The Whole Library Handbook 5

Starred review from September 15, 2013

This title is a jewel of a ready-reference guide for busy librarians, i.e., all of us. First published in 1991, this digest of many articles and essays on a librarian's world of subjects is here revised and updated, building solidly on the earlier editions while keeping the flavor and usefulness of the previous incarnations. Seekers now can also find here brief introductions and starting points for trends and new developments. The major sections are about libraries as institutions (included here is statistical information), the people of the library, e.g., staff, trustees, and supporters; the library profession; library materials; operations; library users; advocacy; technology; hot-button issues; and trivia. Sources are cited for each article, essay, and list. While the focus is primarily on the latest and greatest, acknowledgment of historical libraries and legacy library services is not forgotten. VERDICT With a wide variety of contributors, the results are mixed, but overall the content is balanced between practical and whimsical. Despite some statistical currency issues, this is highly recommended as a quick starting point and pathfinder to more information for library- and librarian-related subjects. For both the newly minted and the well-experienced librarian.--J. Sara Paulk, Wythe-Grayson Regional Lib., Independence, VA

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.