I have worked in academic libraries for over 25 years previously working for 15 years in corporate IT. I literally grew in my careers along with computers, sometimes to the disbelief of students when I describe taking apart the inners of the CPU and reading a core dump. I transitioned to libraries because of the opportunities of automation in its early days and have stayed there ever since. I am still considered a "techie," although I have transitioned more to educational and instructional technology after obtaining my doctorate. The role of technology has changed, it is more ubiquitous but nevertheless challenging at times. I have also slid into the world of research methodology, particularly intrigued with the "stories" that are uncovered using qualitative methodologies. Now, as a member of the teaching and outreach group, I find myself helping more students use technology to collaborate, analyze, and display their research. This has led to teaching full-semester research methods courses (qual and quant, not library). Is this aspect of research an untapped or future role of librarians? I'd love to hear what others think.

I also wear another strange hat. For the past 18 years I have worked with special needs students, ensuring that they have their course resources in an accessible format. We are a small institution. I would love to hear how this is handled in other small institutions, those that do not have a special processing unit/department as well as how you help special needs students use the library.

One can always ask me about the grandchildren, the dog and granddogs, as well as debate the future of libraries, out-of-the-box thinking about what the future could be.