I read this while I was in the interview / hiring process for my current job. It was incredibly helpful to me, as it is a very hard position to fit into a nutshell and the book explains why. My experience in the last few years has really mirrored what this book tells you to expect and I have referred back to it more than once. Great guide to a very learn-as-you-go job! ( )

This is a great book and companion piece to "The accidental library manager." As a library worker for over 30 years in a small town library, there are many times where you are thrown into a position for which you have little training. "The accidental systems librarian" covers all facets of someone new to that position. There are tips, helpful websites, interviews with librarians in that position, and suggestions for further reading. It covers current technology and touches on what's to come. This would be a helpful book to have in any library. ( )

This book provides a good overview into many aspects of being a systems librarian. It covers many relevant topics and issues that are often faced in systems. Many resources and websites are provided, which are good to see, but the reader should keep in mind that as time passes these sites will change. All in all provided some good insight for librarians who may find themselves thrown into systems work with little preparation. ( )

The 1st edition of this book by Rachel Singer Gordon, was a pivotal book in helping those that suddenly found themselves tossed into the role of being a systems librarian with little to no training or understanding of what they were doing. Almost 10 years Rachel and Nicole Engard team up together to give us the second edition of this outstanding volume. With in the last 10 years library schools (and libraries) have been better at preparing students to be Systems Librarians, this latest edition of this work still has the ability to help young librarians, or older librarians, seeking a career in systems understand what types of responsibilities they'll be faced with.

Nicole covers chapter by chapter what types of duties that a systems librarian may deal with on a daily basis, from managing the website to managing the ILS to continuing your education. While none of the chapters are in depth, Nicole covers them well enough to give a reader an understanding of what they're doing and provide additional resources to further their education. The extensive appendices and additional readings and resources are worth the cost of the book alone. And as an even greater bonus each chapter features quotes and stories from current librarians that provide a wealth of information.

This is a great resource for any librarian just entering the systems world and looking for information on how to get started. Older more experienced systems librarians will enjoy checking out the additional resources or chapters on information they maybe less familiar with in order to continue furthering their education. Overall a solid well written book and worth a spot on any librarians shelf. ( )

I enjoyed reading the 2nd edition of _The Accidental Systems Librarian_, by Nicole C. Engard with Rachel Singer Gordon. Among other things, the book covers what a systems librarian is, some general skills systems librarians probably need to learn, and how to continue growing professionally. I felt the chapter on personal networking was particularly good. I also liked the extensive appendices at the end listing additional reading and resources.

The one area I didn't feel the book spent enough time on is the importance of backups. It was briefly mentioned but I feel backups deserve at least a chapter by themselves. I understand that not every systems librarian is going to be in a position where they are directly in control of the backup environment. However, I've heard horrible horror stories of libraries losing six months of data, and sometimes more, due to inadequate backup schemes.

Overall, I thought this was a really well-written book. It's particularly helpful for those just entering the systems world but more experienced systems librarians may enjoy browsing through and checking out the resources in the appendices.

Note: I requested, and received, this book through LibraryThing's Earlier Reviewer program. ( )