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Now and Again
I was self-employed (outside 'the system') for well over 30 years, but now I work for my local library. Libraries are the ancient and original information network, and I have spent hours, days, perhaps years of my life in them (as did my dad). They remain a future resource for information sharing and time-binding.
Public libraries in the UK work on something similar to the freeware/shareware principle - they are there for anyone at all who wants to carry on learning through this ever-changing life - it's a system based on sharing and trust, not profit or privilege. It is because I think learning is the most fun you can have that I have always worked in a crossover between education and entertainment - and this is my current incarnation.
A while ago I moved away from working with the public, up into the
computer
'control room'. I help maintain the network of
PCs used by the staff in all the local libraries. We also support the People's
Network, with the brief of increasing public access to the Internet. We
have installed dozens of new computers in the libraries in
Cardiff, for the public to use - completely free, and with a fast connection.
Earlier I was an online tutor to 
the
other library staff, bringing them up to speed, so that they can
assist with, and monitor, public use of these new PCs.
And now, (thanks to working on this website, to learn how it is
done),
I have been reminded about an earlier incarnation of mine as a film
puppeteer, and have started corresponding with fans who have tracked me down -
so I am a humble librarian by day and an Arch-villain of
the Universe by night!
notes for e-tutor