Employment Opportunities in Computer Science
Utilize Your Computer Technology Degree as a Systems Librarian
Mar 28, 2009
According to the American Library Association one quarter of librarians will reach retirement age this year.The situation in libraries is dire, as the number of qualified applicants and librarians are far outnumbered by the positions that are being opened up by retirement. This makes for an excellent employment opportunity.
What Do Systems Librarians Do?
Systems librarians can work in several positions both inside and outside libraries. Many find work as academic systems librarians at colleges and universities, at health libraries in hospitals and research centers and in public libraries. System librarians are responsible for integrating library technology into the library system.
As part of the job, one must keep abreast of emerging library technology and information policy, such as content-linking and authentification standards like OpenURL, DOI and Z39.50. According to the American Library Association, librarians may configure servers, serve as webmaster, manage on-line databases, repair computers, work in e-serials management and complete metadata encoding. Management of personnel can also be a large part of the job; assistants, technicians and student aids may all fall under the librarian’s employ.
A degree from an ALA-accredited library school is required for this position. As digital libraries and e-collections increase, so will positions for people familiar with computer technology and computer systems. Management classes that include learning how to manage both finances and people will give you a leg up on employment. Employers prefer those who are familiar with server administration, SQL, ILLiad, E3 proxy, HMTL and OSI (Open Source Initiative). Depending on the size of the library or university, salaries can range from 35,000 to 50,000+. Positions include director of technology, system librarian and assistant positions.
Online Resources for Systems Librarians
The American Library Association The ALA website is the hub for information about librarianship. The site includes news, online courses, various associations, conference information, a job bank, and links to various library science programs.The American Society for Information Science and Technology provides information on various positions in library science and provides a job database, Jobline. LIBJOBS functions as a job database for job hunters.
Print Resources for Library Science Jobs
Information Technology in Librarianship: New Critical Approaches by Gloria J. Leckie and John S. Bushman [Libraries Unltimited, Inc., 2009] offers an in depth look at libraries and highlights the impact that new technology has on librarianship. Kathleen de la Pena McCook's Opportunities in Library and Information Science [McGraw-Hill, 2008] and Career Opportunities in Library and Information Science by Linda P. Carvel [Checkmark Books,2005] describe various careers in library science and gives tips on navigating the job market.
Thinking beyond traditional jobs in computer science can lead to refreshing and new job opportunities. With the variety of positions for librarians familiar with technology you're bound to find one that will interest and challenge you.
 |
