Information Technology for Librarians and Information Professionals

by Jonathan M. Smith author of Information Technology for Librarians and Information Professiona

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538121009
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	03/25/2021
Series:	LITA Guides
Pages:	218
Sales rank:	724,488
Product dimensions:	7.05(w) x 10.07(h) x 0.47(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Jonathan M. Smith is director of library technology at Sonoma State University. He is the lead technologist for the library, where he drives technology development with a focus on collaboration and an eye towards student success. Throughout his career he has led major projects in strategic technology planning, web development, and server migrations, launched two academic makerspaces and an institutional repository, and has taught graduate-level courses in systems analysis and database development.

Smith regularly presents on technology topics at conferences, often focusing on emerging technologies, and has a chapter on Arduino programming in the recent publication, The Makerspace Librarian’s Sourcebook.

Table of Contents

Dedication

List of Illustrations

Preface

Chapter One: Information Technology in Libraries

Chapter Two: Technology Management and Support

Chapter Three: Computer Hardware and Software

Chapter Four: Computer Management

Chapter Five: Networking

Chapter Six: Server Administration

Chapter Seven: Information Security

Chapter Eight: Web Design and Development

Chapter Ten: Specialized and Emerging Technology Services

Chapter Eleven: Library Management Technologies

Chapter Twelve: Technology Planning

Index

About the Author

Editorial Reviews

Thorough, comprehensive, yet highly readable, Information Technology for Librarians and Information Professionals is destined to become the standard textbook for library technology instruction and the go-to handbook for library technologists.

Karen G. Schneider

The thoroughness with which the author tackles each subject is impressive… Each well-written chapter provides a robust amount of information that will give the student the background needed to get started in a library career, especially given the ubiquitous nature of information technology in all libraries. Most chapters are illustrated with appropriate photographs, diagrams, and tables. Information Technology for Librarians and Information Professionals is an excellent introduction to IT for students and library staff. It is well-designed, with sections devoted to further reading and notes in each chapter, as well as an index. Every chapter also ends with key terms, review questions, and activities that will help hammer home the concepts discussed, making this book an excellent textbook for use in a course on library technology. In addition to its potential use as a textbook, this book would be appropriate for professional collections in all libraries, or for any library professional who would like to expand their knowledge and expertise in information technology.

Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship

Jonathan Smith’s Information Technology for Librarians and Information Professionals offers a comprehensive overview of exactly the type of intelligence that library administrators need to best integrate and leverage in-house IT expertise to achieve the library’s mission. The clarity with which each topic is delivered is outstanding and the sequence steadily scaffolds to more in-depth topics. Before you know it you may find that your newly broad understanding of IT starts to infuse into your leadership and work elsewhere.

Tracy Gabridge

Jonathan Smith's Information Technology for Librarians and Information Professionals offers a comprehensive overview of exactly the type of intelligence that library administrators need to best integrate and leverage in-house IT expertise to achieve the library's mission. The clarity with which each topic is delivered is outstanding and the sequence steadily scaffolds to more in-depth topics. Before you know it you may find that your newly broad understanding of IT starts to infuse into your leadership and work elsewhere.

The thoroughness with which the author tackles each subject is impressive... Each well-written chapter provides a robust amount of information that will give the student the background needed to get started in a library career, especially given the ubiquitous nature of information technology in all libraries. Most chapters are illustrated with appropriate photographs, diagrams, and tables. Information Technology for Librarians and Information Professionals is an excellent introduction to IT for students and library staff. It is well-designed, with sections devoted to further reading and notes in each chapter, as well as an index. Every chapter also ends with key terms, review questions, and activities that will help hammer home the concepts discussed, making this book an excellent textbook for use in a course on library technology. In addition to its potential use as a textbook, this book would be appropriate for professional collections in all libraries, or for any library professional who would like to expand their knowledge and expertise in information technology.

Thorough, comprehensive, yet highly readable, Information Technology for Librarians and Information Professionals is destined to become the standard textbook for library technology instruction and the go-to handbook for library technologists.

From the Publisher