Losing Ground? -Reply

[Dan Lester]

Bob, I surely don't have any magic answers, but as
an "old fart" (as my son, who writes code for a
library software firm, frequently calls me with a
certain amount of love and respect) in this racket
(thirty years this year in library technology), I just
want to assure you that the problem you describe is
neither new or localized.  We deal with it here, too,
as do most on the list, I'm sure.

What works for me is a strange balance between
"do what you want and know is right and let them
bitch about it later" and "don't go to the bathroom
without asking permission".  I'll frequently set up
something new and different and then let the
masses discover it and praise it.  This is
particularly effective if there are a couple of people
who want this new thing anyway, and who will be
strong supporters.  By the time the naysayers learn
about it (and they won't ever be the first) there will
be so much support for it that they'll not dare to
object due to fear of revolution.  Other times, and
particularly if it is something that I'm not particularly
in support of, or don't think is worth the trouble, I'll
be sure to get all possible approvals, preferably
with a few committees involved, before proceeding.
 

Does this mean I manipulate the people and the
system so that the automated services (not just
web services in my case) come out closer to what I
think they should be?  Sure.  Do I think it is wrong? 
No.  I'm taking advantage of the tools and
resources I've been given, including hardware,
software, people, and money.  Of course I'm not
going to do something if the boss says explicitly not
to.  And I try to be careful of public opinion and
"image".  But it works for me.

You do have to know the people and politics
involved, which is why I couldn't give you specific
advice on how to deal with your individuals and
groups.  What works in some situations won't work
in others.  But, since I've done library technology in
six state colleges/universities in six states, a local
adaptation of what I describe above has always
worked for me.  

I'll stop for now to do some "real work", but will be
glad to discuss these ideas further on or off list.

the old cyclops



Dan Lester, Network Information Coordinator
Boise State University Library, Boise, Idaho, 83725
USA
voice: 208-385-1235   fax:  208-385-1394
dlester at bsu.idbsu.edu     OR   
alileste at idbsu.idbsu.edu
Cyclops' Internet Toolbox:    http://cyclops.idbsu.edu
"How can one fool make another wise?"   Kansas,
1979.