Take a photo of a barcode or cover
I think this book is great for the general public, anyone who has a very specific idea of what a library is and needs their perspective broadened. However, it's not so good for a reader like me who already works in a library, someone who's already aware of the broad range of options for a librarian's career focus. This is shelved in the library science section and it's a thick book, which made me think it would go in depth as to different librarians' jobs. For example, a section on academic librarians versus public service librarians versus technical services librarians versus special collections librarians, archivists, etc. This book clearly had the opportunity to do that with the range of librarians quoted inside, but it failed to take that opportunity. It gave this massive list of librarians one paragraph each and what all did they say? Pretty much the same thing...Libraries are important. At that point, it's more a photography book and should be shelved in the photography section, rather than the library science section. But, as others have said, some of the photography isn't quality. And sadly, I even found a typo early on. I'm giving this two stars instead of one mainly because another reader may enjoy it...and also the Cory Doctorow essay made it worth it. The rest of the author essays all repeated the same, overstated message--Libraries matter, and here are my memories of libraries and books from my childhood, etc. So much of this book is sweet in small doses (a coffee table read, for sure), but it missed a huge opportunity to be so much more and is lacking a certain quality to even be the best at what it tried to be.
I will admit that I am a little partial to this book because I'm one of the librarians featured in it, BUT that is not the only reason by a long shot! Kyle Cassidy has done an insanely impressive job compiling the essence and passion of librarianship into one beautiful coffee table book. Over 300 librarians from all over the world are featured and all have a gorgeous photo accompanied by a quote or statement on what being a librarian means to the. Some are wordy and eloquent, some are moving, and others are passionate pleas. Also included are mini essays from Kyle about different libraries and librarians, as well as essays from bestselling authors like Neil Gaiman John Scalzi, George R. R. Martin touting how libraries and librarians have helped their lives. A wonderful book that deserves a spot in very personal and public library. What an honor to have even been involved in this.
So inspiring! I love my profession and this book helped me love it even more.
I enjoyed reading the author essays and the librarian quotes. I was happy to see a diverse (in so many ways) group.
"Librarians are warrior princes and princesses wielding book love like swords." Susan K. McClelland from Oak Park Public Library
"I was always a library kid. What drew me to my calling was the realization that stories can be consumed and created in many ways, and that technology is a powerful tool to do that." Gretchen Caserotti from Meridian Public Library
“Impassioned librarians are a force to be reckoned with. We have the curiosity of a scientist, the work ethic of a teacher, the creativity of an artist, and the ferocity of a prize fighter. We are so much more than Google." Alea Perez, from Westmont Public Library
I vaguely remember when Cassidy started this project. I saw something in the library news about the first pictures that he took. Then, to be honest, I forgot all about it. I was retiring from the profession and I was sure Cassidy was not coming to take my picture. I am old and look a bit too much like the stereotypical librarian.
I am glad that my local library bought this and I hope that many people will at least look at it. Here are almost 220 women and men that are still librarians and are doing their best to show people that libraries are still important. I salute and thank them. Being a librarian was always a calling for me and I am so happy to see that is true for many of these librarians. Maybe someone will see this and realize that she is also called to this fun, wonderful career.
"I was always a library kid. What drew me to my calling was the realization that stories can be consumed and created in many ways, and that technology is a powerful tool to do that." Gretchen Caserotti from Meridian Public Library
“Impassioned librarians are a force to be reckoned with. We have the curiosity of a scientist, the work ethic of a teacher, the creativity of an artist, and the ferocity of a prize fighter. We are so much more than Google." Alea Perez, from Westmont Public Library
I vaguely remember when Cassidy started this project. I saw something in the library news about the first pictures that he took. Then, to be honest, I forgot all about it. I was retiring from the profession and I was sure Cassidy was not coming to take my picture. I am old and look a bit too much like the stereotypical librarian.
I am glad that my local library bought this and I hope that many people will at least look at it. Here are almost 220 women and men that are still librarians and are doing their best to show people that libraries are still important. I salute and thank them. Being a librarian was always a calling for me and I am so happy to see that is true for many of these librarians. Maybe someone will see this and realize that she is also called to this fun, wonderful career.
Every library should have this book in their collection and should reference it often when asked what libraries can offer. I loved the variety of librarians and all that they do. I also love authors and actors/actresses chiming in on how librarians affected them.
One con is the lack of diversity among librarians but this is to no fault of the author. It just highlights that there should be more diversity among librarians.
One con is the lack of diversity among librarians but this is to no fault of the author. It just highlights that there should be more diversity among librarians.
A wonderful book that reminded me of the magic of libraries. It provided so much insight into the huge role libraries play in our society and why they still hold such value in today’s technological age.
I enjoyed reading a book about books and librarians, and it inspired me to visit the library more. There are things in common among the librarians, which is not unusual at all. I enjoyed the short essays throughout the book, because they enriched the content and developed certain ideas. It was a good book and I do believe that librarians have a certain kind of power that has the potential to change the world, so it should be used wisely and with caution! I would go as far as to say it's a calling.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A feel-good celebration for librarians and the folks that love them.
"The library is a safe place filled with thousands of potential life-changing friends who couldn't talk to you, but would tell you a story nonetheless. It is the place that has become the genesis of many conversations, the field from which grew shared experiences with people I've yet to meet." -Page 7
"Collecting books is not necessarily helpful. What changes a collection of books into something useful is a librarian: a curator, an indexer, a manager, a gardener who knows what to cut back, what to add, what to highlight, and, most of all, what the community around them needs to grow as a society." - page 7
"Impassioned librarians are a force to be reckoned with. We have the curiosity of a scientist, the work ethic of a teacher, the creativity of an artist, and the ferocity of a prize fighter. We are so much more than Google." -Alea Perez, page 10
"Libraries are centers of discovery and a safe place to go where one is encouraged and supported in finding information that is empowering and transformative. That process is what inspires me to be a part of librarianship. " -Jessie Nachem, page 20
"Librarians are warrior princes and princesses wielding book love like swords! We are ever vigilant, curious, intelligent, and kind. Libraries are the banners that we carry proudly into the fray! Forward, ever forward!"-Susan K. McClelland, page 21
"Librarians empower users in their pursuit of knowledge, learning, and in discovery and research across all disciplinary fields, transcending race, color, and creed. By far the most valuable to the public, for free. I love working here, empowering others."- Taina Evans, page 36
"There are so many different kinds of libraries and librarians! What unites us all is our role as sense-makers of complicated information environments. We renew our relevance every day through our work, by maintaining the trust of our patrons, and by advocating for libraries and library workers in our communities and institutions. " - Aliqae Geraci, page 42
"Not all libraries work with books. I work with medical journals. My colleagues work with data. We teach and help medical students, doctors, and researchers how to do research better. Sure, we still have books, but that's not what our job centers on. At the center of our profession is giving direction to curiosity."- Molly Higgins, page 80
"I want them to know that there's a place where they can be themselves. Libraries don't grade you or judge you or care that you have the right Uggs or whatever. Just be yoursr. We are here for you."- Jaina Lewis, page 110
"Libraries aren't about books, the Internet, programs, or even the critical services we provide. They are about the people we serve. Without people all the books, computers, and programs mean nothing. People should be at the center of everything we do and say. If you get caught up in metrics, surveys, and goals we can potentially miss what we are here for...people." -Ingrid Ruffin, page 118
"Libraries are one of society's best protectors of freedom, equality, and access for all. Librarians use their passion to continue reinventing libraries into vibrant community spaces- and our drive to serve is tenacious!" -Steven Yates, page 143
"Libraries are very much like oysters; common, abundant, and seemingly ordinary. That is, until you find the endless beauty held within."- Majed Khader, page 165
"Storytime Underground states it best: "Librarianship is not a neutral profession, and libraries are not neutral soace." We have a responsibility to the most vulnerable members of our community; to attempt neutrality makes us complicit in their continued oppression. Instead, a library should remove hurdles to services and seek to be a safe and inclusive space for people of color, the homeless, LGBTQIA individuals, and any socially, racially, or culturally oppressed group." -John Pappas, page 194
"Collecting books is not necessarily helpful. What changes a collection of books into something useful is a librarian: a curator, an indexer, a manager, a gardener who knows what to cut back, what to add, what to highlight, and, most of all, what the community around them needs to grow as a society." - page 7
"Impassioned librarians are a force to be reckoned with. We have the curiosity of a scientist, the work ethic of a teacher, the creativity of an artist, and the ferocity of a prize fighter. We are so much more than Google." -Alea Perez, page 10
"Libraries are centers of discovery and a safe place to go where one is encouraged and supported in finding information that is empowering and transformative. That process is what inspires me to be a part of librarianship. " -Jessie Nachem, page 20
"Librarians are warrior princes and princesses wielding book love like swords! We are ever vigilant, curious, intelligent, and kind. Libraries are the banners that we carry proudly into the fray! Forward, ever forward!"-Susan K. McClelland, page 21
"Librarians empower users in their pursuit of knowledge, learning, and in discovery and research across all disciplinary fields, transcending race, color, and creed. By far the most valuable to the public, for free. I love working here, empowering others."- Taina Evans, page 36
"There are so many different kinds of libraries and librarians! What unites us all is our role as sense-makers of complicated information environments. We renew our relevance every day through our work, by maintaining the trust of our patrons, and by advocating for libraries and library workers in our communities and institutions. " - Aliqae Geraci, page 42
"Not all libraries work with books. I work with medical journals. My colleagues work with data. We teach and help medical students, doctors, and researchers how to do research better. Sure, we still have books, but that's not what our job centers on. At the center of our profession is giving direction to curiosity."- Molly Higgins, page 80
"I want them to know that there's a place where they can be themselves. Libraries don't grade you or judge you or care that you have the right Uggs or whatever. Just be yoursr. We are here for you."- Jaina Lewis, page 110
"Libraries aren't about books, the Internet, programs, or even the critical services we provide. They are about the people we serve. Without people all the books, computers, and programs mean nothing. People should be at the center of everything we do and say. If you get caught up in metrics, surveys, and goals we can potentially miss what we are here for...people." -Ingrid Ruffin, page 118
"Libraries are one of society's best protectors of freedom, equality, and access for all. Librarians use their passion to continue reinventing libraries into vibrant community spaces- and our drive to serve is tenacious!" -Steven Yates, page 143
"Libraries are very much like oysters; common, abundant, and seemingly ordinary. That is, until you find the endless beauty held within."- Majed Khader, page 165
"Storytime Underground states it best: "Librarianship is not a neutral profession, and libraries are not neutral soace." We have a responsibility to the most vulnerable members of our community; to attempt neutrality makes us complicit in their continued oppression. Instead, a library should remove hurdles to services and seek to be a safe and inclusive space for people of color, the homeless, LGBTQIA individuals, and any socially, racially, or culturally oppressed group." -John Pappas, page 194