What’s the future of systems librarian and systems librarianship? Cindy Li, Director of Digital Library Technology and Services, Sacred Heart University Hong Ma, Information Systems Librarian, University of Miami

Technologies Change the Landscape of Academic Libraries Impacts on academic libraries: – Web 2.0 – Collaborated research treads – Open Access Publishing and Education MOOC

Challenges Academic Libraries Face Technologies change the way libraries do business – Digital/electronic information fundamentally change information access and use – Libraries are forced to compete with Google regarding service simplicity – User-centered service is not a concept – Collaboration is no longer an option – To serve technological savvy users, libraries need to be technology competent

Challenges & Opportunities for Systems Librarians Emerging technologies impose bigger challenges to systems librarians – Systems department’s mission Work with constantly changing technology Being proactive to discern issues, elaborate library services Identify both internal and external needs Systems librarians need to facilitate the library staff’s adaptation to new technologies Systems Librarians need to go beyond the traditional roles they play

Identify the user needs Systems librarians need to have solid understanding of librarianship as well as library mission. Systems librarian needs to have a particularly good understanding of how all departments operational workflows. Systems librarian need to understand how various technologies work and can best be harnessed/tailored to optimize the library operations of each department.

Build a bridge Systems department can build a bridge/customized learning opportunities for different department. – Make it easy and natural. Create use of technology, expand think and create alternate routes. Introducing related technologies to the specific library area. – Introducing simple tools which would improve/address departmental needs. – Examples: VuVox, Audacity, xtranormal, screenr, Poll Everywhere.

To be available at the point of needs Similar as traditional role, systems department should be available for library staff who seek for help and support! Tune up systems to meet the needs of all type of users in an efficient and effective way.

Academic Librarians need to Teaming for Transforming The future of academic libraries is bound to information technology. Building/Shaping effective team - Share idea - Open to innovation - Be proactive - Make use of technologies relevant and competitive. - Stay connected with users. - Consistently teak/change/improve library services. - Everything is dynamic: Dynamic services with dynamic content to fit dynamic needs. Collaboration / Collaborative Know what users need, Think like a user.

Passion is everything. “Stay hungry. Stay foolish” 7 Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs –Carmine Gallo What’s your vision for our career: systems librarian and systems librarianship?

Thank You! Questions?