The Myth and Magic of Library Systems

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 departmentFocuses on different scenarios regarding career changes for librarians and the ways they may have to interact with library systemsIncludes sample scenarios that speak to IT decision-making responsibilities, work as a library administrator, or managerial duties in systems departments

• A Missive To Administrators
• A Missive to Library IT Department Heads and Library IT Administrators
• A Missive to New Librarians in IT and Students
• A Missive to Library School Faculty and Administrators
• A Missive to IT Committee Members and Other Engaged Library Employees
• Chapter 1: Atlantis Wasn’t A Magical Place and Library Systems Is Just Library IT
• Chapter 2: Creature of Ancient Myth: The Titans and the Systems Librarian
• Chapter 3: Customers, Patrons, Users, and Unruly Mobs
• Chapter 4: Reading Users’ Minds
• Chapter 5: Sleight of Hand: Service, or the Appearance of Service
• Chapter 6: Taking On Apprentices: Educating Your Customer Base
• Chapter 7: Do the Impossible: Slaying Dragons Without Time, People, Or Money
• Chapter 8: Adventure Party Makeup: Building an IT Staff
• Chapter 9: The Ritual: Analyzing Problems, Providing Solutions
• Chapter 10: Arcane Strategy: Following the Magic Rule System
• Chapter 11: Predicting the Future
• Chapter 12: They Flow Through Us and Around Us and Bind Us Together
• Chapter 13: Omniscience: Knowing All Things
• Chapter 14: Superpowers You Could Possess
• Chapter 15: Convening the Council: Meetings
• Chapter 16: The Crystal Ball: Reporting, Data Mining, and Assessment
• Chapter 17: Spellbook: Helpful Tips, Strategies, and Solutions
• Appendix: Magic Words Your Coworkers Might Be Misusing: An Un-Thesaurus