Dallas, TX — Robert Watkins, Chief Operations Officer for Amigos Library Services, is retiring from Amigos effective June 30, 2011. Watkins informed Amigos of his decision earlier this year, ending a 24-year career that saw him rise steadily through the ranks of the organization and hold numerous positions of increasing responsibility.

Watkins cited family considerations among the factors prompting his decision. “I’m originally from Austin (TX) and my family lives there,” Watkins noted. “My mom is not in the best of health, and I’ve had to make several trips there in recent months to help care for her. My goal has long been to get back to Austin someday, and this just seemed like the right time.”

Watkins joined Amigos in 1987, starting and managing the onetime Bibliographic Resource Center, where he oversaw contract retrospective conversion, cataloging, and union listing. He also managed the Amigos Computer Services Department, which conducted database prep services for libraries. These services ended as Amigos Members began to automate their libraries and no longer needed this type of assistance. Amigos was one of the first organizations in the country to conduct database prep services for libraries installing online catalogs.

He later moved into managing other service units for Amigos, including BioOne, Member Discount Services, and marketing and sales for the OCLC/Amigos Collection Analysis Systems. For the last several years, he has served as the Associate Executive Director of Amigos (recently changed to Chief Operations Officer). In this role he administered all Amigos member service programs.

As to his future plans, Watkins said he is unsure. “I don’t know yet what I’ll do. Once I get to Austin and get settled I’ll give it some thought. In the meantime, I’ll just be an Austin hippie.”

About Amigos Library Services
For more than 35 years, Amigos Library Services has helped its members obtain affordable services and share library resources and knowledge. With over 600 members, Amigos is one of the largest consortia of libraries and cultural heritage institutions in the United States. Through membership in Amigos, libraries collectively gain access to the latest innovations and services in the library community; pursue opportunities for continuing professional education; leverage their buying power; and preserve the rich cultural heritage of their communities. This collaboration strengthens each member’s ability to serve and lead its community in the creative and effective use of information resources. ###

Media Contact:
Terri Maguire Mertz
Amigos Library Services
972-340-2855
mertz@amigos.org
www.amigos.org

June 22, 2011