Rucker, Ron (faculty), March 31, 2001

1 interview with Ronald Rucker, Middlebury College Librarian, conducted by Bob Buckeye.

Librarian for 25 years, started in 1976 (00:24); Work comparison between 1976 and 2001 (02:35); virtual libraries (03:38); position more administrative and managerial (04:45); orientation towards national organizations to connect to larger world (06:48); Farmington plan (07:32); technology automation in 1980s (08:30); OCLC plays enormous role. Changing times made library's task difficult. Aided by electronic era as helpful (13:50); Crucial issue is how a library should be organized (19:17); on-demand publishing (24:20); Pressure/expectations to respond quickly to requests, compared to 25 years ago-interlibrary loan process slower in past (25:42); Value in digital world has a price (29:00); present need for instant gratification-digital work will not give more leisure time (32:52); library as a crucial element of college institution-future viability (34:48); optimism towards future of libraries - social element and interaction as reasons for students and others to visit library (37:35); library has kept pace with overall college first rate institution (41:00) adding to Collections had impact on library, technical work evolved out of card catalog in 1980s, saw himself as an "enabler" to give direction for additions to Collections, built staff in library. (44:50); 25 years ago emphasis on director to make all decisions (49:48); college was supportive of Rucker's initiatives-few regrets in 25 years - wishes new endeavors successful, libraries will endure (50:55).