For me, Karen Schneider is a friend, a mentor, and the kind of person I want to be when I grow up (should that ever actually happen). I can't think of a bad piece of advice she's ever given me, she always makes me laugh, she's talked me down from the vortex ledge numerous times, and I have learned much from her. I am "grasshopper" compared to her. So it is with great enthusiasm that I note that you can now hire her for short- or long-term jobs should you require the kinds of services she can provide.

In fact, Karen has laid out all of the different types of things she can do for you in a very honest and straightforward blog post. Those are two words that describe Karen quite well - honest and straightforward, although they're part of a long and illustrious list.

When *don't* you want to hire Karen? When you just want a "yes" person to rubber stamp what you've already decided to do, whether it's the right thing or not. That would just be a waste of her many talents. Or when you want a "no" person who defaults to skepticism and negativity because they don't understand the potential of new formats, technologies, or tools. In fact, I find Karen's mix of understanding and critical evaluation to be almost unparalleled in our profession. She has worked in a variety of types of libraries, she has a MLS she has put to good use, and her foundation for her work is a detailed understanding of our profession gained over years in the trenches, all of which qualifies her for an incredibly wide range of positions.

Unfortunately, Karen can't just up and move anywhere, but she'll make a great fit for the right distance position, group looking for a presenter, or consulting/short-term role. Could that be you? If so, please consider this to be my official endorsement for The Schneider!