Consider:
- Can you create a project proposal for a new digitization program without calculating server space requirements, time estimates for specific aspects of the work, or costs of purchasing services?
- Can you decide on the resources needed to create metadata for a collection without doing math?
- Can you decide on the best deal for digital asset management software without using math?
- Can you make decisions about your book or resource budget without doing any calculations?
- Can you provide input on your organization's budget without math?
- Can you analyze detailed cost quotes if you cannot do math?
- Can you double-check a vendors invoice without math?
- Can you evaluate a job offer if you cannot do math?
- Can you...?
Do you need to learn calculus and trigonometry? Likely not, although you will give your brain a good exercise by doing so. You do need to be able to sit in a meeting (or in your office), run calculations and know that they are correct.
Need a math refresher?
- Put away the calculator and start using a pen and paper.
- Don't rely on someone else to calculate something for you. Do it yourself.
- Check out the arithmetic and pre-algebra videos from the Khan Academy.
It used to amuse me when in library school I would be asked, "What's a math major doing in archives?" Electronic records, library technology, grant writing, etc. Thanks for highlighting this.
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