Education and route in:
GCSEs (I was told to do a YTS but I refused!) and A-Levels, BA Hons degree in Librarian and Information Science Brighton University
Cat’s viewpoints:
It’s been a lot of luck rather than planning. My ability to be a quick study and stubborn/determined has helped. I was also lucky to find a job that I enjoyed.
One of my most interesting roles was as deputy manager of the Gloucestershire County Council’s web team of three, managing and editing the website and intranet. Following a review and restructuring, I became the sole web manager for the library section of the County Council’s website until 2008.
During this phase the County Council website evolved from a library based online information system using MERLIN – something very much like TELETEXT but interactive - to provide information about clubs and organisations. This grew to cover the whole county and to include information about local councils and some fun elements like giving children the opportunity to submit jokes. This basic system formed the basis for what became the website. Unlike others, the management remit was retained by the library service, with the website manager, also a qualified Librarian, favouring the combination of managing information and technology together.
Although I completed my degree before browser software became widely available, certain elements of both my studying and professional career did help me to harness the skills quickly. Systems such as GOPHER, VERONICA and WAIS and the Internet were still in its infancy, which illustrates how fast things have moved in just over a decade. However, even then, I had a good idea of how to find information and how it links together. I did complete an optional course in computing during my degree though. The information science and environment subject areas covered online resources and their impact on the information world. By my first paid job I was training people in how to use the Internet.
Nowadays, things are very different and people coming into digital roles understand computers and networks. But, ultimately, anyone working in information services needs to retain a clear understanding of how people ask for information, what they really want to know and how to organise it so they can find it. The computer stuff can be a whizzy as you like, but if it doesn’t fulfil these criteria, it ends up jumbled, leaving your end users confused
Cat’s two web tips:
- Don’t create what exists already, link to it
- Content is King – avoid images for the sake of images
What’s next?
Not sure. My current role still has a web-editing element, but I am also enjoying being back on the front line, with people who ask questions and an environment over which I am boss. I would have liked to get more involved in Hybrid libraries. I have applied for roles at FE and HE level but have been ‘pipped’ to the post.
Best bit about my job:
Working with people, learning all the time and the opportunity for creative thinking.
Cat’s personal career tips:
- Find an area you know something about and enjoy.
- Listen to those already working in the area and be open to new developments. And keep learning.