A Guide for the Modern Librarian

Kristina Botyriute, lead technical pre-sales consultant at federated access management specialist OpenAthens has used her knowledge and skills from her day job to write a book.

Aimed at offering advice to librarians on issues relating to technology and online accessibility, the book entitled Access to Online Resources: A Guide for the Modern Librarian was published in March. This work intends to demystify a wide range of issues faced by the librarians of today.

Written as an open access book, the resource includes chapters on online authentication and authorisation, clear explanations of Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), an overview of the concepts of OpenID Connect and a helpful troubleshooting section.

Kristina illustrated the book with many of her own photographic images.

Commenting on her role as an author, Kristina said: 'I felt there was a need to offer a clear explanation of many of the technical aspects of a modern librarian’s job.

'Technological advances mean that it’s become a complex and pivotal role in many organisations. Librarians enable access to quality, curated information – however, it’s not always easy for them to get a clear picture of how technological innovation is affecting their roles – which led me to write this book.

'We work with librarians around the world in a range of environments from hospitals and healthcare to academia and being able to provide federated, secure and authenticated access to up to date reports and research is vital for our librarian clients.

'Their role as gatekeeper and provider of information in the form of the latest groundbreaking research and industry reports is crucial to organisations the world over. I wrote this book as a way to offer support and educate on key issues relating to online access.'

Commenting on the publication of the book, commercial director of OpenAthens, Jon Bentley said: 'Kristina has really done some outstanding work in writing and getting this book published and we’re very supportive of her dedication and commitment.

'She’s passionate about the industry and the book has proven to be an invaluable resource for libraries everywhere – helping to demystify and educate on a whole range of technical issues relating to modern information management. Her book is a beacon of clarity in a complex world.'

Published by SpringerOpen, the book is available free to download or can be ordered here in a soft back paper copy.