Can We Meet the Challenge? The Educating Systems Librarian Research Project Report 3

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.