An analysis of the changing role of systems librarians

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-08-2016-0092
Published date19 June 2017
Date19 June 2017
Pages303-311
AuthorDavid Ratledge,Claudene Sproles
Subject MatterLibrary & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Information behaviour & retrieval,Information user studies,Metadata,Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet
An analysis of the changing role
of systems librarians
David Ratledge
University Libraries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, and
Claudene Sproles
University Libraries, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze technology-related librarian advertisements to examine
the changing role of the systems librarian in todays modern, technology-filled libraries.
Design/methodology/approach The authors examined 70 advertisements for technology-focused
librarians posted on ALAs JobList in 2014. The ads were examined for area of focus and required knowledge
and experiences.
Findings The ads revealed three main areas of focus: traditional systems, digital initiatives, and web
services. In addition to traditional computer and library systems skills, employers were seeking candidates
with project management, digital collection, customer service, technology implementation, and problem
solving skills and experience.
Practical implications This study highlights how the adoption and expansion of library technology has
altered the roles and responsibilities of systems librarians. Instead of solely focusing on maintaining library
databases and ILSs, technology librarians have branched out and become more integrated within the library.
Originality/value This study has implications for those entering the library field and LIS programs,
as well as gaining insight into the expanding role of technology librarians todays library.
Keywords Library systems,Technology in libraries, Digital initiatives, Job ad analysis,Systems librarian,
Systems librarianship
Paper type Research paper
As technology and its application in libraries has evolved, so too has the role of systems
librarians. Gone are the days when the work of systems librarians was primarily limited to
library catalog maintenance and software/hardware support. Today, positions for systems
librarians cover a wide variety of technology-related aspects of the library including digital
repositories, user experience, electronic resource management, assessment, and
instructional technology. An examination of technology-oriented jobs in the field revealed
titles such as digital initiatives librarian, emerg ing technologies librarian, digital
infrastructure librarian, information technology librarian, web services librarian, and
metadata strategist alongside the traditional systems librarian.
Although it is apparent that the role of technology has expanded in the library setting,
how has the position of the systems librarian itself changed? Specifically, what are the
requirements to be a systems/technology-oriented librarian today in light of the new
technologies in the field? Through the analysis of data gleaned from job advertisements, this
paper will attempt to ascertain the changing role of the systems librarian, the standard
requirements to enter the field, and identify some emerging trends in systems librarianship.
Literature review
While reviewing the literature, several studies addressed systems-related job requirements
specifically. Margaret Foote examined 107 position announcements in 1997 that were
related to computer technology in librari es. She found principle duties inclu ded
management of an integrated library system (ILS), dealing with computer hardware
and software, liaising with vendors and campus computing, and interestingly, good
interpersonal skills. She noted the role of the systems librarian is in constant flux and that
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 35 No. 2, 2017
pp. 303-311
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-08-2016-0092
Received 12 August 2016
Revised 20 February 2017
Accepted 6 April 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
303
Changing role
of systems
librarians

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