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Article
Can We Meet the Challenge? The Educating Systems Librarian Research Project Report 3
Electronic Library
  • Hong Xu
  • Hsin-Liang Chen, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

The investigators examined 133 job advertisements with job title "systems librarians" and other similar job titles in American Libraries from January 1996 to December 1997. Information about full-time positions available in the United States only was collected. For examination, four variables and their components were studied: degree requirements, work experience, job responsibilities, and knowledge and skills. Based on the classified job advertisements three types of libraries were identified: academic, public and other libraries. Two follow-up questionnaires were distributed to library directors and newly hired systems librarians of the 133 libraries. The follow-up survey based on the two questionnaires reflects that the majority of employers are satisfied with their newly hired systems librarians. However, they have higher expectations from the positions in terms of qualifications and responsibilities. The investigators also examined the curricula of seven American LIS schools which concentrate on educating "systems librarians" to provide recommendations to the curriculum design.

Department(s)
Library and Learning Resources
Keywords and Phrases
  • Curriculum,
  • Information systems,
  • Librarians
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2001 Emerald Group Publishing Ltd., All rights reserved.
Publication Date
1-1-2001
Citation Information
Hong Xu and Hsin-Liang Chen. "Can We Meet the Challenge? The Educating Systems Librarian Research Project Report 3" Electronic Library Vol. 19 Iss. 5 (2001) p. 315 - 326 ISSN: 0264-0473
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/hsin-liang-oliver-chen/19/