I was an art major, learned to program, got my library degree, have been writing code (among other things) for libraries for 15 years, but was never an "official" librarian. I'm still learning to program, and always will be. 😊

This topic reminded me of a quote I like:

"I dare to imagine the general public learning to write code. I do not mean that knowledge of programming should join the ranks of subjects that represent basic literacy: languages, history, philosophy, the fundamentals of science and mathematics. I mean it the other way around. I hope that those with knowledge of the humanities will break into the closed society where code is written: invade it." - Ellen Ullman, Life in Code

The "invasion" goes both ways too; It would be nice to see more library leadership roles open up to people who code for libraries, not just those who have "librarian" in their titles.  After all, librarians were information technologists before Information Technology was even a thing!

---
Shaun Ellis
UX Web Developer
Princeton University Library


On 3/9/18, 12:10 PM, "Code for Libraries on behalf of Maurine McCourry" <[log in to unmask] on behalf of [log in to unmask]> wrote:

    Just wanted to point out: There are over 3500 subscribers to this list, and I think it's safe to say that the majority of us are librarians or other library staff who either code or aspire to do so. You are definitely not alone, and we need you and lots more like you in this profession ASAP!
    
    Maurine McCourry, Ph.D.
    Technical Services Librarian
    Hillsdale College, Mossey Library
    [log in to unmask]
    
    -----Original Message-----
    From: Code for Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Rios
    Sent: Friday, March 09, 2018 11:54 AM
    To: [log in to unmask]
    Subject: Re: [CODE4LIB] Librarians and computer science
    
    Dear Friends:
    
    THANK YOU!!
    
    I would love to hear from more of you (no pressure though), but I just wanted to thank everyone who already responded!!
    
    I feel much less alone now and will get back to all of you asap. THANK YOU!!
    
    Sincerely,
    Mike
    
    On Fri, Mar 9, 2018 at 11:43 AM, Walker, Stephanie < [log in to unmask]> wrote:
    
    > Long ago, in another life, I was a Math & Comp Sci major.  I had 
    > several IT jobs, and then a number of tech jobs in libraries, plus I 
    > did some database-related consulting.  For almost a decade, I headed 
    > the library and academic IT at Brooklyn College.  But I've been more 
    > and more in management and haven't directly coded myself in several years.
    >
    > Stephanie
    >
    > Stephanie Walker
    > Dean of Libraries & Information Resources University of North Dakota 
    > Chester Fritz Library, Room 217C
    > 3051 University Ave, Stop 9000
    > Grand Forks, ND
    > 58202-9000
    > Tel: (701) 777-2619
    > [log in to unmask]
    >
    >
    >
    > -----Original Message-----
    > From: Code for Libraries <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of 
    > McDonald, Stephen
    > Sent: Friday, March 9, 2018 9:41 AM
    > To: [log in to unmask]
    > Subject: Re: [CODE4LIB] Librarians and computer science
    >
    > There are a number of prominent librarians who code.  Many of them are 
    > on this list, or on LITA-L.
    >
    > I have a BS in Astronomy and an MLIS.  My software skills are 
    > self-taught.  As a planetary scientist, I became a computer system 
    > administrator and wrote a lot of analysis software.  As a librarian, I 
    > am a cataloger, currently working with both the traditional catalog 
    > and our institutional repository.  I've written code for 
    > computer-aided-cataloging, complicated batch changes to the catalog, 
    > and conversion of metadata between formats.  I am fortunate to be in a 
    > supportive environment; my supervisor has come to rely on my tech skills.
    >
    >                                         Steve McDonald
    >                                         [log in to unmask]
    >
    >
    > -----Original Message-----
    > From: Code for Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of 
    > Michael Rios
    > Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2018 6:58 PM
    > To: [log in to unmask]
    > Subject: [CODE4LIB] Librarians and computer science
    >
    > Hello I hope you are all well!!
    >
    > My name is Michael I am a public librarian with the New York public 
    > library.
    >
    > I have been taking cs classes on and off for the last five years. I 
    > greatly enjoy them but feel slightly split between two worlds.
    >
    > Are there many of us (librarians) who code?? If so please let me know 
    > if you mind having your brain picked.
    >
    > Many thanks!!
    >
    > Sincerely,
    > Mike
    >
    
    
    
    -- 
    
    Michael Rios | The New York Public Library Young Adult Librarian 53rd Street Library
    18 west 53rd Street
    New York, NY, 10019
    
    Click here
    <https://www.nypl.org/events/calendar?keyword=&target%5B%5D=ya&city%5B%5D=man&date_op=GREATER_EQUAL&date1=09%2F22%2F2017&location=8160&type=&topic=&audience=&series=>
    for
    a complete list of our Young Adult programs at the 53rd Street Library <https://www.nypl.org/locations/53rd-street>