{"@context":"http://iiif.io/api/presentation/3/context.json","id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/iiif/f76639kz9c/manifest","type":"Manifest","label":{"en":["Kyle  Douglas Oral History"]},"logo":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/010/original/Aviary_QPLlogo_192x192.png?1578574261","metadata":[{"label":{"en":["Description"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummary of Full Interview\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eKyle Douglas discusses the changes he has seen within his time with the Queens Public Library as both an IT technician and a Union leader. He highlights the transition to digital that he helped implement in the library and describes the expansion of library services that he has seen in his time. He particularly cherishes the sense of community the Queens Public Library fosters when it is able to meet even the smallest technology needs for its users.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},{"label":{"en":["Rights Statement"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eCC BY-NC-SA Contact digitalarchives@queenslibrary.org for research and reproduction requests.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},{"label":{"en":["Date"]},"value":{"en":["2021-09-01 (created)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Type"]},"value":{"en":["Audio"]}},{"label":{"en":["Agent"]},"value":{"en":["Kyle Douglas (Interviewee)","Natalie Milbrodt (Interviewer)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Source"]},"value":{"en":["Interview conducted as part of the Queens Public Library 125th Anniversary Project."]}},{"label":{"en":["Coverage"]},"value":{"en":["1998-2021 (temporal)","Jamaica, Far Rockaway, Cambria Heights and Forest Hills, Queens, NY (spatial)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Language"]},"value":{"en":["English"]}}],"summary":{"en":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummary of Full Interview\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eKyle Douglas discusses the changes he has seen within his time with the Queens Public Library as both an IT technician and a Union leader. He highlights the transition to digital that he helped implement in the library and describes the expansion of library services that he has seen in his time. He particularly cherishes the sense of community the Queens Public Library fosters when it is able to meet even the smallest technology needs for its users.\u003c/p\u003e"]},"requiredStatement":{"label":{"en":["Attribution"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eCC BY-NC-SA\u0026nbsp;Contact digitalarchives@queenslibrary.org for research and reproduction requests.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},"provider":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/aboutus","type":"Agent","label":{"en":["Queens Public Library"]},"homepage":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/","type":"Text","label":{"en":["Queens Public Library"]},"format":"text/html"}],"logo":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/010/original/Aviary_QPLlogo_192x192.png?1578574261","type":"Image"}]}],"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/129/019/small/KD_interview_picaviary.jpg?1636117509","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019","type":"Canvas","label":{"en":["Media File 1 of 1 - Natalie_Milbrodt_by_Kyle_Douglas_09012021.Mp3"]},"duration":2817.53869,"width":640,"height":360,"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/129/019/small/KD_interview_picaviary.jpg?1636117509","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/content/1","type":"AnnotationPage","items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/content/1/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"painting","body":{"id":"https://aviary-p-queenslibrary.s3.wasabisys.com/collection_resource_files/resource_files/000/129/019/original/Natalie_Milbrodt_by_Kyle_Douglas_09012021.Mp3?1636117425","type":"Audio","format":"audio/mpeg","duration":2817.53869,"width":640,"height":360},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019","metadata":[]}]}],"annotations":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["Full Transcript [Transcript]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=0.0,1.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/2","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: My name is Natalie Milbrodt and I'm interviewing Kyle Douglas on September 1st, 2021. By making this recording, we both consent to the use of our names, voices, images, and likeness by the Queens public library, understanding that this recording will be the property of the library and will be used in connection with the promotion and marketing of the library, its programs and services. It will not be sold by the library in any way we understand that will not receive compensation and agree to hold the library harmless from any claim arising from the use of this interview and recording. So, Kyle, thanks so much for doing this interview. I really appreciate getting your perspective into these collections of staff interviews,","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1.0,44.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/3","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: My pleasure. In the beginning, I wasn't sure if I would be the right person, but well, let's go at it and see how it goes.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=44.0,57.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/4","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: I'm sure, I'm sure you were the right person. Okay. So let's start out with, how have you contributed to the work of the library?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=57.0,67.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/5","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Well, that's a long standing list of things, being that I've been at the library for 23 years now. I started out initially as a consultant and when they were first looking to provide public computers, which were called OPAC at the time, which stands for online public access computers. I was part of the team that was building the machines for the technicians at the time to then deploy to all of the public branches. After about a year or so of that, I was actually hired full-time as a technician in which I took on the responsibilities of again, installing and prepping those machines and also began supporting the private side, staff, with all of their IT needs, from there there's been quite a few different projects that I've helped in terms of just implementing throughout the system.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=67.0,154.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/6","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: A few being when we first, implemented SAP into the system, I was also part of the RFID initial rollout, where I actually went over to security, switched departments and was in security for about two years, because they needed, a more experienced IT person on that side to help, with just the overall implementation of the RFID equipment. So I was there for like two years and then after that I returned back to IT. I assumed all my regular duties as I had before. And then later on became part of the project to deploy the Google tablets that we had, which was, a grant thing where Google gave us tablets and then we just added that to our collection of items to be distributed to the public. So that's a very long time of just being a IT support guy.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=154.0,244.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/7","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Great. And there were a couple of things in there. So maybe for people who are not inside library people, if you can explain what, RFID means and like how the library uses that technology.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=244.0,263.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/8","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Okay. The the RFID, as a project, was in terms of us checking out the materials. So before, libraries would have the stamp cards in the back of the books where librarian would stamp out to say your book is checked out and when it needs to be returned, that process became where we would put RFID tags in the back of the book. So those tags pretty much held all the information that is associated with the book. And when you would go to one of our RFID checkout machines on the machine was able to read that information from the book and then associated with your account to say that it was checked out under your name and would also have all the data in regards to when the item would need to be returned.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=263.0,334.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/9","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: And that's also the thing that makes the security beep right? When you go to walk out the door, if you haven't checked the book out correctly?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=334.0,343.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/10","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Yes. That that also was part of the project, 'cause those tags essentially have sounds like the the clothing in a store where they have those tags that if you walk past the sensor, it would alarm to say that the tag is still on the garment. This is pretty much the same technology where if the book isn't checked out correctly when you walk through the gate, the gate would alarm to say that what they call the theft-bit is still activated.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=343.0,389.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/11","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: I recall speaking with other staff members who were there during that time about just the physical labor of switching mode over to RFID tags when every book, and the library has millions of books, had to be pulled off the shelf and had the sticker put in it and then put back on the shelf. It just seems like a mammoth undertaking.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=389.0,414.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/12","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Yeah. I remember they had designated teams that were going out and doing specific tasks. And for us, from the it side, we were working hand-in-hand with the company that provided the technology to work exactly the way we need it. There were some bumps in the road, but essentially we got to a point where it was pretty effective and pretty efficient for what we were looking to have it do.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=414.0,452.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/13","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Cool. You also mentioned that you worked on a team that was getting SAP up and running for the organization. So for people who don't know what SAP is, maybe you could just give them a brief overview of what SAP does for the organization.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=452.0,470.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/14","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Okay. Yeah. SAP is pretty much the system that houses all of the functional operations of the library in terms of things like employee records and our inventory to say what books we have and how it was ordered. When we have programs that are at the library and we need to pay whoever entity is coming to provide the service, SAP is that system where all of those transactions are recorded and kept record of.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=470.0,534.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/15","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: So these, these projects that you've worked on over the years have just been these like really big organization-wide technology shifts. So what is it like working on one of these projects? Do you enjoy working on a big project like this?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=534.0,554.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/16","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: For the most part, yes. I personally just enjoy being able to get into something and just learn the ins and outs of it. From my perspective, in these projects it's different teams that would have their part. So for me being a desktop support guy, my role in it was to make sure that the portion that the staff uses on their computers was programming configured correctly for it to then work with what we consider the backend stuff, where all the main servers and equipment that is used to house all this information. So that would be another team that I would be working with to pretty much help get the entire project together.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=554.0,626.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/17","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Maybe you can talk about that other side of your job. I'm wondering what it's like to be the help desk guy who just day in and day out is helping people with whatever dumb problems we're having on our computers. That seems to be like the less project-based and there must just be always tickets out from people who are having problems. Can you talk a little bit about that side of your work?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=626.0,652.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/18","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Sure. The day-to-day operations pretty much consists of people having little quirky things essentially happened to their computers where, you know, a document is in formatting correctly, or a program isn't opening the way it should, so, it's almost like a digital cleanup crew where we just go around and fix things and make things orderly so that they can function correctly. That's something that I enjoy because I just initially enjoy helping people by nature. So it's something that I really took to and enjoy. I guess my biggest attribute in being the staff is the customers of IT, and helping them and trying to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Because when you're working and you have a deadline and something goes wrong, essentially, you can be kind of flustered about not being able to do what you need to do. I think I have a like a good knack at being able to talk to people and get them comfortable and give them a sense of understanding of what the problem might be and in layman's terms so that they feel comfortable in knowing that whatever the issue was, it can be resolved and that they can get back to work so they can complete their projects.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=652.0,769.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/19","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Well, it takes a special person to be a technology translator. So I applaud you for that. I love that that's one of the things you like most about your job too. I think that would be super frustrating for a lot of people to explain the same things over and over again, to those of us who are not as competent about technology. So that's pretty cool. Are there other things that are kind of qualities of the job that you really enjoy?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=769.0,798.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/20","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Outside of that, I also just enjoy learning new technology. I was the little kid growing up that took apart his radio and put it back together just to see how it works, I put things. So with IT and technology that's associated with it, I just enjoy being able to experience these things and get to understand them and how they work. Also, once you get this information, it becomes handy, in that understanding of a certain technology, see how it can be coordinated with other technologies to create a better work platform. That's something also that I enjoy.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=798.0,863.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/21","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: That big picture thinking.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=863.0,866.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/22","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Yeah, pretty much [laughs].","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=866.0,871.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/23","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: So is there anything that you can think of that is happening behind the scenes from like an IT perspective that's making everything run smoothly that the public wouldn't guess?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=871.0,884.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/24","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Yeah, there's a lot of things. For example, starting with our network team, our network is responsible for managing all the equipment that allows not only the computers and phones and everything to communicate with each other within the library's main branch. But we have 62 locations now. So they're responsible for making sure the communication from all of our equipment is working correctly too and also worked with outside vendors. Just as if you're home and your computer is connected in your home, but you're now working with whatever cable provider that services you. We have the same element, but just on more of a corporate level where we have to coordinate with those outside entities to make sure that people are able to not only come to our libraries to use our equipment, to get out to the internet, but for staff to be able to reach out to vendors.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=884.0,978.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/25","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: So that's definitely one aspect. And then we also have our infrastructure team, which deals with all of the servers that house the information the library has from employee and patron records to staff. The items that we check out, from the data that we collect from our gate counts, because part of the RFID project was to automate and to get an understanding of how many people are actually visiting the library. So we have that system from our security cameras to all of the servers that house our websites and, functions within those websites. All of the servers that house that information is another aspect of the behind-the-scene things that people, probably for the most part take for granted because they think we're a library in a traditional sense.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=978.0,1074.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/26","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Yeah. I know that from my role as the head of the Digital Archives, we are using those servers for preservation storage of all the historic photos that we've scanned and they're really large images. And so the there's also that preservation storage going on too. So it's business records, but also our repository, it's pretty amazing.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1074.0,1100.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/27","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: It's a tedious thing because one hiccup in one of those things can cause a whole system or multiple systems not to work, because there are definitely certain software that work within each other. So just having all of them running together and smoothly, it's a tedious task, but it's also rewarding one, knowing that the work that we do is helping the communities that we serve.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1100.0,1147.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/28","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Yeah. And you had mentioned the library having over 60 locations, which not everybody knows, that it's all one unified system that's centrally managed for things like IT infrastructure. But could you give people just some kind of idea of the scale that you're working at in IT?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1147.0,1169.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/29","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Sure. I guess from a basic standpoint, you can look at it as the library housing just 4,000 computers in terms of desktops, laptops in that magnitude. And then we also have close to a thousand mobile type technologies, like tablets and smartphones that we have for the staff. So it's definitely a vast number of equipment that's being supported on a daily basis throughout the entire Queens system.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1169.0,1219.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/30","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Wow. That's just amazing. Are you just at Central or do you go out to branches too?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1219.0,1231.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/31","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Well, myself and three other employees are, um, specifically, um, assigned to Central, but we do have a team of field techs that have their collective lead group branches that they go out and support on a daily basis. It's essentially, I think a four-man team that covers the other branches. And then there's three to four techs that specifically are assigned to Central in terms of supporting everything that's there.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1231.0,1283.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/32","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Cool. So is there anything else that you'd like to share about about IT in particular or different projects that you've worked on over the years in IT?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1283.0,1300.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/33","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: I'm trying to think. As I mentioned, I would say the main ones, because there's always little projects that come about, let's say for example, over the years, the many different upgrades of operating systems, when, Microsoft changes their version of Windows, we have to then act accordingly and update all of those systems to the most updated standards of what Microsoft is requiring. So at one point that was one of the tasks that I had in terms of doing not the main updates of the computers, but what they call a hot fixes or patches, where there might be just one little thing that needs to be changed on a computer to make it work efficiently. That was something that I did in terms of being able to what they call, package those updates and distribute them remotely to all of the computers that were needed.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1300.0,1380.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/34","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: I would say one of the bigger projects that I had was when we updated our ILS system, which is the system that that houses all of the items and their records and information for checkout. We had updated that system and I was assigned to have all the software that they provided distributed to all of the necessary computers that needed it, which was I would say roughly, maybe about 80% of the computers that we have. So in that task, I had to essentially manipulate it from what they call like a scripting level, which is pretty much just a list of instructions that when you executed on a computer, it automates the process instead of you having to click and press buttons to have it installed.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1380.0,1455.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/35","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: So my job was literally to create this package for this software in which I work hand in hand with individuals from my department, as well as the vendor to get it pretty much configured to the specific way that we needed, because we had different needs than some of their other companies that they dealt with. And once I got it to that level then had to put it into our system, which was at the time called SMS, which was a Microsoft based system that was used to distribute software installations to all the computers that's needed. So that was probably one of my bigger projects where I had a specific role in, because of how many machines it actually touched and impacted. I remember specifically it was on like a 4th of July weekend that I had to go out. And there was one issue that got caught right before deployment. And I had to rush back into work to fix it before the actual deployments went out. So that particular one stands out because one, because of the magnitude and just knowing that that last second hiccup had to be addressed before everything was implemented.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1455.0,1565.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/36","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Yeah, you guys always get big jobs over holiday weekends. That's something I've really noticed, if there's a giant system-wide update that needs to happen. It's always over like labor day or Memorial day or any of those like president's day weekend or whatever. So I always feel bad for you guys because the rest of us are having a three-day weekend and you're like, sweating it out with some crazy update that's going on. Do you have to do those a lot?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1565.0,1593.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/37","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Not too much. Those specific instances are only really for major project that essentially has to be done because when I should say when the library is closed, because we don't need anybody on the systems while we're updating. So that's primarily why those, those weekends are the best times for us to do those types of projects.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1593.0,1623.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/38","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Got it. So then kind of backing out to like a bigger kind of holistic view of the organization, which I know you have too, how have you seen QPL responding to the changing needs that you've witnessed in our communities? You talked a little bit about how, when you first came in, the library was just thinking like, wow, we really need to have computers in our libraries that people can use. So you've seen really big changes. Are there some things that come to mind that you've seen us do and change as communities have needed different things?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1623.0,1665.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/39","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Yeah, I would say for the most part, what I have seen is the library change from a traditional library and in a sense of people coming to, you know, read books and check out books to now becoming more of like community centers, based on the fact that, we have so many different programs and services that service the community. From Far Rockaway, having their teen center where teens can come in and have a safe place to come and learn and experience things and have a place where they can enjoy time with their peers. For example, I think they have a gaming system there where the kids can come in and play video games with each other.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1665.0,1730.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/40","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: I believe in Cambria Heights they actually have a working studio. So people want to record music or learn how to DJ, they have like a full recording studio set in Cambria Heights. Just things like that, that 30 years ago, you would never think that a library would provide and I think that's the biggest, the biggest change that's happened since I've been here, which I would say it's definitely needed. If you just think about when we had the whole 9/11 and recession thing, when people were losing jobs, we have what we called the job information center, which, people can come in and get specific help with updating their resumes and I think if I'm not mistaken, they also do prep interviews for them. Just different things that would help people to prepare themselves to go out and look for employment. So definitely things like that I think that makes us a benefit to the community, with these types of services that we provide.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1730.0,1835.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/41","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: I couldn't agree with you more. And I know that usually your job you're interacting with other staff and not directly with the public, but can you share a story of QPL having a positive impact on somebody's life? And that could be a staff member or somebody from the public.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1835.0,1855.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/42","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: There's this one instance that just sticks out to me. And to me, that gives a little perspective of just the mindful helpfulness that, you know, the staff has in terms of just supporting the public. There was a time when I was working when I was working with the security department, when we were rolling out the RFID systems. I was at a branch, I think it was Forest Hills, and I was there fixing one of the RFID machines and this elderly lady was there to check out books. So she seen how I was working with the machine and she asked me for help. And, you know, normally the, the clerical staff would help her, but I was there. So I just decided to help her and get her through the experience.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1855.0,1922.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/43","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: I was there maybe for a couple of minutes, because having to explain this type of technology for a person that's really not familiar with it. It took some time, but we got through it and she was so happy about learning what to do and seeing how I was able to fix the machine, because there was a problem with it, she decided to ask me another question. She pulled out this device out of her pocketbook and was like, \"oh, could possibly help me with this? I have no idea why it's not working. It was working before, and I changed the batteries and I don't know why it's working.\" So I said, sure. And I looked at it and at the end of the day, it was something simple where she didn't realize the direction of how to put the batteries in. So she had them in the wrong way and I fixed it for her and put it back and started working. She left extremely happy that not only she was able to check out materials, but the device that wasn't working is now working and she's going home.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=1922.0,2004.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/44","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Ah, that's really nice. She got lucky that she bumped into you that day. [laughs] Maybe you can talk a little bit about your role within DC 37.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2004.0,2022.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/45","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Okay, I am one of the vice presidents for Local 1321, which is a subset of DC 37, which is specifically for the Queens library and representing its unionized United staff. I decided to run for the position that was vacated back in 2008, I believe. My role is to specifically represent titles that are in the technical realm. For me, I felt that it would be a good thing for me to do based on my longevity within the library, as well as my technical expertise. So when dealing with certain things, we would have a technical base person or have the technical base mindset when issues come about that can bring that expertise to the table when having to discuss issues. I would say the most recent one was with the library looking to change how it supported the RFID equipment.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2022.0,2112.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/46","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Because like I explained before that that part of the role was specifically for the security team to handle and the library decided to change that role and give those responsibilities to the IT team. So with that, there was some discussions about how it should work and how compensation should work. So over maybe an eight month period, there was negotiations going back and forth between the union and the administration as to exactly what would be a fair compensation for this. And at the end of the day, we both decided that all of the technicians' titles would change. That would encompass additional responsibilities outside of what they were looking to give us with the RFID equipment. So there was a significant monetary compensation for all the additional work that would be required, and also the skill set that is now needed for this specific title now. So that was definitely one of my bigger involvements in terms of having a significant impact on a specific group in the library.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2112.0,2226.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/47","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Great. And then the thing that I know about, because we've been, we've done this together is that you also, um, are in a lot of the interviews with people when they're trying to get a job at QPL. I've always thought that that must be fun to meet all those candidates and then know so many people who work at the library, just all across the system. So is there anything that you learned from being part of so many interviews?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2226.0,2255.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/48","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Yes. Definitely there's learning experiences that you come across. One specific one is something that I knew, but sometimes just in your daily ways of life kind of slips by. There was a specific interview where we were looking for a specialist, which are people that have an IT mindset in terms of just how to fix things and just the general sense, but this specific role is to help any public patrons that come in that use our public computers to specifically help them with any basic needs that they have. And in this one interview, the person came in and they actually had a background in physical therapy where they were a masseuse.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2255.0,2335.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/49","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: So that kind of threw me off that, okay, that's what you were doing. And you're now looking for a technical job, but the person had some technical experience and after the interview that person actually from all the candidates had by far the best interview that we'd given. It kind of threw me off, but at the end of the day, it should be something that everyone should understand, just because you're good at one thing doesn't mean you can't be good at another. So that specific instance was just something that gave me a reminder of just how to view things and view people and view the world.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2335.0,2392.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/50","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: I like that. Yeah. Something I I've noticed is that, um, a lot of people when they're interviewing have a real strong idea of wanting to work for a library, because they just really believe in libraries. I wonder if that value system comes through to you too, when you're doing interviews with people.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2392.0,2417.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/51","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Definitely, definitely. Essentially it's the people that have a feeling of willingness to help. There's definitely a lot of candidates that come across with that mindset. And it's definitely good just to see people with that mindset because it's definitely needed for communities and societies to, you know, to grow and be a pleasant place to experience. So that's definitely something that I've also seen. And on the other side, I would say just from dealing with people on this level, it's interesting to see how some people can be so nervous in the interview, despite knowing everybody in the room. We have people that work for the library a certain amount of time and they come into to get a position that would help them grow within the library, which we do get a lot of.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2417.0,2503.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/52","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: And it's just funny sometimes to see someone from outside and it's very, almost formal, because obviously it's an interview and discussing all the details of the job, then to go to another candidate, which is someone that you've worked with for a numerous amount of years and to see them in there and they're talking to you, but you can sense the nervousness, because something that they want, but they're unsure whether or not they're going to get it. So that's something where, being able to talk to people and get them into a comfortable space in terms of supporting the staff with their IT problems, that's something that I look to do, even in those situations where you can sense the tension in them, in the process, but being able to talk to them in a way to kind of relax them. Because the last thing you would want is someone who you know has the capabilities of doing the job, but not interview well because the nervous factor. So that's definitely something in this process that I've experienced and I've gotten to understand with with people in general.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2503.0,2609.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/53","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Yeah. I can totally relate to that. I don't know what is harder, interviewing in a room full of strangers or interviewing in a room full of people you know and work with every day. I feel like that might almost be harder.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2609.0,2624.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/54","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: We come across in certain cases, but we help them, right?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2624.0,2629.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/55","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Yeah, for sure. That's really nice. So looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Queens public library?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2629.0,2640.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/56","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: I just hope that that we continue to be an entity that can provide things for the public and services for the public that essentially can help our communities grow and flourish. As we mentioned before, there's times when we're going to have up and down times as a society, and having a place like the library that can provide help for people when it's needed is definitely a plus. Sometimes it's not even as serious as trying to find someone a job who's been on unemployment, but it can also just be a place to escape. We have the books there, we'll have the computers there, or we have certain services and programs where you can come and relate to other people that maybe experiencing some of your same issues.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2640.0,2724.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/57","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: I know we've had for example, things that catered to expecting mothers. Just being able to go to a place and be in a room with other expecting mothers and share your experiences within a room with a professional that can give you some sort of insight, outside of the information that you would receive from your primary doctor. So there's things like that, that I hope we can continue to do, continue to provide, because at the end of the day, you never know when someone's going to need help. So having these outlets for them to go to and experience is a definite plus, in a big picture sense.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2724.0,2783.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/58","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Thanks for that. So is there anything else that you'd like to share before we wrap up?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2783.0,2794.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/59","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: I guess that wishing the library a happy 125th and just saying that I enjoyed this experience, I wasn't sure about it in the beginning, but I definitely enjoyed doing this.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2794.0,2812.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/60","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Natalie Milbrodt: Thanks, Kyle. I really enjoyed doing this too. All right. So I guess that with that, we'll wrap it up. Thank you so much.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2812.0,2821.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019/transcript/34211/annotation/61","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Kyle Douglas: Thanks for having me.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/55256/file/129019#t=2821.0,2817.53869"}]}]}]}