The Origin of My Nickname: Arty-chan

A lot of people ask me about my nickname and how I got it. Funny enough, I thought I already wrote a blog post about this, but I can’t find any record of it, so here it is. Obviously, this will be a more personal post than usual, but online identities are a big part of our use of technology after all. Continue reading “The Origin of My Nickname: Arty-chan”

Implementing a Revised Workflow: Physical Materials in Technical Services

I’ve already written about and given a few talks on workflow including some of the ideas and methods that directly came out of my work, but I still haven’t written about the actual changes we made and how they were implemented. While we may be getting less of it compared to years ago, the library still processes and catalogues thousands of physical items a year. I’m not sure how systematically the workflow had ever really been reviewed, so I wanted to make sure to take a holistic approach including everyone in the department as well as some work happening outside of it. Continue reading “Implementing a Revised Workflow: Physical Materials in Technical Services”

Making Your Website Accessible Part 4: WCAG 2.1

The latest revision of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), version 2.1, was recently published. While it’s a few years old, I still often refer to my series of blog posts that break down WCAG 2.0 because unlike many of my other articles on web accessibility, it refers to the WCAG criteria by number. This extra part to the series is to specifically cover what’s new in WCAG 2.1. Continue reading “Making Your Website Accessible Part 4: WCAG 2.1”

Implementing the “Nearly Limitless Pilot” and Adding the “Express TV” Collection

There are a couple of big projects that I did during my last job that I still hadn’t posted about, so I apologize to those who have been waiting to hear.

Two of the big projects I lead was to add a new Express TV DVD collection, and almost at the same time (launched 2 weeks apart), revamp our circulation rules for loan periods, loan limits, hold limits, and renewals. Continue reading “Implementing the “Nearly Limitless Pilot” and Adding the “Express TV” Collection”

Reflection: 18 months as a Manager of Technology and Technical Services

It’s taking me a lot longer than usual to write this reflection piece since I’ve been busy with unpacking and settling into a new place.

As usual, this piece is meant to be reflective of my experience. No criticism is meant of my former work place as every organization has its quirks and ways it could improve. If anything, I was grateful for the opportunities I had in helping the library (and to a small extent the city) move forward and improve its services. So, please keep in mind that this piece should be read in a reflective, and positive tone. Now, onwards… Continue reading “Reflection: 18 months as a Manager of Technology and Technical Services”

Technical Services: Rationale and Benefits of a Workflow Review

I have been doing a bunch of work in reviewing workflows and implementing new or changes to existing workflows, especially in Technical Services. In the process, I have been asked not only about the process I went through, but the rationale and value in doing such an exercise, especially for organizations where most Technical Services work has been outsourced. So just thought I’d jot down some thoughts. Continue reading “Technical Services: Rationale and Benefits of a Workflow Review”

Making the Choice: Personal over Professional

This is going to be a relatively short post, but as many people have been asking me why I am leaving my current position, I thought I might as well do a brief post about the whole thing.

TL;DR version: We’re moving and since my current position is not a remote/telecommute job, I am resigning.

For the fuller explanation, read on. Continue reading “Making the Choice: Personal over Professional”