Thanks, everyone, for your messages and support! We'll definitely keep
the list posted about what's going on, when meetings are scheduled, etc.
And please let me know if you're in the area and would like to
participate.
Jonathan, we were a little concerned, too, about repurposing a current
SIG to have a broader base, especially since it originated within a more
formal organization. You are absolutely right that this could mean a
restriction on participation, and we didn't want that at all. Although
METRO groups have no restriction on SIG attendance (no membership, fees,
etc.), we double-checked with their technology director just to be sure.
He was enthusiastic about the idea and gave us the green light. We
want to extend invitations as far as possible, and it seems like METRO
does, too. (And they'll let us use their meeting space!)
But as the group evolves, we definitely want to be sure that everything
is open access -- that's why we liked Code4Lib in the first place. So
we'll definitely work to make sure the group stays that way.
Thanks again!
Best,
Joanna
Jonathan Rochkind wrote:
I think it's a fine idea ot have a local Code4lib group.
But if it's an interest group of a particular library organization, I worry that means participation in the local group is limited to members of that particular library organization? One of the things we like about the Code4Lib community is precisely that it isn't such a formal organization someone needs their institution to pay something for to participate in. So if your group limited participation to Metro Library Council members, the Code4Lib name might not be appropriate.
But if all local library tech workers are welcome, then go for it!
Jonathan
---
Jonathan Rochkind
Digital Services Software Engineer
The Sheridan Libraries
Johns Hopkins University
410.516.8886
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Ed Summers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 8/13/2008 2:28 PM >>>
This seems like a great idea, and very similar to what I've heard Dan
Chudnov talk about regarding a code4lib-dc for the Washington DC area.
Would you be interested in using the code4lib.org drupal instance for
providing information about the user group: say
http://code4lib.org/nyc? Or perhaps you'd like nyc.code4lib.org to
point somewhere?
I definitely encourage you to continue to use the code4lib discussion
list to coordinate, announce meetings, etc, since it'll allow people
in other regions see how you are doing.
//Ed
On Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 1:42 PM, Joanna DiPasquale <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi everyone,
(I'm writing on behalf of myself, Paul Albert, and Kevin Reiss.)
We're writing to get your opinion on a group that we're looking to start up
in the New York City Metro area. Kevin, Paul, and I are members of a
Metropolitan Library Council (METRO) Special Interest Group that is --
currently -- named "Library 2.0." We usually meet quarterly to discuss
software, coding techniques, and issues facing library information
technology. (Past discussion topics are available online at
http://www.metro.org/collaborate/index.php/Library_2.0). Over the past year
or so, we've convened a really wonderful group of people who share similar
interests and focus. Although we're called the Library 2.0 group, we really
like to come together to focus more on coding techniques and software
implementation.
Many group members' attendance at the Code4Lib conference this past spring
helped us solidify an idea that others had discussed: we would like to start
up (albeit informally) a "Code4LibNYC-METRO" group or something similar.
The METRO group would continue to meet, with a slight name change, and be
as much as possible a place for "library technologists to commune,
gather/create/share ideas and software, be inspired, and forge
collaborations," just like Code4Lib. METRO will give us meeting space, and
we will extend invites as far as possible, to build a local Code4Lib group.
All will be welcome.
I know this might be a little off-topic from current discussions, but we
really would like to know your thoughts on this. Are there others out there
looking to start up a similar "local Code4Lib group " -- or have already?
(Any tips / opinions / ideas are greatly appreciated.) Is this a good
idea, from your perspective? We're hoping to start up the group in
September if we're on the right path.
(Please feel free to respond to me off-list [EMAIL PROTECTED] if you'd
prefer.)
Thank you for your help!
Joanna, Paul, and Kevin
--
Joanna DiPasquale
Web Developer
Libraries Digital Program Division
Columbia University Libraries
