Heads of Library Technology (HoLT) Interest Group
ALA Midwinter, Denver, CO
January 25, 2009, 10:30 am

The meeting was called to order by Chair Richard Wayne at 10:37

• Introductions
  1. Richard welcomed everyone, introduced the officers, and gave a brief outline on the organization and purpose of the interest group. He then asked everyone to introduce themselves and provide a brief description of any issues or projects they are working on.
  2. Representative projects:
     • Mobile computing
     • WorldCat API
     • Live chat reference services
     • Website revamp/CMS implementation
     • Digitizing legacy videos
     • Bandwidth improvement
     • ILS replacement (Horizon)
     • Koha
     • Primo rollout
     • Xtensible catalog project
     • Personal web plugins
     • Metadata batching
     • Staff core competencies
     • Needs assessment
     • Widgets for databases
     • Digitization grants
     • User-based design
     • Institutional repository
     • Grid computing
     • PC management
     • Playing catch-up
     • Open source experimentation
• Business matters
  • Program at Annual - HoLT is sponsoring a program on content management systems. Vice Chair Mark Stoffan reported that the details are being finalized and that we have three good panelists lined up. They are Karen Coombs from the University of Houston, Jonathan Blackburn from Florida state University, and Eli Neiburger from Ann Arbor Public Library.
  • Richard reported that the book on library IT staff competencies is now available. Several HoLT members contributed chapters to the project. It is available from Neal-Schuman.
  • Sue Thompson, past Chair, will ask HoLT members to participate in a technology competency survey via the HoLT listserv.
  • Richard asked for a volunteer to serve as vice chair when Mark moves up to Chair in July. Any interested people should contact Richard.
  • Richard encouraged all members to attend the LITA Town Meeting on Monday.
  • Other LITA programs were announced including the Forum in Salt Lake City.
• Hot Talk
  • Richard asked if there any additions to the topics listed on the white board. Additions were made and the list finalized as follows:
    1. Do we have the tools to "compete" with Google?
    2. Is it time to rethink the systems librarian's role?
    3. Managing IT in times of declining budgets.
    4. Green tech initiated learning.
  • Topic #2 ("Is it time to rethink the systems librarian's role?") was selected. Discussion revolved around these topics:
    • "Leadership" vs. "running things"
    • How the system librarian's role can vary widely by institution
    • Project management is becoming more important
    • Is an MLS degree needed?
    • Cost and feasibility
    • Critical importance of partnering
    • The role of the systems librarian is tied to the changing mission of the library.