Birds of a feather...

 As a photo enthusiast, one thing I like to look for is patterns. The birds we found while touring Zoodoo, near Richmond, were fantastic!

I have found that there are many patterns between Tasmanians and Montanans, as well.  We have states that are a bit different from the rest of the country, we have a few smaller cities and the rest of the state is largely rural and agriculture.  Forestry, logging, mining and usage of our natural resources can be a polarizing topic.

 Besides touring Tasmania, meeting wonderful people, presenting to Rotary clubs and attending District Conference, we also embark on professional visits.  I have visited Cygnet and Huonville to see their public libraries and also Launceston College to visit their library and IT department.  Interestingly enough, all the libraries are using the same ILS software to check out books and manage library needs.

We are facing similar challenges and it has been interesting to see the changes that libraries are making here to stay relevant are the same as the projects we are carrying out.  One librarian I spoke to was very happy with their new self check machine and was working out how to increase its usage.  I will have 6 new self check machines waiting for me upon return to Montana to install in 2 locations. 

There are obviously differences between Montana and Tasmania but I love seeing the patterns that unite us.  Thank you to Youngtown, Longford, Huon Valley and Howrah Rotary Clubs for making this such a special trip.  Watch out Kingston, Wynyard, Ulverstone West, George Town and Kings Meadows Clubs- here we come!