When the second edition of Position Descriptions in Special Libraries was published in 1992, the computerization of library functions was well underway. It was clear that the information sciences were being revolutionized, with enormous consequences for how information would be managed and delivered. Since then, the pace of change appears to be accelerating. Every size and type of library and information center, and virtually every position in them has been affected by rapid advances in computer technology and especially by the vast array of resources available through World Wide Web servers and the Internet.

Access to regional, national, and international databases of all types, through the Internet and CD-ROM, has vastly expanded the kinds and amount of information that can be quickly retrieved and delivered not only to users in the information center but to users in their offices and homes. It has been observed that whereas the traditional library was a response to a scarcity of information, the new library is the solution to a superabundance of information. The changes resulting from this revolution have impacted all library and information center functions, and, therefore, the responsibilities of information professionals and the qualifications and skills needed for these positions are very different from what they were even five years ago.

In a contribution to an influential book, The Virtual Library: Visions and Reality, Barbara von Wahlde and Nancy Schiller wrote: "As part of this evolution we are likely to see support staff doing more of the work presently performed by librarians. To that end, support staff will need to be composed of highly flexible, skilled people who can work in an increasingly technical environment. Librarians would engage instead in developing the new systems and services of the virtual library, such as gateways, user interfaces, search and retrieval systems, tools for navigating the networks, and document delivery systems." These trends could be seen in the second edition of this book; they are evident to an even greater extent in the present edition. Virtually all professional positions and an increasing number of support positions now require extensive computer skills and knowledge of computerized databases, integrated library systems, and World Wide Web and Internet searching. As many of the contributors told us, they expect to have to rewrite their descriptions again in the near future.

This third edition benefits from two new essays, the first by Barbara Spiegelman, "Writing Position Descriptions for Fair Compensation," which gives practical advice about working closely with the human resources professionals in your organization to obtain the appropriate grading and compensation for library positions. Library and information professionals would do well to heed her advice in every aspect of our work -- to pay attention to the goals, needs, and language of the organization of which the library is a part. The second essay, by Richard Hulser, reviews the types of technological knowledge and skills needed by librarians and information managers and presents some suggestions about how to acquire them. He emphasizes strategic planning for technology, collaboration and cooperation among all the players, and a structured approach to education and training.

This volume contains 87 position descriptions contributed by 23 libraries. New to this edition are a number of positions devoted exclusively to information systems and computer support functions. The book is organized into broad types of positions, beginning with library directors and other administrators, including not only head librarians but also branch librarians and other administrative positions. The majority of the remaining descriptions are divided into public services and technical services positions, and examples are given both for professional librarians and for library technicians/assistants. Then follow two special categories: the first dealing with positions in Computer-Based Services and Information Systems, and the second with positions in Archives and Records Management.

Most of the descriptions are presented in full; a few descriptions that were longer than three pages have been abbreviated. The descriptions also have been edited for clarity and to remove identifying and proprietary information. The formatting has been somewhat standardized for purposes of publication and is not meant to imply that the formats presented are the "best" examples.

1. Jordan M. Scepanski, "Public Services in a Telecommuting World," Information Technology and Libraries 15(1) (March 1996): 44, citing Peter Lyman.

2. Barbara von Wahlde and Nancy Schiller, "Creating the Virtual Library: Strategic Issues," in The Virtual Library: Visions and Reality, ed. Laverna M. Saunders (Westport, CT: Meckler, 1993), p.23.

Contents

Copyright © 1997 SLA. All rights reserved.