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M.L.I.S. '20
Data Taxonimist, Eyeota

A self-taught database architect: Brendan Latran’s ‘20 unique story of how he became a graduate of the School of Information and Master of Library Science program.

It’s common for professionals in information science to join the field years into their careers after switching from a different industry. However, Library and Information Science  alum Brendan Latran’s story shows how everything comes full circle.

In 2018, Latran enrolled at 91�ֿ� as a master’s in scenic design student in the School of Theatre and Dance. As a scenic design student, Latran was assigned to create an inventory sheet of prop storage. However, he had another idea.

“I realized a regular spreadsheet wasn’t going to do the trick,” Latran said. “I met with my advisor and some faculty and proposed creating a relational database.”

The challenge: Latran did not know how to create one. This did not stop him though, as he researched how to use the software, Airtable, and got to work immediately.

“The platform allowed me to build out a database in that way with relationships between tables to create my own keys, metadata schemas,” Latran said. “I basically taught myself the basics of relational database architecture within a week.”

Latran created two databases, one that included prop measurements, quantities, color, type of prop, and location within the facility, and another that acted as a sign-up system for checking items in and out of the school. Latran also created a public-facing website for students, faculty and third-party renters outside of the school to view the database and rent out our material for their own productions.

“This was my way of creating oversight towards checking things out of the facility and putting them back,” Latran said. “As the database architect and administrator, I became the point of contact and authority when it came to using our props in our theater products.”

Referred to by colleagues as the “prop librarian,” Latran realized he had discovered a new passion for working in data and information science.

“Eric van Baars, the former director of the Theatre School, reached out and recommended me to the then director of the iSchool, Dr. Kendra Albright,” Latran said.

Dr. Van Baars explained that Latran built a successful database from scratch and has no prior experience, recommending he enroll in the iSchool’s Library Science program. Flash forward two and a half years and Latran graduated with his master’s degree in KM.

“Before I started my scenic design degree, I was debating career paths because of how competitive working in entertainment is ,” Latran said. “I love books and have always been a huge reader, so I did think about becoming a librarian before enrolling but chose the scenic design degree instead.”

During his master’s program, Latran built close relationships with iSchool professors such as Dr. Albright and Dr. Bill Edgar.

“I was able to work with Dr. Albright as a graduate assistant on a lot of projects and I learned a lot,” Latran said.

Latran’s early career aspiration in intelligence analysis also appealed to Dr. Albright because of past work experiences, leading to an instant connection between the two.

“It was great to have that opportunity to work closely inside the library with library professionals,” Latran said. “I was also able to learn the business side and apply that to professional work.”

Dr. Albright was also able to connect Latran with KM professor Dr. Bill Edgar in working as a researcher for the International Collaboratory on Knowledge Management Research (ICKMR), a group of international academics and knowledge management professionals researching and developing a taxonomy for KM concepts and terms.

In this position, Latran was the lead author of a research paper on the social aspects of KM in individual and organizational environments.

“Thanks to computers and the internet, the lifecycle of information is so rapid,” Latran said. “Bill and I wanted to identify the subjectivity of knowledge and understand how knowledge is ingrained and transmitted differently with others.

Latran also wrote about how connecting bits of context and information allows you to answer the how and why of questions and ideas.

“An example would be how Gothic and Victorian civilizations built cathedrals out of stone in the primitive earth,” Latran said. “How did they do this without KM, were they able to do this in comparison to what we do now, what is missing.”

In his current role as a Data Taxonomist with Eyota, a Dun & Bradstreet company, Latran uses essential listening and organization skills to understand the importance of data and who is using it.

“Taxonomy and knowledge management are two sought-after skill sets,” Latran said. “The people who understand the need for this position and this role within society and business, will seek out individuals with these skill sets to provide more value to their business. .”

With a love of telling stories and his passion for data and information, Latran is grateful that he is in a field with opportunities, flexibility and numerous job opportunities.

“Students are in a great position because the future is great,” Latran said. “Business is booming because we keep accumulating more information, leading to more jobs and opportunities for young knowledge workers and specialists. ”