CS-SIS Member Spotlight: Ruth Harrison

The Computing-Services Special Interest Section is made up of awesome law librarians doing interesting things.   The CS-SIS Member Spotlight is designed to shine light on our membership so that we can learn more about each other and stay connected.

 

CS-SIS Member Spotlight:  Ruth Harrison

 

Path to Librarianship

Ruth obtained her bachelor’s degree in English and Managerial Studies at Rice University in Houston, but it was her work in the reserve room at the university library that set the stage for her career in librarianship.  Having enjoyed working in a library setting, she accepted a library assistant job at the Texas State Law Library in 1991.  While employed full time, she earned her degree in Library and Information Sciences from The University of Texas at Austin.  Once a professional library position became available, she filled it and remains with the Texas State Law Library to this day.  She’s held titles of Computer Services Librarian, Electronic Services Librarian, and currently Reference Librarian and Network Administrator.  Ruth loves the diversity in her work and enjoys the challenge of tackling projects no one else wants to touch.

Computing Focus

Ruth joined CS-SIS early on in her career as it was a natural fit with her position title and interest in technology.  She tends to focus on the back end of technology and is currently one of the administrators for the library’s open source Koha management system.  Her current projects include working on SMS notices for Koha and installing new computers.  She appreciates that the CS-SIS helps her keep up with technology and educational resources with the Cool Tools Café, and she hopes to see programs on digitization, cataloging, metadata, and MySQL in the future.  Ruth recently completed a Post Master’s Certificate in Library and Information Science, in web programming and information architecture, from San Jose State University.   A lifelong learner, Ruth is also considering working toward another San Jose State post master’s certificate in big data.

What’s Next?

Ruth’s daughter has told her that her “hobby is looking for hobbies.”  Ruth agrees.  She played the flute from middle school through college and is trying to pick it up again.  She’s also learning to quilt and knit as well.   She uses and recommends Udemy for short courses on these hobbies, and many others.

 

Thanks to Ruth Harrison for her willingness to be interviewed for this CS-SIS member spotlight.  It was a delight to chat with her.  If YOU are interested in interviewing and writing a blog post about a CS-SIS member, please contact Tawnya Plumb at tplumb@uwyo.edu.