I've been a library geek forever. Summer reading program from first grade onward. Library as homeroom in middle school. President of the high school library club. When I was twelve the Santa Clara Public Library hired me as a junior page, and since then I've always had some kind of library job – everything from book mender to bibliographer. I tried my hand at other things along the way – cocktail waitress, documentary film writer – but my heart, and at least a part of my livelihood, has always been at the library.

When I started library school my ambition was to be a rare books librarian. I ended up taking a job with the California State Library, where I spent two years doing government documents and reference work – my one "normal" librarian job post-MLS. When I was hired in 1975 I was the only person in the department who had done any online searching, which made me their de facto techie. I learned everything I ever knew about technology on the job, by reading articles, trying experiments, and pestering vendors and systems folks. I also learned that you don't have to know all about a subject to be considered an "expert," just a tiny bit more than the people around you.

Sometimes I think my career has advanced mainly because I'm impatient with too much routine. My accidental involvement in technology led me to the Library Development side of the State Library, then into management of the state grants program, and from there into independent consulting. I started consulting in 1982, concentrating on technology at first but finding my true passion in the areas of innovation, new service models, and the future of libraries.

In 2005 I happened to cross paths with (Eureka! mentor) George Needham, and my career took another turn. After years of flying solo, I began to collaborate with George on conference presentations, then podcasts, workshops, and finally, consulting projects. Working with a partner has challenged me to aim higher and take more risks at a time when I might otherwise be starting to coast towards retirement. Now the work is more difficult, more fun, and more rewarding than ever. I may never quit!

When I'm not on the road encouraging libraries to try something new, I hang out with my husband Martin and three cats in Sacramento, cooking with friends and singing in the kitchen.

joan@jfwilliams.com
916-457-5651
http://georgeandjoan.com