Sunday, February 03, 2008

Job: LibraryThing for Libraries

LibraryThing is looking for someone to take over the non-coding parts of LibraryThing for Libraries, our innovative plan to bring Library 2.0 gold to OPAC 1.0 slag.

The position is part basic tech and part "sales." If you come from tech you have to prove you're personable. If you come from sales you have to prove you're very sorry about it.

Qualities:
  • Smart. We value brains over experience.
  • Personable. We're a bunch of trogledytes. Outshine us.
  • Hard-working. LibraryThing is a startup, so hard work is expected. And you have to want that. This is the job you think about in the shower.
  • Organized. We have a few hundred libraries interested in LibraryThing for Libraries already. You've got to be able to keep them straight and not get behind on emails.
  • Techy. This isn't an engineer position, but you need to be comfortable with this world. HTML and CSS strongly preferred. Experience with one or more OPAC/ILS systems preferred.
  • Fast learner. Don't know anything about XML? Spend today with this book.
  • Library-ish. We're 3-4 library people now (with 2 MLSs). Even us out.
Location: Portland, ME or Boston, MA preferred, but we'll entertain all possibilites. Relocation not necessary, but might help.

Money: Salary, commissions, excellent plated health insurance. LibraryThing for Libraries is growing very rapidly. It's got the potential to change the world. You could be at the center of that. And you get paid?

Contact: Tim Spalding (tim@librarything.com)

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13 Comments:

Blogger test said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

2/03/2008 7:22 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Not my cup of tea as a whole but wanted to tell you that the text is brillant.

These are the jobs one goes for.

Good luck finding a star!

2/03/2008 7:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am not sure where to send in suggestions so I'll do it here.

I have been trying librarything at home with an old barcode scanner. Europe. Unfortunately, that means only about half the barcodes that are inputted actually result in a book found.

The other half of the time it doesn't find anything .. but also leaves the barcode in the search box! Which means that if I continue with the next book or try again I first have to remove all the contents. This might be wonderful for other searchers, that this remains, but not for barcode people (and libraries?) Maybe there can be some option that remains checked while you search, initially off?

2/05/2008 3:09 AM  
Blogger Felius said...

Hi there anonymous :) Best place to ask is probably in one of the Talk groups, such as FAQ or Site Talk.

I think the answer to your problem is that you need to add some new sources (use the "choose from (x) other sources around the world" link on the "add books" page) and then choose one of those as the active source when entering barcodes.

Another option would be to scan a bunch of barcodes into a text file, then use the import tool (which lets you specify three sources which it'll try one after the other).

2/05/2008 11:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for the reply. Since I am asking here anyway, I have a bit of confusion about your subscription plan. If I pay 10$ and proceed to read all three hunderd books I have, what happens to my books -after- that year?

2/06/2008 3:18 AM  
Blogger Tim said...

I feel like I'm talking insurance rates at a strip club, or homiletics at a zoo.

If you pay, add over 200 books then stop paying, we don't wipe your library out. But you can't add more books.

2/06/2008 10:10 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh, don't.

It is just that everyone wants money these days and while it is understandable, you -do- have a lovely site, I'd hate to lose books just because I forgot to pay the next year or anything like that.

But I'll stop abusing your blog with my questions and curiousities.

Apologies!

2/06/2008 12:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

On a sidenote: I found out the problem about more then 50% of all the books not recognized. I was scanning the UPC code half the time, the ISBN/EAN is on the INSIDE flap of the cover.

2/06/2008 12:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sounds like a fun job! But can I edit you for a sec?

I believe the correct spelling is "troglodytes." Also, did you mean to link "this book" on the XML bullet point? I'm dying to know which one you would recommend. Perhaps the "Complete Idiot's Guide to XML"?

2/11/2008 10:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

yes, yes, please break the suspense. What's the xml book?

2/16/2008 5:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm positive he didn't mean to link to a book. I think he just meant - grab a general book that deals with the technology/software you want to learn, spend time with it, and there, you've learned it.

(At least, that's how I see it, cuz that's what I tend to do on occasion.)

That said, pick me pick me!!!

2/27/2008 2:36 PM  
Blogger Ash said...

How is the search going, by the way?

2/27/2008 3:06 PM  
Blogger Bill said...

What is "plated" health insurance?

3/03/2008 3:42 AM  

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