NealSchuman/American Library Association, 2016. 224p. $45. Oversize pb. ISBN 9780838914618. Table of Contents. Biblio. Index. Some stereotypes of librarians die hard: the buns in the hair, the pearls, the cats. These characterizations are not the fundamental nature of librarianship; there is something more that captures this essence. It is about the stories, comradery, and the need to help others access information. These things do not operate in a vacuum, and this title explores the fellowship that exists among librarians. In a candid peek at everything from what initially sparked interest in the profession to gender inequalities to regrets, the author captures snapshots of librarians from different walks of life. Somewhere in this offering, any librarian is almost guaranteed to hear his or her own voice. The title is well written with a variety of perspectives and a host of quirky, fun, interesting stories. That is what makes it relatable and accessible for its audience. It is for both those plotting a course through the profession and those reminiscing on their time spent in the field. Librarians could not have asked for a better compilation that encompasses the profession. This is a musthave for academic libraries with a library program or libraries with professional materials for staff. It may also be useful in a public library with a bibliophile base. Reviewer: Robbie L. Flowers; Ages adult professional.
06/01/2017
Smith (technical services manager; San Marcos P.L, TX) contends the library profession is losing a significant number of professional librarians owing to retirement. To save their stories from being lost, Smith's doctoral research captured their stories via oral history interviews. Smith reworks his dissertation to produce this volume, providing the stories of 35 librarians whose careers encompassed the latter half of the 20th century. School, public, academic, and special librarians from large and small, urban and rural libraries are represented. Collective themes emerge from the stories, as Smith discusses the relationship subjects have with choosing the profession, battling and embracing stereotypes, adjusting to technology, coping with career regrets, and serving patrons. In writing that is clear and fluid, the author includes an introduction to oral-history theory and methodology and offers practical advice for budding researchers, although at times he retells the same story. A substantive bibliography is provided, but more detailed analysis would have added depth. However, the librarians' words shine through and give life to this volume. VERDICT The stories contained in this volume will appeal to those interested in the history of librarianship, the history of occupations, the role of women in the workplace, and oral histories.—Lydia Olszak, Bosler Memorial Lib., Carlisle, PA
11/01/2017
Smith (technical services manager, San Marcos Public Library, TX) contends the library profession is losing a significant number of professional librarians owing to retirement. To save their stories from being lost, Smith's doctoral research captured their stories via oral history interviews. Smith reworks his dissertation to produce this volume, providing the stories of 35 librarians whose careers encompassed the latter half of the 20th century. School, public, academic, and special librarians from large and small, urban and rural libraries are represented. Collective themes emerge from the stories as Smith discusses the relationship subjects have with choosing the profession, battling and embracing stereotypes, adjusting to technology, coping with career regrets, and serving patrons. In writing that is clear and fluid, the author includes an introduction to oral history theory and methodology and offers practical advice for budding researchers, although at times he retells the same story. A substantive bibliography is provided, but more detailed analysis would have added depth. However, the librarians' words shine through and give life to this volume. VERDICT The stories contained in this volume will appeal to those interested in the history of librarianship, the history of occupations, the role of women in the workplace, and oral histories.—Lydia Olszak, Bosler Memorial Library, Carlisle, PA
