My Credentials

I grew up with computers, and at 47, I'm one of the few people of my generation able to say that. My parents owned a computer consulting firm, and my father was a great believer in the computer revolution, so he made sure I and my siblings had access. He bought a PC Jr (aka Peanut) in the mid 1980s and taught us how to use it. So I not only have a lot of knowledge about computers, software, the Internet, and other tech, but I also have an almost instinctual familiarity with how to use them. This is similar to the principle that the more languages you know, the easier it is to learn another, because you have a basic familiarity with how they work and how to learn them.

I have also always been known as someone who can explain complicated concepts in an understandable fashion. I might not get it exactly right the first time, but I keep trying until I find a method that works for the person I'm communicating with. 

So, while I was a public librarian for 11 years, one of my major duties was to teach people about technology. I successfully trained colleagues and patrons, formally and informally, one-on-one and in classroom settings. I covered topics as diverse as basic computing, using library resources for research, Microsoft Word, how to use copiers and printers, scanning, ebooks, specific databases, and surfing the web safely and effectively. I trained complete beginners and tech savvy users who were learning a new skill or resource. I was one of the go-to people both for answering the tough tech questions and for tech training.

So, what this means for you is that I not only know a lot, but also know how to find out more, how to explain what I know to you, and how to teach you how to be more tech independent by finding answers for yourself. 

In addition, in my 14 years professional research experience as a corporate and public librarian, I did reference using databases, print resources, and the internet. I have a lot of research expertise I'd love to put to work for you fulfilling your information needs.