Systems librarianship in Australia: a historical perspective
| Pages | 297-308 |
| Published date | 01 September 2003 |
| Date | 01 September 2003 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830310494472 |
| Author | Cathie Jilovsky |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Systems librarianship in
Australia: a historical
perspective
Cathie Jilovsky
Introduction
The title ``systems librarian'' has been used in
Australian libraries since the mid-1960s and is
still used, though not widely, today. Initially the
title had quite a specific meaning, but nowadays
the interpretation of what it means to be a
systems librarian in Australia, and what
incumbents actually do, varies widely.
Furthermore as technology, or the use of
automated systems, is an essential part of
running a library today, all libraries will have
someone on the staff (or at least access to
someone within their parent organization) who
undertakes the functions of ``systems
librarianship'' in its broadest sense, although
often they have another job title. There appear
to be a wide range of factors influencing each
interpretation, which include the type, and size
of library, its organizational structure, the
experience and qualifications of the individual,
and personal preference.
I started my working life as a computer
programmer and gained my initial
programming experience in the government
and university sectors. When I applied for a job
as a ``computer systems officer'' at La Trobe
University Library in 1976, I went along to the
interview wondering what on earth a library
would do with a computer. Since that time I
have held positions in several libraries and
library service organizations, and have seen the
use of technology in libraries grow from
experimental status to the backbone of the
organization. In fact you could now ask ``what
on earth would a library do without a
computer?'' Although I have never had a
position called ``systems librarian'', I have often
used this title to describe my role to other
people ± especially after I completed a
professional library qualification in 1991.
I have been involved with VALA since its
early beginnings in 1978. VALA held the first
conference in Australia, which addressed
specifically the topics of library automation and
information retrieval in 1981.
LASIE
The earliest papers relating to systems
librarianship in Australia were published in
The author
Cathie Jilovsky is Information Services Manager, CAVAL
Collaborative Solutions, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
Keywords
Australia, Systems analysis, Librarians, Libraries, History,
Information systems
Abstract
This paper describes and comments on the evolution of
systems librarianship in Australia through two strands ± the
author's personal work experience in libraries since 1977
and her professional involvement with the Victorian
Association for Library Automation (VALA).
The Proceedings
of the 11 VALA Conferences
and the Australian journal
LASIE
, which has been published since 1970, are used as
reference material. The results of an informal survey of VALA
members and other interested Australian librarians are also
incorporated.
Electronic access
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is
available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
297
Library Hi Tech
Volume 21 .Number 3 .2003 .pp. 297-308
#MCB UP Limited .ISSN 0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830310494472
To continue reading
Request your trial