Electronic Resources Librarianship

In a field characterized by rapidly shifting paradigms, Electronic Resources Librarianship provides a realistic, up-to-date introduction for new electronic resources librarians based on the definitive TERMS (Techniques for Electronic Resources Management) system and NASIG (North American Serials Interest Group) Core Competencies for Electronic Resources Librarians. Unlike earlier how-to guides that centered primarily on ejournals or evaluating websites, Talbott (Univ. of Arizona) and Zmau (Dallas County Community College District) include as eresources any media that has been purchased or licensed through a third-party vendor and accessed remotely over a network. Each chapter includes key points and numerous readings; relevant support groups are listed in a final chapter. In keeping with the practical nature of the book, the useful appendixes cover the nitty-gritty, with detailed worksheets listing all the people the new librarian needs to meet in the first 90 days, complete with questions that he or she needs to ask. There is mention of associated skills needed—leading teams, delegating, and task management. . . there is some attention given to email management, time management techniques, and software tools to help handle the eresources life cycle effectively.



Summing Up: Recommended for library professionals and graduate students.

* Choice Reviews *
Electronic Resources Librarianship provides the reader with the kind of on-th-job technical education that I only obtained through much trial and error, and the asking of many questions. Moreover, it provides essential guidance on the interpersonal skills - negotiating and working with vendors, for example - not to mention time management, that I received working side-by-side with my director. * Technical Services Quarterly *
The book is very well written and provides exactly what it promises. This book is highly recommended for new electronic resource librarians needing a solid guide to a very complicated position. It would also be useful to any librarian wanting to understand the relationship between electronic resources, library users, vendors, and librarians. I only wish I had access to this book a decade ago when I shifted into electronic resources from managing print serials! * Serials Review *
Holly Talbott and Ashley Zmau have created an elemental text for the new electronic resources librarian. The most significant parts of this work are the sections providing advice on the initial 90 days of work along with the establishment of goals and time management strategies. -- Jill Emery, Collection Development & Management Librarian, Portland State University
As stated by the authors, Electronic Resources Librarianship is targeted at newly minted electronic resource librarians-individuals straight out of library school, with no management experience and no experience with electronic resources beyond that of an end-user. By far the most unique feature of this book is the last section, which focuses on developing management skills within the context of an electronic resources position–effectively becoming a mentor-from-afar… [N]ew electronic resource librarians will be well-armed to meet the challenges of electronic resource management. * Journal of Electronic Resources Librariansh