Grew up in rural Kansas, studied film at the University of Texas, moved to San Francisco in 1993 to work at the publishing start-up, PC World Online. Managed online content of various IDG publications, then worked as a web developer for large-scale ecommerce sites throughout the Bay Area. Other roles during that period include writing instructor, online advice columnist and director of an independent documentary film Fixation. In 2004, moved to Pittsburgh and completed MLS at the University of Pittsburgh, with a concentration in digital libraries and teen services. Worked as a web designer, teen tech librarian, and metadata technician. Currently employed as Communications Manager and Web Master at Swissvale Library and Whitehall Public Library as well as Research & Instruction Librarian at Duquesne University.
If my 20+ years working in web development and library services have taught me one thing it’s that technology is always a means to an end. Gadgets are fun but meaningful connections and ideas are first and foremost. As a researcher, I find that web searches yield the fastest results, yet seldom the most comprehensive. As an instructor I help people fulfill their academic and scholarly training. As a web developer and social media manager, I explore the possibilities of usability and design specific to a project. Whether creating a fundraising campaign or building a digital archive I always begin by asking, what is the point? Once a real goal is identified the steps to completion follow naturally.
Licia A Slimon 