Library systems without systems librarians: the Mexican experience

This article aims to describe library automation development in Mexican universities, particularly the role of systems librarians in this process, together with the creation of new services. Systems librarian positions in Mexico do not officially exist. The activities that comprise the role practiced in American libraries were analyzed to define the equivalent profile in Mexican institutions and contrast the different approaches. Background information on Mexican library and information science programs is included. The results and conclusions of a survey applied to 66 Mexican institutions examine the role of systems librarians. There is a brief case study of a Mexican library confronting complex technological change. Finally, some considerations about the relationship between systems administrators and librarians are included.