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On 24 Jul 2007, at 17:45, Sharon Foster wrote: > I'm a former embedded software engineer and a current library student, > trying to get up to speed on all this Web stuff. This question is not > part of any class project, but just for my own curiosity. How did you > all come to be so heavily involved in this aspect of librarianship? I > don't think it's being covered in most traditional MLS curricula, at > least not in any hands-on way, although there are certainly some LIS > programs that are getting into it in more depth than mine is. > > Were you a librarian first, who learned it via classes and tutorials? > Are you a former software developer or web developer who moved into > the library world? Or was there another path for you? I came from the engineer route. I was a hobbyist all through my childhood. 8 - 16 bit era. Found the internet in '94 and started learning HTML. Eventually went to Uni to study Software Engineering, and developed a deep interest in UNIX systems administration while there. Worked a year in a web application shop. Worked a year in local government doing a variety of DB and Web backend tasks. Now I've been in the National Library for 4 years as a software engineer/architect. Passed my RHCE I have just started my Masters in LIS, but to be honest, I think I've learned more from just working in a Library than I will gain from the qualification. Now my work comprises of OO PHP5, Zend Framework, XML, XSLT, SOAP, MARC, METS, Z39.50, and probably some OAI PMH around the corner. I learn best by experience, but one thing my Undergrad degree taught me is that people learn in vastly different ways. Just find out what suits you best. If running a rack of heterogeneous unix machines in your spare room is your thing, go do it :) It worked for me anyway. But some prefer to just read the manual from cover to cover before ever putting finger to keyboard. -- Dan Field <[log in to unmask]> Ffôn/Tel. +44 1970 632 582 Datblygwr Systemau Senior Software Engineer Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru National Library of Wales