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.

"Providing resources for planning and managing every possible aspect of the relationships and work involved for successful cooperation between libraries and information technology services - including staffing and reporting lines, inter-organizational relationships, training, daily and periodic operations, research, and new technologies - this book also offers guidance to help systems librarians better plan for tomorrow. Appended materials, including a glossary; sample job descriptions; organizational charts; integrated library system vendor contacts; suggested professional reading; controlled circulation publications; a bibliography; sample policies and documents; and an index add to the practicality of this resource."--Jacket.

Once again the wide-ranging and rapid developments in microcomputer technology of the last few years have meant that a detailed revision of The librarian's guide to microcomputers for information management was required, if it was to fulfil its objectives of providing a single source of information on the process of automating with a microcomputer. For this new edition, we have taken into account not only the developments in hardware, but also the growing sophistication and power of software, and the growing sophistication of library and information service managers. The latter are more and more familiar with the use, or at least the principles, of microcomputers, and it no longer seems necessary to spell out certain details. We have, where relevant, indicated sources of more detailed information, particularly of practical applications, and so we hope that the changes we have made will ensure that this book remains of value to practitioner and student alike. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We remain, as always, grateful to those who have written or spoken about their experiences with microcomputers and have described applications. We would also like to thank the referees who commented of the book, and provided useful suggestions and on a first draft amendments. Mandy and Lindesay once again patiently accepted our absence during the writing of this edition.

Keep pace with the constant technological changes you face every day as a library technician Computers in Libraries examines the impact of integrated library management systems, digital resources, and the Internet on the functions and operations of library technicians and assistants. The book provides a practical understanding of library system software, networks, online information and access, portals, open URL linking, and the fusion of digital and print collections. Each chapter opens with definitions of the most commonly used terms and closes with review questions for classroom use, making it equally valuable as a textbook and as a professional resource for updating work skills. The roles of library technicians and assistants have changed dramatically in the past twenty years as computers have transformed every area of day-to-day library operations. And nowhere have those changes been more obvious than when dealing with online data that hasn’t undergone the same quality control and selection processes traditionally used with library resources. As ordering and cataloging processes have been streamlined, and reference and research services have been turned into twenty-four hour help centers, Computers in Libraries is a practical guide to keeping pace with the changes you face—every day, in every aspect of your work. Computers in Libraries examines: how computers work Internet protocols and applications integrated management system structure and administration acquisitions financial management online cataloging standards circulation parameters and policies course reserves serials control the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) resource sharing standards searching online databases creating online content digital libraries and electronic publishing bibliographic standards and practices Computers in Libraries is an important resource for library professionals striving to stay a step ahead in their field and for students who will need to be up to speed on the technological aspects of library work.

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.

Practical advice on using research, organizational, and bibliographic skills to solve system problems. Staff request.