I’m Moving to Regina as Director of Public Services

It’s been like having a super-duper butterscotch pecan sunday hiding behind my back. . .

I am moving to become the Director of Public Services at the Regina Public Library.   I start my position on May 9th.   Work for a week.   Come back to Halifax briefly before going to APLA to be the closing speaker (you may remember the big stink I created over the idea of professionalism in libraries), and then back to Regina with my family to become immersed in the Prairie lifestyle.   This comes on the heels of me announcing that I am a Library Journal Mover and Shaker (actually, I’ve known about the job for a while now)

Things that make me feel this is just sooo amazing:

• Although I’m seen as a techy in libraries, my heart is really in public services, especially community-based stuff
• Saskatchewan wields collaboration like it is Mjolnir.  Sometimes I wonder if any other place in the world will ever be able to pick it up the way they can.   Want proof?   Their library catalogue and e-book service covers the whole province!
• They have the excellent Dunlop Art Gallery and a community theatre.
• Regina is basically well known as a mover and shaker in the library world in general.
• This is a promotion that will present new and wonderful challenges to me and my career.
• It’s an adventure!   New friends, new connections, new hobbies and traditions for me and my family to learn.  If you are in Regina, please tweet me, so we can maybe get something going related to social media.   I’d love to be involved.
• I didn’t mention the Roughriders yet, have I?

Things that make me a bit sad.

• Leaving Halifax.   Believe me, this is all about pull towards Regina, and a step in my own personal growth.   Despite it’s challenges, there is really nothing — and I mean nothing — about Halifax that makes me want to leave.
• Leaving friends and family.    Thank goodness I’ve made so many contacts over the internet, making it much easier than in the past to keep up with what’s going on.  I will still be on the lookout for what’s cool going on.
• Co-workers.    Honestly, I believe that Halifax Public Libraries has some of the best staff anywhere in the world.    This city’s library pulls much much much MUCH more than its weight – both in terms of library size and size of budget.   It’s the Rocky Balboa of libraries, with a heart the size of the Halifax Harbour.
• The New Central Library.  The library is going to be amazing, and I would have loved to have been working there.   I truly feel that the current design is a reflection of the community.   It is beautiful, open, environmentally conscious, culturally aware, accessible, friendly and full of places to have lots and lots of fun.   Vacation is planned for early 2014 for. sure.
• Podcamp Halifax.    Bessy Nikolaou and Craig Moore are on board for a continued Podcamp without me.   😦

Not sure when I’ll get to say goodbye to everyone, but I’ll definitely be at the next Third Wednesday for starters.    As per usual, send me a Tweet if you want to get in touch before I go.   I’d love to see you before i leave!