Letter from the Editor (March 2018)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v37i1.10388

Abstract

This issue marks 50 years of Information Technology and Libraries. The scope and ever-accelerating pace of technological change over the five decades since Journal of Library Automation was launched in 1968 mirrors what the world at large has experienced. From “automating” existing services and functions a half century ago, libraries are now using technology to rethink, recreate, and reinvent services — often in areas that simply were in the realm of science fiction. 

Author Biography

Kenneth J. Varnum, University of Michigan

Ken Varnum is Librarian and Senior Program Manager for Discovery, Delivery, and Library Analytics at the University of Michigan Library. In this role, Ken is responsible for the library's discovery interfaces (the "MLibrary" single search tool, ArticlesPlus, Search Tools, etc.), delivery interfaces, and the library's evolving and emerging analytics infrastructure. He received a master's degree from the University of Michigan's School of Information and his Bachelor of Arts from Grinnell College. Over his two decades working with public-facing technology in academic, corporate, and special libraries, he has gained a deep appreciation and understanding of the need to tailor systems and interfaces to the local user base. A frequent speaker and author, Ken presents and writes about discovery systems, library analytics, and technology. In addition to numerous articles and chapters, he wrote "Drupal in Libraries" (2012), compiled the LITA Guide "The Top Technologies every Librarian Needs to Know" (2014), and edited Lorcan Dempsey's "The Network Reshapes the Library" (2014). His most recent book, "Exploring Discovery: The Front Door to Your Library’s Licensed and Digitized Content" was published by ALA Editions in 2016. He blogs at rss4lib.com and can be found on Twitter at @varnum.

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Published

2018-03-19

How to Cite

Varnum, K. J. (2018). Letter from the Editor (March 2018). Information Technology and Libraries, 37(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v37i1.10388

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 1 (2018)

Section

Editorials

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