From library systems to mainstream software: how Web technologies are changing the role of the systems librarian

With the advent of the Web, systems librarians now find themselves managing or facilitating a wealth of mainstream technologies. Systems work revolves around many resources that live outside the library’s walls, securing access for our patrons and pushing access to the desktop of the user. XML is the Web technology that is tying together systems, applications and formats and the possibilities for component‐based applications seem revolutionary. The resulting need for mainstream IT Web‐based skills in addition to traditional library‐specific technologies is expanding the role of systems librarians and offering a new world of possibilities.