Perspectives, Insights, & Priorities

17 Leaders Speak Freely of Librarianship

Norman Horrocks

• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Year: 2005
• eBook ISBN: 9798216348658
• Edition: 1
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: History Reference
• Index: History

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.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Foreword
• From Oral Tradition to Electronic: Accessing and Disseminating Information
• The Library Professional
• Election 2004: The Library Fails Again
• Reflections on Librarianship: Values, Ethics, and Practice
• Serving Young Adults in Libraries: A Professional Life's Work
• Libraries: The Best Public Value
• A Virtuous Profession
• Librarians: Our Reach is Global and Our Touch is Local
• Library Values in a Changing
• Librarianship: Intersecting Perspectives for the Academy and from the Field
• Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss: A Personal View of Librarianship
• The Fog of my Career: Some Reflections and Lessons Learned
• Social Justice as a Context for a Career in Librarianship
• Philosophy Begins in Wonder and Ends in Performance
• Reflections on a Passion
• Why do Libraries Matter in the 21st Century?
• The More Things Change, the More Things Remain the Same
• About the Contributors