Steven R. Harris — Shoving and Making It Fun!
I am Director of Collections and Acquisitions at the University of New Mexico, but you may remember me for that embarrassing role in the LOUIS video. I like to see the fun side of technology. I once jokingly said in a department meeting, “If it isn’t fun, it’s not worth doing,” and then they took me at my word!
I’ve been a tech-addict for some time. If it’s got electrons and books, I’ve probably owned it. I shoved and got my (previous) library to buy a Sony Reader for the staff to use and test and explore the world of ebooks. I also shoved a couple of different ebook platforms down their throats, including some patron-driven acquisitions plans. Give them what they want…as soon as possible! Like, right now would be good.
I also shoved and got that library to adopt blogging as the primary means of sharing information within the library and with the customers. I’m still working on my current library in that regard. But I will not be denied! I also do a lot of blogging myself over at Collections 2.0, where I espouse a philosophy of using technology to make library collections more interactive and patron-responsive.
At my current library I am thinking of ways to lessen the “eShock” that folks are feeling. We are implementing so many new things (ERM, federated search, Libguides) and thinking about implementing others (WorldCat Local, new web designs, blogging) that people can feel overwhelmed. My goal is to make them see how FUN it is!
When I’m not working I enjoy making things with social media tools:
Category: S&M Winners, 2009 3 comments »
March 24th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
So does UNM have Sony Readers or Amazon Kindles? Keep Shoving!
March 25th, 2009 at 1:50 am
Ah, that was back at Utah State University we had the Sony, but I’m working on ‘em in New Mexico.
March 25th, 2009 at 5:38 am
[...] a Shover & Maker! It’s the Library Society of the World’s spoof of Library Journal’s Movers & [...]