Home LITA Membership LITA Interest Groups Heads of Library Technology 2005 Midwinter Meeting Minutes

GROUP: Heads of Library Technology Interest Group

CHAIR: Sue Thompson

REPORTER: Sue Thompson

EMAIL: sthompsn@csusm.edu

CONFERENCE: Midwinter

MEETING: Interest Group Business Meeting

ATTENDEES: 13

CURRENT ACTIVITIES: A draft of the HoLT membership directory was passed around for corrections and to allow people not on it to add their names. An extensive discussion followed concerning what information should be added to the HoLT directory and what the directory's purpose should be. The purpose of the directory was seen as two-fold: 1. to identify Systems contacts by a variety of criteria (organization size, technologies, etc.) in order to consult with them on issues they may have already dealt with and 2. to identify areas of interest between Systems people for the purpose of research. In addition to basic contact information, the group would like to include information on such things as management structure, technology responsibilities, and areas of interest.

During the directory and program discussions, a number of participants indicated it would be desirable to expand beyond HoLT's typical members and encourage more diverse participation. There are a number of other technology-related groups in ALA (and elsewhere) that might be interested in what HoLT does and whose members might be interested in attending our meetings too.

HoLTalk focused on management principles used by library technology departments. Several talked about finding the right blend of technology and management, particularly to determine where to focus limited resources. We need to identify trends of what's needed in library technology personnel. Managing IT folk is different that managing other library personnel. It's the role of the IT manager to identify skills needed and determine how to enable staff development.

Ideas for publications and/or programs included management of library systems departments and core technical competencies for library staff.

FUTURE ACTIVITIES:

• The basic directory information already collected will be posted to the LITA/HoLT Web site. Information will also be included on how to join the HoLT listserv.
• The chair will design a survey attempting to gather the various types of additional information recommended.
• A small group will work together on determining the technology to make the extended directory information available.
• Continue to discuss on the listserv what specific actions, such as contacting other groups, we should take to broaden HoLT's visibility and accessibility.