Off-topic? What automation librarians need to know

[Lori A. Schwabenbauer, Camden County Library]

This may be somewhat off-topic, but:

At the request of a colleague, I just put together a list of things an
automation librarian really needs to know.  (Web software was included!) 
Anyone else have anything to add?  I'd be curious on what you all think. 
Thanks.
  
The things an automation librarian really should know, in no special order:
	1.  How to communicate library-ese to technical people and tech-ese to
library people - to put things in laymen's terms
	2.  How to help tech people (and vendors) understand library priorities
	3.  How to get staff to be as self-supporting as possible - and not run
to you every time any device with a plug is malfunctioning
	4.  How to plan projects to come up with realistic deadlines that take
into account a sometimes convoluted purchasing process (especially in a public
setting bound by government purchasing rules), vendor delays (commonplace),
technical problems (guaranteed), lead time for staff training and an overall 
"comfort margin" 
	5.  How to keep automation staff, library staff, customers and others
informed of upcoming changes in a timely fashion
	6.  How to get buy-in from library staff and customers on proposed 
changes by: good PR and lots of it; getting staff involved in making choices;
conducting user surveys; keeping a positive attitude
	7.  How to organize and conduct training for library staff on new
equipment and software (and for customers, unless Reference or another
department is responsible)
	8.  Technical knowledge: at a minimum, experience using Windows 95 (or
MAC OS, if you're a Macintosh-only site), printers, modems, MS Office or 
comparable software, your library automation software, Netscape, Microsoft
Exchange, ftp, telnet, email; experience doing various software installs and 
upgrades; experience with basic hardware troubleshooting; the more knowledge
about your library automation software and server, the better; the more
knowledge about networking, especially Windows NT, the better
	9.  How to keep up with trends and new information - how to stay
connected and network with techies and peers
	10.  How to keep necessary information - documentation, manuals,
network schematics, vendor catalogs, warranty and repair logs, equipment
specifications, software and hardware use policies, procedures, instructions, a
library system disaster recovery plan, emergency procedures and contacts in an 
organized fashion (and make sure you *have* all the above)
	11.  How to work with techies, staff, administration to write a formal 
plan for the future (say, the next 3 years), update it, and keep priorities in 
line while still being flexible
	12.  How to keep your head while all around you, others are losing
theirs and blaming it on you (basically - how to keep a good perspective on
things and lighten up - it's a tough job but a rewarding one!)            

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Lori A. Schwabenbauer               609-772-1636 x3336
Supervisor, Automation Services     fax 609-772-6105 
Camden County Library               lori at camden.lib.nj.us  
203 Laurel Road                     http://www.cyberenet.net/~ccl/
Voorhees, NJ  08043  USA            Opinions/ideas/gripes are mine.
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