Open source refers to an application whose source code is made available for use or modification as users see fit. This means libraries gain more flexibility and freedom than with software purchased with license restrictions. Both the open source community and the library world live by the same rules and principles. Practical Open Source Software for Libraries explains the facts and dispels myths about open source. Chapters introduce librarians to open source and what it means for libraries. The reader is provided with links to a toolbox full of freely available open source products to use in their libraries. - Provides a toolbox of practical software that librarians can use both inside and out of the library - Draws on the author's wide-ranging practical experience with open source software both in and out of the library community - Includes real life examples from libraries and librarians of all types and locations
Sparked by an aging baby boomer population, the dizzying pace of breakthroughs in medical research, and an unprecedented proliferation of health information, you may soon discover a career opportunity in health sciences librarianship -- if you aren't already a part of this exciting field. In The Accidental Health Sciences Librarian, Lisa A. Ennis and Nicole Mitchell offer a thorough and up-to-date overview along with guidance on a range of critical resources, tools, and functions. Their coverage of such essential topics as HIPAA and MeSH, along with a wealth of expert tips and advice, is a must for all new, prospective, and working health sciences librarians.
"Included are insights from working library managers at different levels and in various types of libraries, addressing a wide range of management issues and situations. Not to be missed: comments from library staff about the qualities they appreciate - and the styles and attitudes they find counterproductive - in their own bosses."--Jacket.
Systems Librarianship: A Practical Guide for Librarians offers new systems librarians and interested LIS students foundational knowledge about the field of systems librarianship as well as practical information and strategies for common projects like migrating a library system and technology planning. With up-to-date information based on a survey of 200 practicing systems librarians, the current professional literature, and on-the-job experience, this practical guide covers everything a new systems librarian should know in order to succeed in this field. The first half of the book covers background information about the systems librarian position, hiring trends and job searching tips, as well as essential knowledge on library systems like the ILS, content management systems, and emerging technology. The second half of the book provides how-to information for some of the most common and often daunting projects a new systems librarian might be expected to take on, including systems migration, website redesign, technology planning, and project management. Also included are where to find useful resources and support from the library community, such as pertinent listservs, professional associations, conferences, and journals, blogs, and other professional content. Finally, the book features informational interviews with over a dozen systems librarians working in a variety of library types across the professional spectrum, offering their experienced takes and advice on libraries, technology, and the profession. While new systems librarians can often feel overwhelmed and underprepared for their first professional position, this book will serve as a useful resource for navigating the ins and outs of this dynamic and challenging field.
This book presents a series of case studies from systems librarians all over the world. It documents how the profession has changed in recent years with the introduction of new web technologies services such as hosted databases that are supported by vendors rather than in-house, as well as shifts in technology management. New skill sets are constantly being added as systems librarians become much more versed in dealing with service providers outside the library as well as training and supporting their traditional constituencies. - Written by practitioners in the field who have real world experience - Draws on a wide authorship to show how different perspectives can colour the perception of similar issues - Provides real world scenarios where challenges in the field have been met and overcome
"Provides information about librarianship as a career, including types of libraries, types of jobs within libraries, professional issues, and educational requirements"--Provided by publisher.
"This unique book is geared to help any library keep its website dynamically and collaboratively up-to-date, increase user participation, and provide exemplary web-based service through the power of mashups."--Back cover.
The Myth and Magic of Library Systems not only defines what library systems are, but also provides guidance on how to run a library systems department. It is aimed at librarians or library administrations tasked with managing, or using, a library systems department. This book focuses on different scenarios regarding career changes for librarians and the ways they may have to interact with library systems, including examples that speak to IT decision-making responsibilities, work as a library administrator, or managerial duties in systems departments. - Provides guidance on how to run a library systems department - Focuses on different scenarios regarding career changes for librarians and the ways they may have to interact with library systems - Includes sample scenarios that speak to IT decision-making responsibilities, work as a library administrator, or managerial duties in systems departments
An American librarian who has worked in a wide range of situations over the past quarter century, MacKellar offers a guide for people who find themselves working as a librarian but have had no training in the field. Among her topics are what libraries and librarians are, developing a collection, retrieving and disseminating information, management essentials, removing barriers, public access computers, and librarian certification.