User:JWhitlock

From VMT

Name: John Whitlock
Age: mid-thirties :)
Location: SLC, UT
Area of study: Library and Information Science

Intro: I have never worked in a library, nor am I sure that I want to.

So why Library school? Well, in 2002 I sort of stumbled into a job at a place called Ovid Technologies; which, if you are not familiar is an online aggregator similar to Thomson (the producers of Dialog). While at Ovid I was introduced into the world of online information services and the complexities and intricacies of Information Retrieval. Interestingly enough, for something I 'fell into' I found that I had are knack and interest for it. Also, while there I had the opportunity to work with several MLS graduates, which gave me a new appreciation for the field of Library & Info Science.

Since then, I was able to land my current position, as a web designer for a medium sized company, where I have had the opportunity to develop and implement several online information resources and services such as site search tools, site taxonomies and several wikis. Working on these projects have all benefited from previous information science work. However, I was still hesitant when it came to committing to Library School. Then one day I came across the blogs of Peter Moreville one of the most recognized experts in a discipline known as Information Architecture and get this: he is a MLIS graduate. From then on, Library school seemed like a no brainer. So upon completion of my course work it is my hope that I can look forward to furthering my career in the alphabet soup arena know as IA/UX/IxD. Information Architecture, User Experience and Interaction Design.