The Accidental Systems Librarian

by Nicole C. Engard, Rachel Singer Gordon

"The focus on open source software and the importance of networking for systems librarians are powerful additions to this new edition of The Accidental Systems Librarian ... Very well done. ... an instant classic that every systems librarian will want."
—Edward Iglesias, author, An Overview of the Changing Role of the Systems Librarian

This new edition of The Accidental Systems Librarian prepares readers to manage the latest library technologies: mobile devices, open source software, social networks, WiFi, ebooks, and much more.

Nicole C. Engard's advice on using research, communication, organizational, and bibliographic skills to solve various systems problems is geared to helping both "accidental" and "planned" systems librarians develop the skills they need to succeed and the confidence they need to excel.

"A great resource for those of us in this role by accident or choice. If you need new ideas on how to manage and master new technologies, acquire new skill sets, and use life lessons to solve problems and achieve career goals, this is the book for you."
—Cheryl Ann Peltier-Davis, archives & digital librarian, NSU Archives, Nova Southeastern University (Florida)

"Nicole C. Engard has written a well-rounded introduction to the trials, tribulations, treasures, and treats of systems librarianship. With this guide in hand, accidental (and new) systems librarians will be prepared to handle almost anything the job throws at them."
—Ruth Kneale, intentional systems librarian and author, You Don't Look Like a Librarian

"A practical and perceptive guide ... I recommend it to anyone considering or already involved in this corner of the profession."
—Marshall Breeding, Library Technology Guides

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Technology

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Nicole is the Vice President of Education at ByWater Solutions. In her over ten years in libraries she has dedicated herself to educating librarians about technologies both on her site web2learning.net and in person with a focus on open source. In 2010 she authored 'Practical Open Source Software for Libraries' and regularly writes for various library outlets about open source for libraries.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read this whole book--pretty much all of the specific technology mentioned in it is dated ten years on, but it was still useful to prepare me for a systems librarian interview.

It was good to get a wide overview of all of the general things that a systems librarian *may* be responsible for, and the reassurance that probably no systems librarian will have to be responsible for all of them.

And the big secret? All systems librarians have to learn things on the job that are specific to their own organization. So nobody comes in knowing everything.

That's good news.

I did not get the job I applied for, but this book was a confidence-booster for the future.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource!

For those who work in the field or have already taken courses it is a great refresher.

Helps put you in the right frame of mind if you are pursuing a career as a systems librarian.

Note: Some of the links and resources referenced in the book are dated, no longer updated or no longer exist.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having used other books in the "Accidental librarian" series, I was excited about receiving a copy of The Accidental Systems Librarian. In its second edition, this text does an excellent job preparing librarians for a wide range of technologies used in today's libraries. The authors provide a practical approach, weaving in technology as it relates to each topic. Although the book provides a great introduction to the skills needed of a systems librarian, the book isn't intended to provide specific technical skills.[return][return]While the book is current as of March 2013, it will be important to check the book before using it in the future. Like many technology-based books, it will quickly become dated.

[Danie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this on LT's ER program. The second half was good, but the first half, I just knew too much of it already and so it was a bit of a slog to get through it.