The Accidental Systems Librarian
New Book Helps Librarians Deal Confidently
and Effectively with Technology in the Library—With
or Without Formal Computer Training
February 3, 2003, Medford, NJ — Information Today, Inc. announces the
publication of The Accidental Systems Librarian, by Rachel Singer Gordon.
The new book offers practical advice and strategies for managing library technology.
In The Accidental Systems Librarian, author
Gordon takes the approach that anyone with a solid
foundation in the practices and principles of librarianship
and a willingness to confront changing technology
can serve effectively in a library technology position-with
or without formal computer training. Her advice
on using organizational, bibliographic, and research
skills to solve various systems problems is geared
to helping "accidental" systems librarians develop
the skills they need to succeed and the confidence
they need to excel.
An essential book for any librarian who wants
to deal more effectively with technology in her
or his institution, The Accidental Systems Librarian features
a foreword by Kathy Dempsey, editor of Computers
in Libraries magazine; an introduction; nine
chapters; more than twenty explanatory figures
and sidebars; a recommended reading list; a directory
of Web sites; and an index. As a reader bonus,
links to over 150 useful Internet resources are
provided on a regularly updated Web page.
Chapters include:
| • Defining Systems Librarianship |
• Research Techniques |
• Independent Study |
| • Technical Areas You May Need to Master |
• Networking |
• Administration & Management |
| • Organization of Knowledge |
• Instruction Techniques |
• Life Lessons |
Rachel Singer Gordon was computer services head
at the Franklin Park (Illinois) Public Library
until 2001, when she left to pursue a full-time
career as a writer, editor, and Webmaster. She
is the founder and Webmaster of the library career
site LisJobs.com, the "Computer Media" review columnist
for Library Journal, author of Teaching
the Internet in Libraries, and co-author of The
Information Professional's Guide to Career Development
Online.
Advance Praise for The Accidental Systems Librarian
"Gordon has covered a wide range of technologies
and issues that are essential to systems librarians.
This well-written and engaging book belongs on
the desk (not the shelf!) of every systems librarian-accidental
or not."
"This is a great book for beginners and veterans
alike. From defining what we do, to what we
need to know and how to share our knowledge, The
Accidental Systems Librarian covers all
the bases. If you're curious what it takes
to be a library geek, this is the place to
start."
-Blake Carver LISNews.com
"The perfect primer for anyone who has to
support computer technology in libraries. Whether
you are a systems librarian by choice or by
chance, Gordon's real-world examples and practical
advice will show you how to manage your computer
systems so that they don't manage you!"
-Andrew Mutch library systems technician
Waterford Township (Michigan) Public Library
"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."
-Michael Sauers, librarian, trainer, and
author Bibliographic Center for Research
(BCR)
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