Those of you who've been reading this blog know that it's focus has been the future of cataloging and metadata in libraries. I started the blog in April 2007 when this was a "hot topic" and also a personal passion. At the time I was the head cataloger of a small cataloging department with a strong background in cataloging and RDA. When I first started Cataloging Futures there weren't many catalogers blogging (that's really changed!), so it seemed to fill a much-needed niche.
For the past four years, I've been the metadata librarian on our gradually growing digital collections team. And last month I started a new job: XML Database Administrator. Our team works with a production mindset in a agile environment. We work in focused two-week sprints. Both work and learning my new job don't afford me the luxury of keep up with the trends and issues of cataloging and metadata with the intensity that blogging requires.
So, while the blog is still called "Cataloging Futures," the focus with now be primarily using XQuery (and MarkLogic Server) for digital collections development in libraries. I hope that some of my current readers stay on board, but totally understand in the busy work-a-day world of cataloging that you might have other things to focus on. I am truly grateful for all the Cataloging Futures readers who've encouraged and challenged me over the last several years. Thank you!
Congrats on the new job.
As my job has changed from cataloging as well (I'm currently working on learning PHP and MySQL for my new position as web administrator), the change from covering cataloging won't affect my following of your blog.
Not sure how much I'll understand of posts on XQuery, though.
Posted by: arkham | Friday, January 06, 2012 at 08:56 AM
Hi arkham,
Wow, we're going down similar paths careerwise! If you end up using SQL then we'll both be using query languages. I'm hoping to write some posts on how I'm learning programming in general, so that's something we have in common too.
Posted by: Christine Schwartz | Friday, January 06, 2012 at 09:13 AM
Hi Chris,
Congratulations on your new position. It's good to grow and change.
I've missed seeing you at ATLA and haven't been to many SEPTLA meetings.
Drop me a line and let me know how you are!
Posted by: Nancy Adams | Friday, January 06, 2012 at 10:23 AM
Hi Nancy,
It's good to hear from you. I love your blog!
I haven't been able to attend ATLA (last one for me was 2008). Maybe I'll see you at the next SEPTLA meeting.
Posted by: Christine Schwartz | Friday, January 06, 2012 at 11:12 AM