Edward Iglesias wrote:
"Obviously a huge culture change
is necessary if librarians are going to become more computer literate let
alone acquire skills in computer programming.  The first step needs to be
at the grad school level.  When I went through the program if I wanted to
learn programming it would have to be through computer science or the
Business program.  "
 
Well, which comes first, the job requirements or the job skills?  How many new library graduates today are going to "non-traditional" jobs that want the knowledge and skills of a librarian, with programming literacy?  There does seem to be a growing desire among libraries for librarians with computer programming skills, or at least the ability to learn programming.  But from what I've seen, those skills are like icing on the cake for a job candidate ("oh? you can create a web page?  You've done some database administration?  Hmmm, we could use some help in this other area, although it's not really part of the job description...").  Also consider where most librarians are going, which seems to be reflected in the library course offerings:  media specialists (school librarians), for example, and programming (i.e., public library programs).  Personally, I think it makes a lot more sense to cross-train at the graduate school level, forcing students to get some minimal computer programming skills.  At least they'd have some of the culture and terminology in their background even if they never directly use it after graduation.  This is what they did at L.S.U. while I was there.  
 
Blake Carver wrote:
"Demographics? Aren't most librarians "old" now? It's up to us damn kids to
change that, maybe now that there are more of us youngins around we'll
start to change the numbers somewhat?"
 
Who are you calling old?  ;-)
 
Carol Bean
Computer Center Manager
North County Regional Library
Palm Beach County Library System