Jim Barrentine

Jim Barrentine has over 30 years experience in the information industry, most of it dealing with the applications of technology in libraries. He has a BS in Chemistry and an MS in Computer & Information Science.

He worked at OCLC for 10 years where he was a Assistant Director of R&D, Director for Technical Planning, and Director of the Local Systems Division. Jim spent seven years with the Thyssen-Bornemisza Group where he was Vice President of Operations and Planning at Predicasts and President of CLSI.

In 1993 he and his partner, Diane Mayo, founded Information Partners, a library technology and management consulting firm. Since then they have worked for a variety of clients providing such services as system acquisitions, technology plans, internal re-engineering, staff recruiting, and telecommunications network upgrades.

Jim has been active in ALA for many years. Most recently he was the Chairman of the LITA Emerging Technologies Interest Group and a regular speaker on planning for technology in public libraries.

Jim has been involved in using wireless networks in libraries for over three years. He has worked on such projects as wireless LANs for the Battle Creek Public Schools, a mobile wireless training lab for the Cecil County (MD) Public Library and a wireless WAN for the Franklin County (NC) Public Library.