I’m pleased to share that Ben Ide begins a new role as Library Systems and Services Consultant at BLC, effective February 3, 2025. In this role, he will have the capacity and flexibility to support new systems and technical services projects at individual BLC member institutions, while working closely with BLC leadership to position BLC as a catalyst and central resource for leading, researching, assessing, and managing shared systems and services.
Since joining Team BLC as Systems Manager in December 2023, Ben has played a pivotal role in launching BLC’s shared library system. He supported the implementation and successful go-live of the BLC Network Zone in summer 2024, a milestone that transformed how libraries at Connecticut College, Middlebury College, the University of Vermont, Wesleyan University, and Trinity College collaborate and manage resources. His exceptional technical expertise ensured a seamless transition to this shared infrastructure, laying the foundation for continued innovation and deeper collaboration across BLC’s member institutions.
Beyond the Network Zone, Ben provided technical leadership for a complex ILS migration in partnership with colleagues at UMass Chan Medical School. His work positioned the Lamar Soutter Library to achieve independence from OCLC, successfully decoupling from OCLC’s core cataloging, discovery, and interlibrary loan products—a transition that enhances operational flexibility and generates significant cost savings.
With the Network Zone now live, we will be working with the Network Zone Leads and the Shared Services Working Group to define the next phase of leadership and support for this project and BLC’s growing shared systems and services portfolio.
Please join me in thanking Ben for his many contributions and wishing him success in this next phase of his work!
With appreciation and gratitude,
Charlie Barlow
Executive Director