The Accidental Systems Librarian by Rachel Singer Gordon aims to support librarians who “accidentally” became involved in systems work in libraries. Gordon claims that systems librarians have an inherent advantage over IT personnel in nearly any institution, for the simple reason that they know how to find answers. She reckons there is very little difference between a reference interview and solving a technical support problem to the user’s satisfaction.
The book first defines systems librarianship before discussing the technical areas readers might need to master. Aspects of systems librarianship are discussed in great detail within the relevant chapters.
All librarians love order. Chapter 3 describes just how to organise the IT knowledge of a department or organisation by paying attention to inventorying, licensing, support information, statistics and support documents. It discusses the advantages of having this information at hand and even describes how to create the necessary documentation for organisation purposes.
Gordon provides strategies and resources to help streamline technical research in Chapter 4, which focuses on research techniques. She also includes information on where and how to locate answers, as well as on when and why research becomes necessary.
The chapter on networking pays attention to aspects such as online discussion groups, interest groups, associations and conferences, and informal networks. It further advises on how to develop networking skills, while stressing the importance of collaboration with colleagues in other institutions or departments.
Gordon takes a good look at why it has become necessary for librarians to extend their traditional experience with bibliographic instruction to also include technology instruction in the chapter on instruction techniques. Specific attention is paid to the training of adult learners, which requires a different approach from training schoolchildren. Gordon further shows how online training can help supplement in‐person efforts by providing an opportunity for people to practise their skills, and to reach people who may be unwilling to attend a more formal session.
The task of technology project management involves a great deal of planning and care to achieve properly. Chapter 8 discusses the skill sets needed in systems administration and management, as well as descriptions of what the systems librarian might expect to encounter. It gives a step‐by‐step description of how to complete common projects such as integrated library system migrations and software roll‐outs.
The Accidental Systems Librarian is a valuable book with lots of advice and information to help the systems librarian manage and interact with computer technology in their institution, no matter what their level of systems responsibility. It includes a bibliography, some handy Web sites and a very useful index. This is an essential book for any librarian who wants to deal effectively with technology and can also be recommended for library school students.
