Rachel Singer Gordon

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I believe I stumbled across this book when getting some other books on librarianship that I had recently read reviews for. The author, Rachel Singer Gordon, is a name I already knew - she is the editor of the Info Career Trends Newsletter to which I subscribe, amonst other things. She is one of those people who, in the world of librarianship at least, always seems to have something interesting to say. Plus I figured I am a NextGen librarian (I guess?) show more and so might learn something useful or two.

I probably had a larger need for this book a few years ago, but I still found it useful. Gordon provides advice and tips on many different issues in librarianship, from surviving library school*, to finding a first job, to perceptions of librarianship, to working with older colleagues who might perhaps be a bit more - ahem - traditional.

Another important aspect to note is that Gordon is focusing on the American library job market, which, from what I know, is significantly different from the Canadian one. It is really hard for many graduates of American library schools to snag that first job. Canadian library school graduates - and my evidence is largely anecdotal on this account, I admit - have a much easier time. Gordon gives some good general advice on job-hunting; for example, no matter how broke you might feel upon graduation, don't necessarily just snap up the first job that comes your way.

What I really found useful in this book is that Gordon also sent out surveys to both NextGen (under-40) and older librarians (over-40), in order to solicit feedback on the issues covered in her book. Some of the responses to these are very telling. Others are quick to point out that the under-40, over-40 divide is a bit of a false dichotomy, which Gordon (to her credit) acknowledges whenever possible. (You have to draw a line in the sand somewhere, right?)

The final chapter in the book tackles the subject from a completely different angle. It is written for current administrators and managers, rather than the NextGen librarians working for those administrators and managers. This gives an interesting perspective from 'the other side of the fence', so to speak.

Well-written, and a quick, easy read, I would recommend this to people still in library school, or those recently graduated (within the last few years). Beyond that, you've probably figured out most of what's in the book - maybe the hard way! I would also recommend it to older librarians, administrators and managers, who might be having a hard time relating to or understanding their younger colleagues.

* Those of you who are not librarians will not necessarily know that while most librarians are very content and happy in their day-to-day jobs, library school itself is almost universally disliked. show less

I chose to read this book not because I'm in a managerial position but because I wasn't expecting to gain supervisory responsibilities during my first year in the profession. I'll likely refer to this book down the road. The survey/interview responses from librarians about what they liked and disliked about management styles or being managers themselves are most helpful to read.

Originally published in Footnotes
http://www.ala.org/nmrt/news/footnotes/may2013/book-review-accidental-systems-li...

Over the last few decades, technology has become indispensable to libraries. We rely on technology to complete the majority of our job duties, so when it breaks, misbehaves, becomes outdated, or no longer meets our needs, we depend on Systems Librarians to come to the rescue. But what happens when one falls into the role without specific training? What should they know to be show more successful and maintain a healthy Systems department?

As the title suggests, The Accidental Systems Librarian is geared towards Librarians and Library staff that have been thrown into the role of Systems Librarian without much training. The first chapter details not only why this role is so important to the library, but also how to form the foundation of a Systems department. In addition, the authors compiled numerous resources needed to establish competencies for staff as well as the computer systems. The front matter notes there is a website associated with the book which updates the information regarding the links in text (see: http://tasl.web2learning.net/). The reader can email Engard directly, too, if they discover broken links or outdated information and it will be updated on the website, thus extending the relevance of the published book a while longer.

This book is divided into twelve chapters, three appendices, and a conclusion. The first four chapters are arranged as general guides on broad topics (e.g., “Systems Librarians as Change Agents,” as well as critical desktop and web-based applications), with the remaining eight chapters focusing on specific topics such as networking, researching techniques, and independent study opportunities, to name a few. Each chapter is also further divided into sections which give more detailed explanations and lists resources to consult.

As someone not employed as a Systems Librarian, this reviewer thought the text was quite informative. There were several sections with information that, at first glance, seemed obvious until one asks: “Would I have thought to address that institution-wide?” These “obvious” points then become great reminders. For instance, Engard discusses the increased popularity of mobile computing and goes on to explain how to accommodate users by making the library’s catalog and website mobile friendly. She also provides great advice on how one can learn to troubleshoot computer issues and what to do with old machines. The appendices are also fantastic resources. In particular, Appendix A provides the survey Engard used, Appendix B lists recommended readings, and Appendix C collates useful websites.

There were a few portions in the book that felt unfinished—for instance the section on web browsers. Engard details the benefits and drawbacks of Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox but only writes a few sentences about Google Chrome. This reviewer also wishes Engard had discussed how Internet Explorer and Firefox have issues complying with current W3C web standards (see: http://www.w3.org/standards/) which can cause numerous websites to not load within those browsers. It would also have been wise to recommend libraries have at least two of the three standard browsers available on public PCs.

On the whole however, The Accidental Systems Librarian (2nd edition) is proving to be a great resource. This reviewer has already recommended it to several colleagues and friends who are interested, yet unfamiliar, with the topic and/or field of systems librarianship. I plan to keep this book handy and to look into the resources Engard has collected. While I have yet to actively search the website associated with the book, from what I have seen thus far it is a useful resource as well. I would especially recommend this book to librarians who are working in smaller libraries that don’t necessarily have a systems department. show less

For me, the most relevant librarian book that I've read. It gives an overview of what to look for in library schools, stereotypes and issues younger librarians have to overcome, and the future of the library's role in society. Plus, I've been worrying that I've been idealizing the librarian career, thus wanting honest opinions/critiques from librarians to get a better picture of what I'm getting myself into--I got that from this book.