Boston Library Consortium (BLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Ide as Systems Manager, effective December 11.
The Systems Manager is a new role at BLC, arising from a member-driven aspiration for the consortium to expand support for shared systems and services, beginning with the launch of BLC’s Shared Library System in 2024, leveraging the Ex Libris Alma Network Zone to facilitate a wide range of collaborative activities among participating libraries.
Ben joins BLC from the University of Hartford, where he has served as Head of Resource and Metadata Services since 2007. At UHart, Ben oversaw all aspects of systems management, cataloging, acquisitions, collection development, and interlibrary loan. Before that, he held technical services positions at Harvard University and Bryant University. He holds an MLIS from Simmons University and an undergraduate library and information science degree from Southern Connecticut State University.
“We are pleased to announce Ben Ide as BLC’s inaugural Systems Manager,” shared Charlie Barlow, BLC’s executive director. “His wealth of experience in systems management is matched by a deep commitment to understanding the intricacies of various systems and the dedicated people who make them possible. We look forward to leveraging his expertise to scale our work in this new program area.”
At BLC, Ben will lead our shared systems and services program portfolio and facilitate the implementation and continued optimization of shared technologies and systems. In addition to managing and optimizing BLC’s new shared library system, Ben will work with individual member institutions to support local systems administration and will be responsible for managing new consortial systems as BLC advances our new Strategic Action Plan.
“I'm thrilled to join the BLC team and contribute to the important work we do in supporting member libraries and their patrons,” said Ben Ide. “I'm honored to be part of this team and excited to start serving our valued members.”
Please join us in welcoming Ben to the BLC team!