The Unhinged Librarian

About

Both sides of the desk

Almost twenty years in library software, from building the systems to building the alternatives.

I am Sam Chada. I have spent nearly twenty years in library software, working as both a vendor and a librarian. I hold an MLIS and an MBA.

My career began at OverDrive as employee #70, helping libraries launch digital collections. On weekends, I worked at a public library using those same systems. Seeing technology from both sides showed me how software vendors affect library operations. This blog is where I share what I have learned.

Experience

Here is a summary of my work history:

  • OverDrive (2008–2011): Provided support and managed projects for early eBook collections.
  • Sandusky Library (2011–2015): As Communications & Technologies Director, managed grants and technology programs.
  • Wayne County Public Library (2015–2017): As Assistant Director, oversaw technology strategy and vendor relationships.
  • collectionHQ / Baker & Taylor (2017–2021): Managed customer success for digital product portfolios.
  • Dutchie (2021–2022): Handled customer success and compliance systems.
  • Trellis Law (2022–2024): Served as the first Director of Customer Success, handling contract renewals for law libraries and law firms.

What you will find here

Overdue Conversations

Articles analyzing software contracts, corporate ownership, and library technology spending. Links to public records and documentation are included for reference.

Building

Open-source projects and test environments for library tools. These builds explore shared infrastructure options while keeping local control.

Notes

Short posts about minor software changes, industry updates, and quick observations.

Why “Unhinged”?

Because this isn’t ordinary library work. Someone told me I couldn’t, I said “bet,” and they called me unhinged. I kept the name.

Site policies

This site contains no ads, popups, or tracking tools. Open-source code is shared under AGPL licenses where applicable. You can reach out directly using the contact link in the footer.

Behind the scenes

Ever wonder what it’s like behind the scenes? Here is a look at my work from both sides of the desk, straight from my camera roll. Click any photo to view a larger image.

A library self-checkout kiosk in front of a wall screen showing the hoopla website, at Sandusky Library in 2014
April 2014: 3M RFID self-check installation at the circ desk. Hacked together the hoopla on the screen behind the desk.
Sandusky Library's circulation desk in 2014, with a hoopla screen on the wall, an Easter bunny cutout, and a sign reading 'You may use your card and your card only to check out materials'
April 2014: The same desk, wider. Digital lending was new enough to share wall space with the Easter bunny.
A planning whiteboard: a project flow on the left, '#Do your job!!' in red in the middle, and a parking-lot list opening with 'WE DO NOT CHARGE FOR DEV'
July 2021, at a startup: Standing up a new customer success department. Brainstorming ideas.
A second whiteboard with three columns: Ecosystem, listing customer questions like why, confusion, and resistance; Objective; and Parking Lot
July 2021: Ecosystem, objective, parking lot. The first column is always the customer questions.
A laptop screen during a video all-hands: Snoop Dogg is on camera mid-sentence, and a chat message reading 'SNOOOOOOOOP' has 99+ reactions. Participant names are blacked out.
March 2022: Ever have Snoop Dogg on an all-hands call? I can’t believe I can write that sentence. Colleagues’ names are blacked out.