Jessamyn West at home in Vermont

Solving library & technology problems.

I'm Jessamyn West, a librarian and technologist living in rural Vermont. I'm good with computers and I like them. I study and write about the digital divide and solve technology problems for schools and libraries. Maybe I can solve a problem for you?

About Me

Jessamyn West at home in Vermont

I have been speaking on the intersection of libraries, technology and politics since 2003. My specific interest areas are

  • The digital divide and its effects on library services
  • Legislation that affects library services such as CIPA, the USA PATRIOT Act and copyright laws
  • Rural libraries using new technologies to make the most of their small budgets, spaces, and staff
I have given presentations in thirty-nine U.S. states, three Australian states, and six Canadian provinces. I've given workshops, keynotes and all-day sessions on technology and library topics. I've written book introductions and chapters and edited two compilations. Librarian.net, my professional blog, was one of the first librarian blogs. While I travel and speak often, my main work is at home in Orange County Vermont, helping libraries and librarians make sense of technology and teaching adult education classes in basic technology topics. I have been teaching basic technology classes for thirty years.

Talks

I've been speaking and writing on the intersection of libraries and technology for two decades. These are a few of my favorite topics or you can view a list of all the talks I've given.

library is the classroom where we learn to be human

Praxis in the Library

Open, Now!

Fair Use & Copyright

Free Culture and Creative Commons

OpenLibrary

Open Library

Digital Divide

OpenLibrary

Bridging the Empowerment Divide

Writing

I've co-edited a book, written another, and wrote a column for Computers in Libraries magazine from 2008 through 2023. A complete list of my writing is available on my resume.

Revolting Librarians Redux cover

Revolting Librarians Redux
(co-edited with K.R. Roberto)

Without a Net cover image

Without a Net: Librarians Bridging the Digital Divide

Computers in Libraries columnist

Contact

Email: jessamyn@gmail.com
Mail: Box 345, Randolph VT 05060
Phone: 508.415.9074
Bio & Headshot | Resume