Husband, Librarian, Geek

A few things I do in my free time:

  • Experiment with Pi-Hole

  • Remodel the house

  • Playing with Python and home automation

  • Learning about and experimenting with AI and ML

  • Building furniture

 

Rob Nunez is the Head of Data and IT for the Kenosha Public Library. He oversees the functions of Technical Services, IT, and the newly formed Data Analytics and Governance departments on a day to day basis. Rob got into libraries because of their changing nature, and the level of impact they can have on their communities. Rob's journey in the world of technology began at the young age of 8, when he self-taught programming in BASIC. Growing up, he was instilled with the invaluable mantra, 'usa tu cerebro,' meaning 'use your brain,' which, to him, signifies thinking outside the box to tackle complex challenges.

Originally a Computer Science major and tech enthusiast, he is fascinated with the newest technologies and often an early adopter. However, the CS classes were not the right fit, nor were the Business classes. He had an interest in data management, finding patterns and causalities, within it.

Upon transfer into the School of Information Studies at UW-Milwaukee, he found a major that could satisfy this interest. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, he was awarded the Towards a Divers Profession scholarship to complete his Masters in Library & Information Science. There he focused on Technology and Privacy, questioning user privacy in the modern age. Originally he had no interest in entering the library profession, instead focusing on web development. This changed with a posting for an Emerging Technologies Librarian at Marquette University.

At Marquette, Rob used his dev skills to automate the library website from a shtml site to a PHP site, improve web analytics, and help improve the metadata information found in the various tools at the Marquette Libraries. After working there for just over 2 years, he moved on to become the Head of Collection Services at Kenosha Public Library.

At the Kenosha Public Library, Rob has helped to provide resources and tools to the general public to engage all ages with STEAM resources, and help bridge the digital divide. He has helped to roll out the WiFi Hotspot program, works with staff to help improve internet access at and around the library buildings, and had helped decrease access to new materials from 2-3 months to 24 hours. A number of improvements are contributed to the improving data gathers and analysis tactics that are utilized at the Library, many of while Rob helped to pioneer. By utilizing SMART Goals, KPIs, and analyzing multiple data sources, he was able to help improve the reliability and predictability of daily attendance and facility use. Lastly, he works with local companies to provide recreational resources to patrons, overseeing a 400+ board game collection, growing cake pan collection, and ever expanding outdoor activities collection.