Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 182
•
Trim: 8¾ x 11
978-1-5381-0713-3 • Paperback • June 2020 • $77.00 • (£59.00)
978-1-5381-3075-9 • eBook • June 2020 • $73.00 • (£56.00)
Brighid M. Gonzales earned her MLIS in 2014 from San Jose State University and has been working as the Systems and Web Services Librarian (Assistant Professor) at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX since the fall of 2014. She is interested in the web, systems, technology, coding, and UX, and has published a number of articles and book chapters on these and other related topics.
Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Preface
Chapter 1: What is a Systems Librarian?
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Thomas C. Wilson, Associate Dean for Research and Technology, University of Alabama
Chapter 2: Hiring Trends in Systems Librarianship
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Vanessa Walden, ILS Administrator, Peninsula Library System
Chapter 3: The Integrated Library System
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Morgan Mullins, Art & Technology Specialist, Rowan County Public Library
Chapter 4: Content Management Systems
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Mike Cendejas, Discovery & Access Systems Librarian, Scripps Research
Chapter 5: Electronic Resources Management
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Robert Wilson, Systems Librarian, Middle Tennessee State University
Chapter 6: Other Relevant Current Technology
Interview with a Systems Librarian: John Felts, Head of Library Technology and Systems, Coastal Carolina University
Chapter 7: Emerging Technology
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Marie Martino, Systems & Catalog Services Librarian, Moraine Valley Library
Chapter 8: Mindsets and Skillsets
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Liam Whalen, Systems Librarian/Analyst, Newfoundland & Labrador Public Libraries
Chapter 9: Technology Planning and Implementation
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Elizabeth Blackwood, Digital Assets Librarian, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Chapter 10: Leading a Systems Migration Project
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Leigh Duncan, Head of Library Technology Services, Wright State University
Chapter 11: Leading a Website Redesign Project
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Vickie Kline, Systems Librarian, York College of PA
Chapter 12: Help and Support
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Patsy Yang, Digital Services Librarian, Gateway Seminary
Interview with a Systems Librarian: Michelle Henley, Discovery Services Manager, Ohio State University Libraries
Appendix A: Systems Librarian Survey Results Summary
Bibliography
A great resource for library students, entry-level professionals, or those already in libraries who suddenly find themselves in a technical position, for understanding the library systems specialty, what kinds of systems you will be working with, how to skill up, get a job, and continue learning. The interviews with systems librarians provide invaluable personal insights into the work and what it takes to do it well.— Roy Tennant, author, Managing the Digital Library
Systems Librarianship: A Practical Guide for Librarians truly lives up to its title. Those considering a career focusing on technology in libraries will benefit from this new work which includes practical narrative content addressing a wide range of relevant topics. These high-level overviews of the key technology platforms used in libraries and processes such as project management, system procurement, and implementation give a good introduction to the profession and are accessible to non-technical readers. The author taps into the expertise of practitioners already in the field through interviews interspersed throughout the book, capturing interesting insights from seasoned professionals as well as early-career systems librarians. Author Brighid M. Gonzales packs a lot of information and insight into this new addition to the Practical Guide for Librarians series.— Marshall Breeding, independent consultant and founder of Library Technology Guides
Systems Librarianship: A Practical Guide for Librarians is a complete introduction for anyone who is new to systems librarianship, and a useful reference for anyone who is interested in learning about libraries and technology. Similar to the book, The Accidental Systems Librarian, which was originally published in 2003 and updated in 2012, this book provides a more modern perspective on the field. It is based on a recent survey of systems librarians, the professional literature, and more than a dozen interviews…. One chapter's key point sums this book up in one line: "New systems librarians just starting out are never alone" (146). This book is a great resource for anyone who is new to systems librarianship, or any experienced librarians who are looking for a modern look into this constantly changing field.
— Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship
Brighid Gonzales has written a guide for those interested in becoming or transitioning into systems librarianship. As part of the Practical Guides for Librarians series, Systems Librarianship: A Practical Guide is an engaging over-view of the complexities and variety of responsibilities a systems librarian may oversee. Sharing her personal experience of coming into a systems librarian position with no formal training in library school, she also shares the experiences of 200 system librarians who participated in a survey she conducted. Several in-depth interviews with some of the respondents end each chapter, further highlighting these experiences… At 168 pages, Gonzales offers an overview to an ever-expanding and changing area of librarianship. As more content moves online, the role of the systems librarian becomes even more essential. The references, in-depth interviews, and resources in this book give any new librarian or one moving into a systems role the help they need to be effective in their position.
— Journal of the Medical Library Association