An Overview Of The Changing Role Of The Systems Librarian

This book presents a series of case studies from systems librarians all over the world. It documents how the profession has changed in recent years with the introduction of new web technologies services such as hosted databases that are supported by vendors rather than in-house, as well as shifts in technology management. New skill sets are constantly being added as systems librarians become much more versed in dealing with service providers outside the library as well as training and supporting their traditional constituencies. Written by practitioners in the field who have real world experience Draws on a wide authorship to show how different perspectives can colour the perception of similar issues Provides real world scenarios where challenges in the field have been met and overcome

Systems Librarianship: A Practical Guide for Librarians offers new systems librarians and interested LIS students foundational knowledge about the field of systems librarianship as well as practical information and strategies for common projects like migrating a library system and technology planning. With up-to-date information based on a survey of 200 practicing systems librarians, the current professional literature, and on-the-job experience, this practical guide covers everything a new systems librarian should know in order to succeed in this field. The first half of the book covers background information about the systems librarian position, hiring trends and job searching tips, as well as essential knowledge on library systems like the ILS, content management systems, and emerging technology. The second half of the book provides how-to information for some of the most common and often daunting projects a new systems librarian might be expected to take on, including systems migration, website redesign, technology planning, and project management. Also included are where to find useful resources and support from the library community, such as pertinent listservs, professional associations, conferences, and journals, blogs, and other professional content. Finally, the book features informational interviews with over a dozen systems librarians working in a variety of library types across the professional spectrum, offering their experienced takes and advice on libraries, technology, and the profession. While new systems librarians can often feel overwhelmed and underprepared for their first professional position, this book will serve as a useful resource for navigating the ins and outs of this dynamic and challenging field.

The recent explosion of digital media, online networking, and e-commerce has generated great new opportunities for those Internet-savvy individuals who see potential in new technologies and can turn those possibilities into reality. It is vital for such forward-thinking innovators to stay abreast of all the latest technologies. Web-Based Services: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications provides readers with comprehensive coverage of some of the latest tools and technologies in the digital industry. The chapters in this multi-volume book describe a diverse range of applications and methodologies made possible in a world connected by the global network, providing researchers, computer scientists, web developers, and digital experts with the latest knowledge and developments in Internet technologies.

Whether you're a student or a professionals ready for a career change, you'll find in this invaluable book everything you need to know to start an exciting career or alter the direction of your current career in library and/or information science. Features include a quick-reference Career Profile for each job summarizing its notable features, a Career Ladder illustrating frequent routes to and from the position described, and a comprehensive text pointing out special skills, education, training, and various associations relevant to each post. Appendixes list educational institutions, periodicals and directories, professional associations, and useful industry Web sites.

The emergence of open access, web technology, and e-publishing has slowly transformed modern libraries into digital libraries. With this variety of technologies utilized, cloud computing and virtual technology has become an advantage for libraries to provide a single efficient system that saves money and time. Cloud Computing and Virtualization Technologies in Libraries highlights the concerns and limitations that need addressed in order to optimize the benefits of cloud computing to the virtualization of libraries. Focusing on the latest innovations and technological advancements, this book is essential for professionals, students, and researchers interested in cloud library management and development in different types of information environments.

Libraries in the USA and globally are undergoing quiet revolution. Libraries are moving away from a philosophy that is collection-centered to one focused on service. Technology is key to that change. The Patron Driven Library explores the way technology has moved the focus from library collections to services, placing the reader at the center of library activities. The book reveals the way library users are changing, and how social networking, web delivery of information, and the uncertain landscape of e-print has energized librarians to adopt technology to meet a different model of the library while preserving core values. Following an introduction, the first part begins with the historical milieu, and moves on to current challenges for financing and acquiring materials, and an exploration of why the millennial generation is transformational. The second part examines how changes in library practice can create a culture for imagining library services in an age of information overflow. The final chapter asks: Whither the library? Provides a synthesis of current research on the impact of technology on behaviour, and connecting it with library services Offers examples and practical advice for incorporating technology to meet user expectations and assess services Suggests management techniques to overcome barriers to change and technology innovation

Social media is here to stay. A robust social media campaign can provide academic libraries with a means to showcase library resources, highlight content and events, and attract students to sample what the library has to offer. Building Communities is a handbook to implement social media technologies for academic libraries. It is a guide to planning and implementing a successful social media campaign and evaluating its impact. This title covers: the beginning of social networking in the academic context; how to implement use of social media technologies; and evaluating their use. The final section considers the future and asks: ‘What’s next?’ Provides information on how to plan, integrate, and assess the use of social media in academic libraries Gives examples on the best social media technologies to implement in academic libraries Discusses the skills and knowledge required in the academic library to launch a successful social media campaign

Advancements in technology are impacting many businesses and institutions, including libraries. As such, it is increasingly imperative to research purchasing methods to boost cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Library Technology Funding, Planning, and Deployment is an authoritative reference source for the latest research on the best methods of the purchase and implementation of various technology systems by libraries. Featuring extensive coverage across a range of relevant perspectives and topics, such as library systems management, Open Source software, and budget constraints, this book is ideally designed for academicians, researchers, practitioners and librarians seeking current research on library purchase and utilization of technology.

Memory institutions such as archives, libraries, and museums collect, arrange, describe, and preserve their collections and holdings in order to make them accessible to the community. However, these institutions remain underutilized and are struggling to raise awareness of their existence and attract users and funders. The Handbook of Research on Advocacy, Promotion, and Public Programming for Memory Institutions is a collection of innovative research on emerging strategies such as advocacy, outreach, marketing, and public programming to promote memory institutions and engage the community. While highlighting topics including customer service solutions, social media, and collection development strategies, this book is ideally designed for heritage management and information professionals, curators, museum management, archival specialists, librarians, policymakers, researchers, and academicians.

Faced with increased budget cuts, libraries must continue to advance their services through new technologies and practices in order to keep pace with the rapid changes society is currently facing. The once traditional in-person services offered can no longer be the only option, and to keep themselves afloat, libraries must offer more in terms of digital services. The convenience of offering mobile and digital services brings a new wave of accessibility to libraries and a new question on just how much libraries will need to change to meet the newfound needs of its patrons. Beyond offering these digital services, libraries are incorporating other types of technology in multifaceted ways such as utilizing artificial intelligence practices, social media, and big data management. Moreover, libraries are increasingly looking for ways to partner and collaborate with the community, faculty, students, and other libraries in order to keep abreast of the best practices and needs of their users. The Research Anthology on Collaboration, Digital Services, and Resource Management for the Sustainability of Libraries explores emerging strategies and technologies that are redefining the role of the library within communities and academia. This reference book covers extensive ground on all the ways libraries have shifted to manage their resources, digitalize their services, and market themselves within the new technological revolution. These continued shifts for libraries come with benefits, challenges, and future projections that are critical for discussion as libraries continue to strive to remain updated and relevant in times of change. This book is ideal for librarians, archivists, collection managers, IT specialists, electronic resource librarians, practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, academicians, and students who are interested in the current state of libraries and how they are transforming to fit modern needs.

"Over the past ten years, many changes have affected the roles of librarians and other professionals in research libraries. The changes have been caused, in part, by technological advances, reorganizations, more focus on libraries as learning organizations, the use of teams and team-based approaches to tasks, and a recognition of diversity's importance to organizational development. Librarians have had to align priorities with redefined institutional goals. The survey for this SPEC Kit was an effort to examine these professional changes through an analysis of position descriptions issued by ARL member institutions. What follows are the results of the survey conducted in January 1999 by the ARL Leadership Committee whose membership included: Nancy Baker, Washington State University; Joan Giesecke, University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Carolyn Snyder, Southern Illinois University; DeEtta Jones, ARL Senior Program Officer for Diversity; and Kathryn Deiss, ARL/OLMS Program Manager"--Introduction to the executive summary, page 9.

"The Accidental Systems Librarian takes the approach that anyone with a solid foundation in the practices and principles of librarianship and a willingness to confront changing technology can serve effectively in a library technology position--with or without formal computer training. Author Rachel Singer Gordon's practical advice on using research, organizational, and bibliographic skills to solve various systems problems is geared to helping "accidental" systems librarians develop the skills they need to succeed and the confidence they need to excel. This is an essential book for any librarian who wants to deal more effectively with technology in her or his institution.

Guided by the editorial support of colleagues in the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA), author Tom Wilson, head of systems at University of Houston Libraries, demystifies this critical specialty. In clear nontechnical language, Wilson answers the befuddling question, What is a systems librarian? Wilson lays no claim to the one right answer. Instead, The Systems Librarian: Designing Roles, Defining Skills will lead you in formulating your own answer, which is the first step to making sound decisions.

Library Web Ecology is a thorough reference to help professionals in Library and Information Science (LIS) to develop a sustainable, usable, and highly effective website. The book describes the entire process of developing and implementing a successful website. Topics include: managing a web team, developing a web culture, creating a strategic plan, conducting usability studies, evaluating technology trends, and marketing the website. Worksheets and examples are included to help library web professionals to prepare web development plans. Although this book is aimed at LIS professionals, a number of concepts can easily be applied to any organization that would like to develop a more effective website. Provides practical and realistic solutions to website problems Suggests different strategies, giving the pros and cons, so professionals can determine what strategy is best for their library Includes worksheets and examples

Selecting and Implementing an Integrated Library System: The Most Important Decision You Will Ever Make focuses on the intersection of technology and management in the library information world. As information professionals, many librarians will be involved in automation projects and the management of technological changes that are necessary to best meet patron and organizational needs. As professionals, they will need to develop numerous skills, both technological and managerial, to successfully meet these challenges. This book provides a foundation for this skillset that will develop and acquaint the reader with a broad understanding of the issues involved in library technology systems. Although a major topic of the book is integrated library systems (a fundamental cornerstone of most library technology), the book also explores new library technologies (such as open source systems) that are an increasingly important component in the library technology world. Users will find a resource that is geared to the thinking and planning processes for library technology that emphasizes the development of good project management skills. Embraces both technology and management issues as co-equals in successful library migration projects Based on the experiences of a 20+ year career in libraries, including three major automation project migrations Includes increasingly relevant subject matter as libraries continue to cope with shrinking budgets and expanding library demands for services Contains the direct experiences of the University of Washington system in the Orbis-Cascade Alliance project, a project uniting 37 libraries across two states that combined both technical and public service functions

The LITA Leadership Guide will help librarians at every level of the career ladder and will supplement leadership and skill-based training workshops. Library leadership teams interested in the development of their staff as a means of improving their organizational performance will find it to provide context for growth, training, and collaboration.

Here is what the experts have to say about the effects of computer applications on selected facets of personnel administration in libraries. Senior library managers, systems librarians, and library educators with a special interest in automation analyze the changes in the workplace that have already occurred and discuss those that will confront library professionals in the future. Personnel Administration in an Automated Environment covers the latest issues and research on the topic. Among the subjects dealt with are education and compensation of automation librarians, the nature of jobs in an automated library, the opportunities for innovation and change in technical library jobs, new personnel issues as a result of automating users’services, changing staff requirements in mid-sized academic libraries, the intersection of library and computer center tasks, and the impact of computerization on job satisfaction and performance evaluation. Administrators, personnel officers, and department heads in mid-sized to large libraries with computer-based operations will find both research-based results and reasonable speculation on everyday problems. A bibliography of the most recent books and articles will be useful to scholars of the subject.

"The new essays on today's academic librarians examine above all their functions and responsibilities. From digital resources and special collections, to web development and new outreach initiatives, the topics covered by the essays in this book will reassure new librarians and stimulate prospective librarians as they realize the enhanced and varied positions that are available"--

"The Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science provides an outstanding resource in 33 published volumes with 2 helpful indexes. This thorough reference set--written by 1300 eminent, international experts--offers librarians, information/computer scientists, bibliographers, documentalists, systems analysts, and students, convenient access to the techniques and tools of both library and information science. Impeccably researched, cross referenced, alphabetized by subject, and generously illustrated, the Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science integrates the essential theoretical and practical information accumulating in this rapidly growing field."