Robert Carterette Retires from the Library
7/20/2012 12:32:14 PM
Cleveland Public Library (CPL) announces the retirement of Robert (Bob) Carterette, Director of Information Technology and CLEVNET, after a career of over 25 years of service with the Library. Bob Carterette has been in the forefront of steering and mapping out the direction of technology for CPL and CLEVNET.
He began to transform the Automation (IT) Department upon his hire in 1987, filling it with a talented and knowledgeable staff. He wrote the Library’s first Automation Services Technology Plan in 1988, which contained strategy that put CPL on the map as being the first large, urban library system in the country to offer online access to its vast collection of resources. Eventually that grew into searchable data bases, internet access for public use, public training in basic computer skills, and convenient catalog browsing from home.
The Library continued to be a leader in technology under Carterette’s direction by being the first library in the country to offer eBooks, and the now statewide KnowItNow 24-hour information service, which received the 2001 Virtual Reference Desk Director’s Award. Under Bob Carterette’s direction the Library migrated to the SIRSI automated system in 2004, which helped to process the extensive data transactions within CPL and CLEVNET. He oversaw the creation of a new website, which debuted in 2010, allowing patrons to place holds and interact with web 2.0 features. Bob and his staff put countless hours into researching and creating the concept for CPL’s newest technology center, TechCentral, which was unveiled this year. It features some of the most innovative technology that libraries have to offer including a TechToyBox for patrons to try out, check out, and learn about new technology; and cloud computing that allows patrons to download software, music, and eBooks to their own virtual desktop. “Bob has boldly lead the Library into the age of technology,” said Director Felton Thomas. “His commitment and leadership have also transformed the concept of library consortiums.”
Bob Carterette realized the importance of resource sharing. “I wanted to prove that libraries had a place in a networked world,” says Carterette. Under his administrative guidance CLEVNET has become a model for regional sharing of library resources. Currently CLEVNET members total 38 library systems in 11 Ohio counties.