Hello Everyone

I'm Lauren, and I work as a trainer for the Montana State Library.  I got my MLS from the University of North Texas in August 2006, through the distance ed program.  There were two on-site institutes in Las Vegas and the rest of the program was completed online.  So I learned how to use a lot of technology, though it didn't include all the social software we will be using in this course.  I've had a little experience with blogs, wikis and RSS. In my current position, I do training on many kinds of technology for public librarians throughout Montana.  After taking this course, I hope to be able to share some exciting new ideas for using social software in Montana libraries.

Before I got this job, I was director of a small public library in Big Timber, Montana (county population 3500) for six years.  In a small rural library like that, you get to do everything:  circulation, cataloging, collection development, tech support, reference, shoveling snow, etc...so I am used to multi-tasking.

 It is exciting to meet everyone in this course, what a wonderful diverse group!  I'm also looking forward to meeting my Montana colleague - Karen - in chat.  She works at the Montana Historical Society with one of my classmates from UNT.

In my other life, I raise sheep on a small farm near Big Timber.  During this course, you folks will probably get to see some pictures of sheep!