I started a blog post earlier and wasn’t very focused on topic. I talked a bit about what I’m learning in my Project Management class (which again, totally rocks)– but I never got to the title.

In my Internet reading, it seems like the average job search is about 8 months– I have a kid to feed and a wife to put through her last year of college, so I can’t afford any real down time. I graduate in May of next year, and my contract at CU ends on June 30. There’s never a guarantee of a contract renewal, and with the economy being what it is, I’d rather not take chances.

So, I will be working on this blog– writing up a bit more instead of keeping my ideas and work to myself (and my classmates) and showing off some of my html and design skills. I’ll also be putting together a resume/portfolio site that this blog will only become one small part of.

While I’m open to working either in Academia or Public (there are things that draw me to each environment)– there are a few things I know I definitely do want:

1. A healthy respect for innovation, creativity, and collaboration in the workplace culture.

2. The opportunity to use and build upon my technical interests. Professional development freedom– if not active support and encouragement would be great.

3. Opportunities to train and/or serve the public. Bonus points for staff training as well.

4. A workplace where people are nice. Where they feel appreciated and empowered.

Some of the job titles that interest me are “Emerging Technologies” librarian, “User Experience Librarian”, “Information/Learning Commons Librarian” or Systems Librarian. But I like to think of myself as “intellectually unfettered” and so I’m open to a lot of different things.

I tend to like to think, create, contribute, and try to put people together to make things happen- so management and/or some level administration doesn’t scare me away either.

So, keep your fingers crossed. Hopefully I’ll have some good news to post in the coming months!

So, how are you? I’ve been fine. Did you think I forgot you were here? =)

Ah, in all seriousness… I don’t want to waste to much space on the Internets with posts that don’t really contribute much. But there is a lot going on.

I am thoroughly enjoying both my LI863: Project Management course as well as my LI846: Networking for Information Agencies. Project Management is helping already. It is surprising how hostile I am finding my library to Project Management principles. Granted, we certainly are already very much overworked. We define the bottom in terms of staffing levels of ARL libraries.

However, while Project Management presents the appearance of more work up front– the point is to increase the chances of success, and to prevent pitfalls along the way. It is also to increase efficiency. By planning well, we get a chance to properly allocate time, money, talent, and tasks. By keeping track of progress we ensure proper timing, which keeps costs down as well as stress levels. By evaluating the project, we learn from our mistakes as well as successes and gain more confidence and expertise in planning future projects.

So why the resistance?