About me

I am the Head of Instructional Services at the Portland State University Library in Oregon and am an adjunct faculty member at San Jose State University’s School of Library and Information Science. I’m also the author of the book Social Software in Libraries: Building Collaboration, Communication and Community Online (Information Today, 2007) and write the monthly column “Technology in Practice” for American Libraries. I’m the creator and manager of Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki and have created a number of well-known national conference wikis (ALA 2005 and 2006, Internet Librarian 2006-2008, etc.). I have presented internationally on topics such as social technologies, managing library technology projects, encouraging innovation organizationally, and LIS education. In 2006, I was named a Mover and Shaker by Library Journal for innovative uses of technology to benefit the profession and in 2009 was honored with the LITA/Library Hi Tech award for Outstanding Communication in Library and Information Technology.

I live with my wonderful husband and adorable toddler son in one of the best places in the world (cupcake foodcarts anyone?). I feel lucky to have been able to achieve what I have in my professional and my family life. Writing is one of my favorite things to do, and I’m grateful for all this blog has brought me beyond just being a space to unmuddle my thoughts.