The integrated librarian: IT in the systems office

Abstract

The library systems office is under increasing pressure to support not only the integrated library system (ILS), but a proliferation of systems, servers and technologies. Some systems librarians have the advantage of a computer science degree, but many have acquired their technical knowledge on-the-job. The technological complexity of current systems work prohibits new librarians from entering the field without some existing expertise. Canadian library schools are not adequately preparing new librarians for systems work, and there are simply not enough librarians with a computer science background to meet the demand for computer savvy librarians. This article proposes a third option � the combination of a Masters of Library and Information Science (MILS) with a one year Information Technology Diploma. It discusses the author�s experience moving into systems by way of IT, and outlines the benefits of cultivating librarians with IT knowledge, rather than relying on non-librarians to perform technical work in the library.