Perspectives, Insights, & Priorities

17 Leaders Speak Freely of Librarianship

Buch | Softcover

152 Seiten

2005
Scarecrow Press (Verlag)
978-0-8108-5355-3 (ISBN)

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This extraordinary book defines and describes librarianship and library science through insightful and thoughtful essays contributed by 17 recognized leaders of the profession. While each essay presents a distinct perspective and approach, collectively they paint a picture of a humane and human profession central to and concerned with the cultural, social, political, and intellectual underpinnings of civilization. Often challenging and provocative, often moving, always engaging, the essays reflect a diverse and complex profession and the values, beliefs, practices, and philosophies that make it unique and vital.

The essays take a variety of approaches: historical analysis, personal recollection, career review, political or social commentary, intellectual or philosophical musings, and short and long-term forecasting. Even when the essays address issues of a practical nature, they raise issues of concern in a broader context. The role of libraries in a democratic society is examined through the historical perspective of the Boston Mandate of 1852, the most recent US presidential election, and the current strain of censorship and intellectual freedom battles. What is the proper role of libraries as social organizations advocating societal reform and working toward the common weal? What is the role of government and politics in the profession? What is the responsibility and role of the library in determining or advocating public policy? If, as one essay elegantly and persuasively argues, our professional concern should center not on information or fact, but on truth, can we avoid political action and political repercussion? These are weighty issues addressed not only with passion, but also with a freedom and honesty seldom encountered.

This is a powerful and important book that should be read by every librarian, every library student, every public official, indeed, every citizen concerned with his or her community.

Norman Horrocks is Professor Emeritus, School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Editorial Consultant and Series Editor for Scarecrow Press, and Contributing Editor for "Library Journal". He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (UK) and an Associate of the Library Association of Australia. In 2004, he was awarded Honorary Membership in the American Library Association, the association's highest award.

Part 1 Foreword
Part 2 From Oral Tradition to Electronic: Accessing and Disseminating Information
Part 3 The Library Professional
Part 4 Election 2004: The Library Fails Again
Part 5 Reflections on Librarianship: Values, Ethics, and Practice
Part 6 Serving Young Adults in Libraries: A Professional Life's Work
Part 7 Libraries: The Best Public Value
Part 8 A Virtuous Profession
Part 9 Librarians: Our Reach is Global and Our Touch is Local
Part 10 Library Values in a Changing World
Part 11 Librarianship: Intersecting Perspectives for the Academy and from the Field
Part 12 Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss: A Personal View of Librarianship
Part 13 The Fog of My Career: Some Reflections and Lessons Learned
Part 14 Social Justice as a Context for a Career in Librarianship
Part 15 Philosophy Begins in Wonder and Ends in Performance
Part 16 Reflections on a Passion
Part 17 Why Do Libraries Matter in the 21st Century?
Part 18 The More Things Chance, The More Things Remain the Same
Part 19 About the Contributors

Erscheint lt. Verlag	9.8.2005
Verlagsort	Lanham, MD
Sprache	englisch
Maße	168 x 227 mm
Gewicht	231 g
Themenwelt	Sozialwissenschaften ► Kommunikation / Medien ► Buchhandel / Bibliothekswesen
ISBN-10	0-8108-5355-8 / 0810853558
ISBN-13	978-0-8108-5355-3 / 9780810853553
Zustand	Neuware