shuffle papers.
Favorite: A smooth, mild blend. Cream, no sugar. Also, soaking up the experience and accumulated wisdom of all my excellent colleagues here in CT's Division of Library Development.
Least favorite: “Institutional” coffee. I mean, honestly, what is the point? Also struggling with lopsided grant applications - these are great ideas from enthusiastic librarians whose written materials are, unfortunately, indecipherable.
Personal bit: My 2 kids - Rachel and Jackson - are my life. My sister took this picture while they were messing around with a huge exercise ball and laughing hysterically and crashing into various pieces of furniture and knocking stuff over, including huge stacks of books I keep meaning to read. When I'm not chasing them I run, read, rest, and review for Library Journal.
How Doug found WJ: CT was one of the WebJunction pilot sites in the partner program, and I was lucky enough to be on the implementation committee; it's way cool. Glad to be here, glad to be helping out the team.

jenmaney 

Jen Maney from the City of Mesa Library, Arizona

Position: Web Librarian
What Jen really does: Maintain our Web site, MesaLibrary.org, our intranet, and our electronic resources collection. I also work the reference, circulation and telephone reference desks.
Favorite: Variety!
Least favorite: Hmmm. I really do like my job.
Personal bit: I speak Japanese.
How Jen found WJ: Don't remember, but most likely from an email or library journal/newsletter.

lmielke 

Linda Mielke from the Carroll County Public Library, Maryland

Position: Library Director
What Linda really does: mess with people's heads.
Favorite: telecommuting from Canada during the summer.
Least favorite: details, details.
Personal bit: I wasn't cut out to be mother of the bride!
How Linda found WJ: Joe Anderson found me. He called for my take on CIPA and was he sorry!

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Mala Muralidharan from the Arizona State Library.

When Arizona joined the Community Partner program, they made the right choice by putting Mala in the lead. She has put her colorful stamp on the website and put her exuberant networking skills to work, reaching out across the state to libraries of all sizes. In over 30 years of working with libraries, her freshness and enthusiasm are still contagious. Thanks, Malavika!

Position: Public Library Development Consultant, Library Development Division, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records
What Mala really does: As a consultant at the Arizona State Library I work with the incredible Arizona Librarians. I do Technology Plans and E-rate training and help with the application process; I encourage our libraries to be a part of the AZNet consortium for resource sharing their collection and databases by the protocols and retro-conversions. I am working with the Gates Foundation on their computer grants to Public and Tribal libraries; I am the team lead for WebJunction-Arizona; our site serves not just libraries but Museums, Archives and Public Records folks too. Some of my fun projects have been: ONEBOOKAZ - getting Arizonans to read the same book in the same month; Planning for Results - approximately 90 Arizona Libraries now have a strategic plan based on Sandra Nelson's new Planning for Results methods. Read some of the plans and success stories.
Favorite: Meeting people, networking, event planning and organizing - all these are what energizes me.
Least favorite: Not having an endless amount of time to do all that needs doing. Believe you me, if I slept any less, I would not need a bed or a bedroom at all!
Personal bit: I am passionate about Classical Music - my most favorite being Carnatic Classical Music. I play an instrument called the Veena.- I am also fascinated by India's rich and varied cultural heritage and love researching it!
How Mala found WJ: Hmm! Did I tell you that I am a surfer - the internet kind? I found WJ on the Gates Foundation website and then watched it grow. Through WJ, I connected with, some of my Asian-Indian Librarian friends, who I had lost contact with for years!!! Didn't dream that I would be working with the wonderful WJ team!

dalem

Dale Musselman is on the WJ staff and is based in Seattle.

Position: Training and Support Specialist
What Dale really does: Still helping Bill give away some more of his money.
Favorite: Variety, being useful, and this is a great place to work!
Least favorite: Well, the restaurant selection around the office could be better…
Personal bit: I owe my success in technology to my years in art school.
How Dale found WJ: WJ found me... and then I ran, but then it tracked me down again and wouldn’t let me go.

erinP

Erin Peak from Colorado

Position: New member of the WebJunction team and recent Colorado transplant. Program Coordinator, Spanish Language Outreach Program.
What Erin really does: comb the streets of Seattle looking for coffee shops with free WIFI, seek out the rare Pacific Northwestern ray of winter sunlight, explore Seattle's groovy neighborhoods on foot and lots of yoga.
Favorite: helping to build from scratch a program that I truly believe in and working with the greatest group of folks this side of the Cascades.
Least favorite: translating materials from Spanish - I'm a bit rusty!
Personal bit: I'm a Colorado native and recently moved to Seattle to become a yoga instructor. I decided to stick with Seattle but scratch the yoga teaching and now here I am!
How Erin found WJ: the way I tell people they will never find a job: online!

ginamls

Gina Persichini from Idaho

All of our WebJunction Advocates are pretty stellar, but Gina stands out in the crowd with her enthusiasm for WJ and her upbeat advocacy for all we do. As a tech-savvy librarian, Gina is particularly interested in helping libraries in her state keep up with technology. Hey, she even helped us track down a persnickety bug on our message boards. That's what we love—dedicated members keeping us on our toes!

Position: Networking Consultant for the Idaho State Library.
What Gina really does: I work with libraries to help them provide services to their customers. I do this by developing and coordinating statewide library programs, educating about resource sharing, and helping libraries to work together through library networks and consortia.
Favorite: Working with all the different library staff members in Idaho, learning about their communities, and the support the State Library provides for innovative ideas.
Least favorite: Not having a spare bucket of cash to help struggling libraries do all it is that they want to do.
Personal bit: Much to the dismay of many people I know, I came to prefer outdoor activities after I moved from Florida to Idaho 4+ years ago. I now enjoy hiking, and I'm a struggling new golfer!
How Gina found WJ: I think WJ found me. I can't recall my first WJ encounter, but I do remember learning more details about it from Nancy Bolt during a regional, multi-state library conference.

sreymer

Suzanne Reymer from the Montana State Library, Billings Office

Whether promoting WebJunction as an Advocate or training with the Rural Library Sustainability Project in Montana or advising the Rural Watch Committee, Suzanne brings a high level of involvement and care to the WebJunction community. We value her ability to “think outside the box” on rural library issues and her fresh perspective on what WJ can and should be in the future.

Position: Statewide Technology Librarian
What Suzanne really does: Look for trouble and if I can't find any, create it.
Favorite: Traveling around our big beautiful state, working with library staffs, boards and community planning groups. I enjoy helping them see the possibilities.
Least favorite: Trying to make sense of E-Rate.
Personal bit: I've been cat-owned for years and got a dog about a year and a half ago. Since then I've had to learn how to become a pack leader instead of just a cat servant. But I've learned a lot and I now think that being able to take control of your dog is a good first step to taking control of your life. Now if only someone could teach me how to get the cats to listen to me.
How Suzanne found WJ: To be perfectly honest, I really don't remember. I know I knew about it for a long time before I finally became a member. I'd been rebelling against having to register and remember passwords for any more web sites. I recall being guilted into actually joining at a WebJunction breakfast at ALA a few years back. But no regrets, even if I still can't remember all my passwords. WJ is a worthwhile endeavor and I really appreciate the efforts of the staff and community to make it better all the time.

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Joe Sherwood from the Lower Providence Community Library, Pennsylvania

Position: Library Director
What Joe really does: Writing policies & procedures, community advocacy and fundraising... Communication, Communication, Communication.
Favorite: Meeting new people, accomplishing objectives.
Least favorite: Interminable meetings, people who don't respect others time.
Personal bit: I love to cook, fish, ride my bike & motorcycle and lots o' things outdoors.
How Joe found WJ: A friend of mine, who I went to Graduate School at Drexel University with, worked for the Gates Foundation. She told me about it and it sounded like an interesting gig. So I applied.

nicolle

Nicolle Steffen from the Colorado State Library

Position: Associate Director, Library Research Service (Colorado State Library)
What Nicolle really does: I do research for and about libraries, including annual data reports collected by the Federal government. Keith, my boss describes me as the LRS's "chief operating officer."
Favorite: The in-depth research and special projects that we do for libraries is the best part of my work. Librarians tell us all the time how our research helps them manage their libraries better, advocate for their libraries with decision makers, and talk about what they do in a quantitative way.
Least favorite: Long, long, days at the computer. Oy, my neck and shoulders hurt. Personal bit: I've been owned by a Jack Russell terrier for over 20 years.
How Nicolle found WJ: Rose at the Colorado State Library told me about the discussion forum. As chair of the CAL Intellectual Freedom Committee, I thought it would be a great place to talk about intellectual freedom issues with librarians from around Colorado and, even, the country.

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Jeff Stauffer from OCLC/WebJunction in Dublin, Ohio

Is he running on Energizer batteries? We don't know what keeps Jeff in constant high-speed motion; we just know that he's been working tirelessly since the beginning of WebJunction to just make it all happen, and we do mean all. He's a juggler, a magician, and he even ran the New York marathon this fall. Jeff is one-of-a-kind!

Position: Director, WebJunction Services
What Jeff really does: I have my hand in too many pots, from working with budgets to requirements to contracts to administration to marketing to you name it.
Favorite: Working behind the scenes so that librarians can connect and learn from one another.
Least favorite: Dealing with contracts.
Personal bit: I'm a big fan of Fletch (even named my dog after him).
How Jeff found WJ: A good friend and colleague of mine is the Product Manager of QuestionPoint and told me about the project OCLC was working on for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and I was hooked.

librarybob

Bob Watson from Lake Villa, IL

This little paragraph is not going to do justice to all of the contributions that Bob has made to the WebJunction community. Closing in on 400 posts to the message boards, he responds with alacrity and sensitivity to members' comments, generously sharing his ideas and experience. If that's not enough, he has been a special guest presenter for the Demonstrating Impact programs twice and has contributed content. Bob can always be found tending the community bar at St. Jerry's.

Position: Director, Lake Villa Library District
What Bob really does: Ask other people what they need done. (really!)
Favorite: Good people to work with.
Least favorite: Budgeting.
Personal bit: I own two white standard poodles (Bianca and Charley).
How Bob found WJ: If I recall, Chrystie popped up in the Brainstorms community I help moderate. I followed her link.