A Hardware And Software Primer For Librarians

Written with the non-Information Technology professional in mind, A Hardware and Software Primer for Librarians provides a basic introduction to terminology and concepts.

Identifies and describes over 100 software programs.

Here’s a one-stop snapshot of emerging technologies every librarian should know about and examples that illustrate how the technologies are being used in libraries today! The e-book includes videos of interviews with librarians that are using them. The videos are available on a web site for people who purchase the print book. The first four chapters—Audio & Video, Self- and Micro-Publishing, Mobile Technology, and Crowdfunding—all look at older technologies reinvented and reimagined through significant advances in quality, scale, or hardware. Many libraries were already using these technologies in some way, and are now able to change and adapt those uses to meet current needs and take advantage of the latest improvements. The two next chapters look at new technologies: wearable technologies and the Internet of Things (simple but powerful computers that can be embedded into everyday objects and connected to controllers or data aggregation tools). The last two chapters—Privacy & Security and Keeping Up With Technology—are all-purpose topics that will continue to be affected by new developments in technology. Each of these chapters offers a brief overview of background information and current events, followed by a list of advantages and challenges to using these technologies in a library setting. The authors highlight the most useful or most well-known tools and devices, then specify how these technologies might be used in a library setting. Finally, they look at a variety of current examples from libraries in the United States and around the globe.

Librarians are affected by technology in every aspect of their jobs, yet they often have little understanding of the technologies underlying the systems they use every day. Nancy Courtney and 15 well-known contributors discuss such technologies as Wireless LANs, Radio Frequency Identification, OpenURL and other essential technological innovations in everyday language. Wireless LANs, Radio Frequency Identification. OpenURL. Chances are you've heard these terms. But could you link them to their definitions on Jeopardy? Librarians are affected by technology in every aspect of their jobs, yet they often have little understanding of the technologies underlying the systems they use every day. Such a situation, according to Nancy Courtney, is untenable. Every librarian, no matter how low-tech his or her position, needs a basic understanding of computer technologies. To this end, she has assembled an impressive cast of contributors to discuss some of the more essential concepts and tenets in simple terms. Their combined intent is not to turn unsuspecting readers into IT practitioners, but to improve their technological literacy about topics currently of interest in the library community so that they can communicate effectively with systems personnel, their users and their funding authorities. If you are a librarian, and your primary job responsibilities are not in information technology, this book is for you!

This comprehensive primer introduces information technology topics foundational to many services offered in today’s libraries and information centers. Written by a librarian, it clearly explains concepts familiar to the I.T. professional with an eye toward practical applications in libraries for the aspiring technologist. Chapters begin with a basic introduction to a major topic then go into enough technical detail of relevant technologies to be useful to the student preparing for library technology and systems work or the professional needing to converse effectively with technology experts. Many chapters also present current issues or trends for the subject matter being discussed. The twelve chapters cover major topics such as technology support, computer hardware, networking, server administration, information security, web development, software and systems development, emerging technology, library management technologies, and technology planning. Each chapter also includes a set of pedagogical features for use with instruction including: Chapter summary List of key terms End of chapter question set Suggested activities Bibliography for further reading List of web resources Those who will find this book useful include library & information science students, librarians new to systems or information technology responsibilities, and library managers desiring a primer on information technology.

Guided by the editorial support of colleagues in the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA), author Tom Wilson, head of systems at University of Houston Libraries, demystifies this critical specialty. In clear nontechnical language, Wilson answers the befuddling question, What is a systems librarian? Wilson lays no claim to the one right answer. Instead, The Systems Librarian: Designing Roles, Defining Skills will lead you in formulating your own answer, which is the first step to making sound decisions.

Published biennially since 1983, the "Directory of Library Automation Software, Systems, and Services is recognized as the primary reference source for software packages used in automating libraries. This entirely new and expanded edition includes information on software for library automation, information management, text retrieval, and citation management. Library automation tools, retrospective conversion products and services, Internet resources on the topic of library automation, database hosts, CD-ROM distributors, library automation books and serials, and over 100 important meetings and conferences are also covered. This new edition contains more comparative information on library applications software than is available from any other source.