My name is Ruth Kneale, and I’m the Systems Librarian for the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope, a major project of the National Solar Observatory. I’m the kind of librarian that often elicits head-shaking, “I didn’t know librarians could do that” kind of comments, as I have no books but can rebuild a computer system with my eyes closed. I also administer our databases and web sites, run several electronic document management systems, and make a mean cup of coffee.

I have what some might call an obsession with the way librarians are viewed in this increasingly techno-inclined age. I make a lot of noise about the topic: I blog about it, give talks about it, and in the past year have even written a book about it.

I am honored to be a 2009 Shover and Maker. My fellow S&M awardees are amazing librarians who show how accomplished and individual we all are, every single day. Kudos to you all!