The Global Librarian

I found a new favorite epigraph.

After a few years of being defunct, I’ve decided to revive my Tumblr as my primary blog to start putting my words back on paper and giving myself more space for creative outlet. This is the text from a brown bag talk I gave at Indiana University. It was originally titled Decoding Digital Preservation 2.0 (based on an earlier talk I gave that I’ll likely put up here later), but after the elections last week I decided to refocus the purpose of the talk.

So here it is, in all it’s raw, largely unedited glory.

The Present of Digital Preservation

The Code4Lib Journal (C4LJ) exists to foster community and share information among those interested in the intersection of libraries, technology, and the future.

 Discussions on the Code4Lib listserv and keynotes by Valerie Aurora and Sumana Harihareswara at Code4Lib 2014 show that diversity is a topic of ongoing importance to the Code4Lib community.  A recent editorial in the Code4Lib Journal by Ron Peterson originally sparked discussion of the idea for a special issue among the journal’s editorial committee; the demographic breakdown of both the author community and the committee itself laid bare the fact that diversity is a major challenge even in communities that are highly supportive.  With this in mind, the Code4Lib Journal will present a special issue on diversity within library technology as its 28th publication, to be published in April 2015.  

The Editorial Committee recognizes the value that different backgrounds and experiences bring to our editorial process. We also recognize a lack of diverse voices represented among us, so we are seeking applications and nominations for guest editors to help shape and curate this special issue. Guest editors will collaborate with members of the Editorial Committee on soliciting, reviewing, selecting, and editing articles as well as co-authoring an editorial with the Coordinating Editor. We are seeking individuals with a demonstrated commitment to forwarding diversity and inclusivity in library technology; editorial/writing experience is preferable, but not necessary.

Work as a guest editor will involve around ten hours of work per month, running from December/January through April 2015.  As part of the guest editorial committee, you will define the process and criteria for selecting articles as well as contribute to the issue’s editorial introduction.  You will also be able to work closely with selected authors in order to provide suggestions and help develop the issue’s articles.  The journal’s regular editorial committee will provide assistance in this process as second readers and sounding boards, but you will be the main driving force behind the success of the issue.

We will begin accepting applications immediately, and will close the call once we have built a strong guest editorial committee.  To apply for a spot or nominate someone else, please email your/the nominee’s CV and a brief letter of interest to journal[at]code4lib[dot]org.  Your letter should address these two basic questions:

1) What is your/the nominee’s background in diversity in library tech?

2) What is your/the nominee’s potential contribution to the special issue?