Managing Information Technology: A Handbook for Systems Librarians

Citation

Cullen, M. (2005), "Managing Information Technology: A Handbook for Systems Librarians", Online Information Review, Vol. 29 No. 5, pp. 566-568. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520510628981

Co‐authors Ingersoll and Culshaw have constructed Managing Information Technology primarily for academic libraries. In their introduction the authors review the history of systems librarianship and the evolving integration of information technology into library workflows and services. Several scholarly works in the area are also mentioned by way of background.

Following the introduction, foundational subjects such as change, technology planning, strategic planning and policy development are presented initially. A theoretical framework is offered in conjunction with library practicalities. Budgeting, planning tools, project management and integrated library system migration are also examined. Such considerations as digitization, copyright and “equitable and appropriate computer use” serve to anchor the discourse.

Systems librarianship, teams and hierarchies are then discussed. The impact of technology on reporting relationships and organizational structures in academic libraries is assessed. Quoting several studies, the authors conclude that participative models and “issue‐centered” working groups have diminished traditional hierarchical structures. Customer‐focused teams and a flatter structure are becoming typical. The authors also make insightful comments about the need for a diversity of skills and personalities among team members. Several charts illustrating alternative organizational structures are a useful inclusion.

The centrality of excellent communication skills in the library literature and position descriptions is acknowledged: “there is no quarter for the shy, silent hermit devoted exclusively to library automation”. This is certainly critical – systems librarians must deal as much with people as with machines. Also mentioned is the need for libraries to avoid technical jargon as a means of enhancing communication. Strategy for the resolution of potential conflict and of stress associated with technology is another.

This high‐calibre analysis continues – for example, the need to support library patrons, despite library staff being the “primary clientele for systems offices”, the importance of professional reading as a means of keeping abreast of technology and librarianship, and matters of leadership. The liaison role of systems librarians with a variety of stakeholders, within and extraneous to the organization, is another excellent inclusion. For instance, the authors note that the integrated library system (ILS) used to be “the primary service supported by systems offices”. There is now a broader need to ensure the integration of academic library services into the “larger campus environment”, including computing centres. The impacts of consortia on libraries and relationships with key vendors are also discussed.

In subsequent chapters, the authors consider library fundraising, service orientation for systems staff, service standards and measures, and training. The last subject is explored from its most rudimentary manifestations to mentoring, adult learning and web‐based tutorials. I found all of this material to have direct application to the workplace. The authors’ earlier encouragement of strategic relationships is continued with regard to the “campus information technology organization”, professional bodies and user groups. Professional education is also considered – among the points raised is the gap between the “humanities and social science backgrounds” of most library school students and the acquisition of “remedial or undergraduate‐level computer training”.

A variety of other issues is flagged in the remaining chapters of this book. Routine library systems office tasks pertaining to networks, hardware, applications and maintenance are outlined in a very practical way. Security and data protection are also covered. These are all critical facets of the systems role and mandatory inclusions in a book of this kind. Teaching and learning in a web‐based world and the need for increased collaboration between librarians and teaching faculty are also raised. Portals and digital library initiatives are assessed, situated by the authors among some of “the trendiest new developments in libraries”. They keep the discussion practical, with references to methodology and to skilled providers and trainers in the field.

The authors include “resource materials”, concrete supplementary examples, in the final section of their book. This section consolidates the practicality that is evident throughout the work, including examples of a library technology plan, vendor information, professional reading list, job evaluation pro forma, common acronyms and a server configuration reference sheet, among other elements.

To conclude, Managing Information Technology is an excellent resource for academic libraries. It has a highly professional tenor, is concise yet sufficiently informative to have genuine practical application. It examines information technology without succumbing to technical jargon. As with so many of the texts in the information field, this one is written by North Americans and for an American readership, although it draws upon and refers to international resources. However, the majority of its content has equal relevance for the Australasian context and loses little in translation.