Tag: reflection

Implementing Values: Learning from GitLab: Collaboration

This is the first value covered in a series of blog posts on what we can learn in implementing values that are the same or similar to GitLab’s CREDIT values. For background and links to the other posts, please check out the overview post. Continue reading “Implementing Values: Learning from GitLab: Collaboration”

Implementing Values: What we can learn from GitLab: Overview and Context

I had intended to write a single post related to GitLab and how it implements its values, because I was afraid that if I broke it up, I would end up using some of the same examples across the different posts, since a lot of what we do exemplifies more than one value, but in the end, I decided shorter posts would be better. Nevertheless, the series should be read as a single article broken up for publication purposes.

I wanted to write this post because after years of working in public services and similar organizations, GitLab was quite the culture shock, but in a good way. I wanted to share some of my experiences in the hopes that others can learn from how GitLab implements its values — collaboration, results, efficiency, diversity, iteration, and transparency (CREDIT) — that many organizations also value, but where some seem to struggle to implement them. Continue reading “Implementing Values: What we can learn from GitLab: Overview and Context”

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”

Learning to be a Systems Administrator for Horizon ILS

This is one of those presentations that never was, but I thought it would be interesting to write up anyway as a reflective piece. Interestingly, I didn’t find out that I would be the library’s ILS administrator until after I started the job. It didn’t really make any difference, and if anything, I was glad to be doing some of the operational work on the systems side. I have never actually been a systems librarian so I had a lot to learn and I have been grateful for the opportunity. Continue reading “Learning to be a Systems Administrator for Horizon ILS”

A Reflection on Two Years as Content Coordinator

After a little over two years, my time at the BC Libraries Cooperative (the co-op) working on the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) project will be coming to an end. As I prepare to leave, I thought I would reflect on my work while at the co-op. Continue reading “A Reflection on Two Years as Content Coordinator”

A Letter of Thanks

I have often thought that I have been fortunate to meet a lot of great people during my time in library school and since then in the working world. While I have thanked many of them in writing and in person, I wanted to reflect on how the combination of people and their support has gotten me to where I am in my professional life. Continue reading “A Letter of Thanks”

Imagine Living Without Books Part 2: Connecting Print Disabled Readers

In part 1, I asked readers to think about what it would be like to imagine living with access to only a very small selection of books, and provided some additional context for Canada. If you haven’t already, please read Imagine Living Without Books Part 1 as the two parts are meant to be read as one post. Continue reading “Imagine Living Without Books Part 2: Connecting Print Disabled Readers”

Imagine Living Without Books Part 1: The Importance of Supporting Print Disabled Readers

People often ask me what I do, and I tend to respond with “providing books in accessible formats to print disabled”, but most people seem to simply accept that as another job or project description. Some people do ask me to explain further, but often, I don’t think we (and that includes myself, and other people involved in the project) truly realize the impact and importance of the project. Continue reading “Imagine Living Without Books Part 1: The Importance of Supporting Print Disabled Readers”