On 24 Jul 2007, at 17:45, Sharon Foster wrote:
I'm a former embedded software engineer and a current library student,
trying to get up to speed on all this Web stuff. This question is not
part of any class project, but just for my own curiosity. How did you
all come to be so heavily involved in this aspect of librarianship? I
don't think it's being covered in most traditional MLS curricula, at
least not in any hands-on way, although there are certainly some LIS
programs that are getting into it in more depth than mine is.
Were you a librarian first, who learned it via classes and tutorials?
Are you a former software developer or web developer who moved into
the library world? Or was there another path for you?
I came from the engineer route.
I was a hobbyist all through my childhood. 8 - 16 bit era.
Found the internet in '94 and started learning HTML.
Eventually went to Uni to study Software Engineering, and developed a
deep interest in UNIX systems administration while there.
Worked a year in a web application shop.
Worked a year in local government doing a variety of DB and Web
backend tasks.
Now I've been in the National Library for 4 years as a software
engineer/architect.
Passed my RHCE
I have just started my Masters in LIS, but to be honest, I think I've
learned more from just working in a Library than I will gain from the
qualification.
Now my work comprises of OO PHP5, Zend Framework, XML, XSLT, SOAP,
MARC, METS, Z39.50, and probably some OAI PMH around the corner.
I learn best by experience, but one thing my Undergrad degree taught
me is that people learn in vastly different ways. Just find out what
suits you best. If running a rack of heterogeneous unix machines in
your spare room is your thing, go do it :) It worked for me anyway.
But some prefer to just read the manual from cover to cover before
ever putting finger to keyboard.
--
Dan Field <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ffôn/Tel. +44 1970 632 582
Datblygwr Systemau Senior Software Engineer
Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru National Library of Wales
