I’ve been thinking lately about what makes a systems librarian. I’ve been thinking for a while about continuing my education and I am determined to start postgraduate study next year. The big question is, what course should I choose? As I am currently employed in a library as a systems librarian (and I want a future in libraries), should I undertake an ALIA recognised course, or should I undertake something with more of an Information Architecture focus.
It is a particularly vexing problem for as Jennifer Macaulay asks “What does it mean to feel like a librarian?“. Jennifer says:
MLS graduate schools focus on several core tenets or principles of librarianship of which reference and research are a large part. I am not arguing that these aren’t important nor that everyone in an MLS program shouldn’t have some exposure to these principles. However, I don’t necessarily think that current MLS programs of study provide the best curriculum for systems librarians.
I must admit to feeling the same way. My main responsibility is to ensure that users of the Library can use the systems that the Library provides. The main system that people use in the Library is the catalogue, however increasingly people are using OpenURL resolvers, institutional repositories, gain access to resources via proxy servers, and interacting with other services. Not to mention the ever expanding world of Library 2.0.
I’m unsure if taking a course that focuses on reference, research, and collection development, is going to assist me in undertaking these sorts of tasks. On the other hand I don’t want to preclude myself from advancing in the Library sector simply because I don’t hold a librarian qualification. For as Dorothea Salo writes in a recent TechEssence.Info post:
The hard fact is that die-hard systems librarians are still a rare breed, hard to find and hard to hire. Moreover, a systems librarian may not be what you think a systems librarian should be.
The big question in my mind then is obviously what course would help me in becoming the systems librarian I ought to be.
Any, and all, thoughts from librariesinteract.info readers would be very welcome. You can either post a comment, or contact me directly via email. My email address is listed on my profile page.
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October 9, 2006 at 12:57
As a recent library studies graduate with an undergraduate degree in computer science, I’d love to know what, exactly, makes a systems librarian, too.
I’m currently working in a position where my technical knowledge is underutilised; I can feel it stagnating in my head. Maybe it’s time for me to start writing some open-source Library software.
October 10, 2006 at 09:50
It continues to strike me as a “bitsa” job. Covering bits of this and bits of that and bits of something else. Anything remotely technical that regular library folk don’t want to touch. One very important skill for systems librarians that I’ve found over the years is the ability to be bi-lingual. Able to talk tech speak and library speak, often at the same time
I’ve got a library degree and I did a compsci major many years ago. My current job, for a vendor, is mostly technical, though actual programming tends more along the lines of script maintenance. Suits me fine at the moment.
October 13, 2006 at 10:26
I agree with snail that one of the most important skills is to be a translator. I’ve been working as a “systems_librarian_by_another_name” for a number of years, and I think if I were employing someone in this role, I would look for
-a good communicator
-someone who is keen to embrace and investigate change
-a good “people” person
-someone who doesn’t mind working alone
-someone who has a deep fundamental understanding of technology and how to apply it in the library environment, and is prepared to be a leader in investigating new possibilities, even when it means getting shouted down a lot of the time
-someone who has a deep fundamental understanding of library culture and ethos
-someone who can cope with putting heart and soul into a project only to hand it over to others once it becomes operational
-someone who thrives on a steep learning curve
I’m a bit concerned about your comment that “My main responsibility is to ensure that users of the Library can use the systems that the Library provides”, as I think your role “should” and is likely to be, much wider than that. Whether we like it or not, and whether it is in our job description or not, we are probably not doing our job very well unless it includes most of what I have said above.
I don’t think any course of study will teach you all those things, but something that covers a fundamental understanding of library data would be useful. So the best would be Information Archtecture in a Library context – and I’d love to hear about such a course when you find one! Better still find some way to work in all those areas of the library you mentioned – nothing like hands on!
But if I had to choose, I think as long as you are immersed in the library culture and ethos (which you probably aren’t going to get in a programme of study anyway), I would lean towards the technology stuff.
On the other hand, if you want to advance in a career in the library sector, get out of systems. Sounds contradictory, but it isn’t where the power resides, at least in my experience (and the systems knowledge/experience will always give you an edge). Get solid library quals, and maybe back it up with an MBA.
November 22, 2006 at 05:45
My sense is that the job you accept after you’re through your MLS will be more important to you than what you take during it. If you have the tech skills, which you obviously do, the thing is not to let them rust.
One reference course won’t kill you and may make you stronger. Not a few techie jobs are hybrids — tech plus desk shifts. Plus, libraries (at least in the States) are pretty hidebound about librarian certifications, so check the appropriate accreditation for any program you’re considering.
January 5, 2007 at 01:17
This article I think is timely.There are quite a number of fresh Library graduates that actually wish to measure up systems librarianship.However,they lack the required information.Mine is rather a question and not a comment per say.Is a knowledge of computer science necessary for systems librarianship.
January 5, 2007 at 11:52
Andrew,
It appears to me that the title “Systems Librarianship” covers a wide range of tasks and skill levels. Would a knowledge of computer science be necessary to be a “Systems Librarian”? Of that I’m not sure.
Would a degree in Information Systems / Information Technology be beneficial? I think it would most certainly be helpful.
The one main thing I would say though is a willingness to learn, an interest in computing, and an adventurous spirit ware necessary.
It really depends on what the organisation you’re working for expects of you.
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