EDITOR'S NOTES
Onward and Upward
by
Dick Kaser
This issue of Computers in Libraries magazine is one of milestones, transitions, and turning points.
The theme this month was supposed to be Web-Scale Initiatives, but in the end we decided to name the issue Partnering, since in addition to its web-sized focus, it features two very fine examples of organizations and individuals working together to achieve big goals.
In this issue you’ll read about how representatives from OCLC and Pepperdine University moved the university’s ILS into the cloud and how any major technology platform shift can be facilitated by a good client/vendor working relationship.
You’ll also read how representatives from SLA worked together for a whole year not only to produce a collaborative blog but to help information professionals become Future Ready.
As for milestones, columnist Janet Balas, a systems librarian at Monroeville (Pa.) Public Library, marks with this issue her 25th year writing for Computers in Libraries magazine. As a witness to many tech transitions, Janet has relentlessly uncovered resources to go with just about every libtech subject. And with this issue, she’s even moved into the cloud.
As for transitions, we say a formal goodbye this month to columnist Dan Chudnov, who, as he wrote a few issues back, simply could not be stopped from pursuing his new interests. We wish him well and, at the same time, welcome Helene Blowers (Columbus Metropolitan Library in Ohio), who will be writing a new column for us about digital strategies.
Finally, as for turning points, this issue must certainly but sadly be dedicated to the memory of my late wife Victoria Cox Kaser, who edited Computers in Libraries magazine from March 2008 through December 2011. She titled her last issue Bright Futures, and, so one can only hope …
I look forward to seeing you at the Computers in Libraries conference next month.
Dick Kaser, Executive Editor
kaser@infotoday.com
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