A Short Bio
The Professional Version
Robert Williams is a technology trainer and consultant specializing in the use of computer technology in small public libraries and other community organizations. Since 1989 he has provided training in both seminar and hands-on formats on a variety of technical topics and software packages for libraries in Texas. He is the author of three training guides and is actively working on his next.
Robert holds a Master's degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas. He formerly worked as Automation Consultant for the South Texas Library System. He is currently the consultant/trainer for Williams Consulting in Corpus Christi, Texas.
There is always a lot to tell about a life, a bio. Everyone has a story. Good, bad, ups, downs. We all cut a swath through history, even in the simplest of ways. But I'll spare you the grand tour. Here's a quick history for those who just have to know the details.
I was born and reared in the mighty metropolis of McGregor, Texas (they made '57 Chevys in my honor ;-) ). With the purchase of the Bush ranch, McGregor is now relegated forever to the ignominy of being located "seven miles down the road from Crawford, Texas." Isn't it amazing how a single event changes things?
I'm descended mainly from a mix of Englishman and Cherokee Indian. Some day I'll have to celebrate my native American heritage more, since it's now politically correct. A generation or two ago being Indian was to be avoided at all costs. Isn't it amazing how quickly society's thinking changes?
After graduating from McGregor High School in the Spirit of '76, I went on to college at Texas A&M University where I majored in math and had my first comeuppance. Going from graduating fifth in my (very small) high school class to struggling to make Cs at the University was a bit tough to take. Later I transferred to North Texas State University where I was able to graduate with honors. Isn't it amazing how where you are can color your accomplishments?
(By the way, I'm still an Aggie at heart. There is no other university in the country with its unique touch of spirit and tradition. And there is no way, having once been involved there, one can ever walk away and leave its influence behind.)
While at Texas A&M I became a follower of Jesus of Nazareth. I hesitate to label myself a Christian because of all the baggage society has hung upon that label. As the early disciples were, I am just a simple student of the master, trying to learn everything I can from him, and, in turn, to teach the simple things I've come to know. After a year or so I spent a year and a half in Manila, the Philippines, working as an apprentice to Ray Bryan, a missionary who had learned much of how to be like Jesus, a man of steel and velvet. And mostly velvet. Isn't it amazing how the influence of a teacher can change the direction of your life?
Eventually, I graduated from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas). I tried my hand at being a high school math teacher, but that didn't last long. I love teaching, but I hated trying to be a class policeman as well. So I looked for another job and found one in the university library. There I was quickly shanghied by the librarians and forced to go to "library school" (get a Masters degree in Library Science--MLS for short). No kidding! You can't live and work around a bunch of librarians very long before being picked up bodily by your co-workers and transported directly to graduate school! Librarians just generally seem to have an effervescent enthusiasm about the work they do in libraries. So I earned an MLS and became involved in the technology side of library work. Isn't it amazing how much the enthusiasm of those around us inspires us to do a good work?
And, somewhere in the middle of those events, I met and married Nancy Perry. Now fifteen years and two children later, I have learned more than in the preceding twenty-eight. Blessings from God, it is through Nancy and the children that I've learned the important aspects of life: love and life, family and friends, forgiveness and mercy, sharing the wealth. Isn't it amazing how God reveals to us his own character?
Okay, back to work. After working in a regional library system office (which provides auxiliary services to various public libraries) for ten years, I started my own business to offer consulting and training services to other library systems and to other small community non-profit agencies. I have developed quite a love for helping agencies who have been struggling to provide services to our communities, almost always without adequate salaries and budgets. There is something in the teaching of Jesus about the oppressed and downtrodden and in the plight of many non-profits that resonates within me. It motivates me to do what I can. Williams Consulting and (soon to be) Tech Explorations are the vehicles through which I am able to help.
Isn't it interesting what effect a teacher, a few individuals, and an event or two can have on the outcome of our lives? It's been a wild ride, this life. Good, bad, ups, and downs. Just like yours. Thankfully, we tend to forget most of the bad and downs. Some we have to live with. But it's always interesting to wonder about this story we live: what's coming on the next page?
Thanks for taking the time to listen to my story. I'd be interested in hearing yours.
Copyright © 2001-2002 Robert
L. Williams. All rights reserved.