The Accidental Systems Librarian [Paperback]

Rachel Singer-Gordon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Here is a book that fills in part of a gap in librarianship education--the business of running a library, especially the machinery and software that make a modern library possible. It is full of encouragement and suggestions for keeping up with the realities of continual learning about computers, networking, software, security, databases, instruction and training, and record keeping. Examples provide librarians of all types with ideas for projects and ways to solve local issues. The index includes many familiar products and brand names. New and experienced librarians will find answers to some of their questions on systems librarianship. Gordon's major point is that librarians should practice what they preach--lifelong learning of new and interesting skills. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Information Today Inc (February 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573871613
• ISBN-13: 978-1573871617
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,581,317 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended to all who run computers in libraries, February 6, 2003

By 

Michael Sauers "The Travelin' Librarian" (Lincoln, NE) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Accidental Systems Librarian (Paperback)

The Accidental Systems Librarian is entertaining, informative, and reassuring. As a trainer, I am constantly encountering librarians who were not hired as systems specialists but somehow found themselves in that role. I will be recommending this wonderful book to my students.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Accidental Systems Librarian's Toolbox, March 30, 2006

By 

Jason Fowler (Louisville, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Accidental Systems Librarian (Paperback)

The Accidental Systems Librarian, is intended to be a basic guide to the various duties that systems librarians undertake. The title of the book comes from the fact that many librarians find themselves taking on systems duties without any formal training.

Gordon provides a good overview for the categories of computer knowledge a systems librarian may need. These include an understanding of Microsoft software, Macintosh, Open Source software, networking, web design, intergrated library systems management, troubleshooting, programming, security, and antivirus. She also suggests that a systems librarian should be active in organizing knowledge. Organizing knowledge involves such things as inventorying computer equipment, compiling various types of statistics for the library, and keeping up with licensing, support information, and systems documentation.

Gordon notes that librarians are often naturals for systems duties because they are familiar with various methods for researching. Research is needed for repairs, troubleshooting, and purchasing. Likewise, librarians are used to having to ferret out the exact piece of information that patrons want. This should enable them to help customer service representatives know exactly how to help them. They should be prepared with detailed information regarding the issue that necessitated their call.

Gordon addresses social networking and professional advancement through listservs, associations, conferences, informal networks, and collaborative projects. These also give the systems librarian a chance to assist other librarians in their work.

This book is an invaluable work for anyone who finds themselves working as a systems librarian. It is not just a basic overview of the systems librarian position. It is a resource builder. The websites, articles, and books she cites within the book serve as a veritable toolbox for the librarian with systems responsibilities.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Offers a wealth of useful and practical advice, March 8, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Accidental Systems Librarian (Paperback)

The Accidental Systems Librarian by Rachel Singer Gordon (founder and webmaster for the library career site Lisjobs.com and "Computer Media" review columnist for the Library Journal) offers a wealth of useful and practical advice for adapting to, and incorporating advances in, contemporary technologies in order to solve various problems systems librarians encounter as they acclimate themselves to evolving demands for expertise in a rapidly changing field. Individual chapters discuss online classes and tutorials for self-study, IT projects, networking, instruction techniques, and much, much more. The Accidental Systems Librarian is a very highly recommended, reader-friendly guide for systems librarians of all skill and familiarity levels with modern computer capabilities.