I am the Deputy Director of Operations at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library in Topeka, KS. We are in the last months of a $23 million expansion to our library. We are a single library building with three bookmobiles and several other outreach services, including our Red Carpet Service, which includes the large print collection, visual and audio aids, homebound delivery, and service to every retirement community, nursing home and congregate living center in our county. After spending the last 6-7 years working on the building project, I am eagerly anticipating looking to the future and where libraries will be heading (as long as it does NOT include a building project in the next year or so!)

A quick travelogue of my life: I was the geeky kid with glasses that lived at the library and read a book everywhere he went. (My family says that I am still geeky, just older.) Graduated with a Bachelor's of Music Education from the University of Kansas and taught vocal music at a high school for two years. Decided that it was just not my thing. Fortunately, my wife got a Fulbright to work on her masters in Germany, so went to Germany for one year. Upon my return, I marketed medical products (primarily histology and pathology items) on an international basis for 10 years. The main factory went bankrupt. We tried to do a leveraged buyout and failed. If you read "Barbarians at the Gate" in the early 90's that was what the last couple years of that job were like -- of course, on a much smaller scale. Lost my job. A friend from the public library suggested I get a job there, as it was better than flipping burgers. I started as an Acquisitions clerk, moved to Head of Circulation, then Outreach Services Manager after getting my MLS from Emporia State, and then Deputy Director of Operations. I must admit that my friend was right -- it has been better than flipping burgers, MUCH better!

On the side, I have played harp with the Topeka Symphony for about 15 years and play for weddings, parties, etc. My family (wife and two kids and me) spent spring break in Milan, Italy, with a former exchange student and his family. Had a fantastic time.

I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and am envious of those who are getting a head start at ALA.

See you in August.

Robert (Rob) Banks

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