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Shontz, Priscilla K. Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press, 2002. ISBN 0-8108-4084-7. $22.50. Purchase from Amazon.com.
In just under 200 pages, Shontz manages to touch on nearly every issue of interest to new librarians, as well as those looking to revitalize their careers. As the past president of ALA's New Members Round Table and creator of the career development web site LIScareer.com, Shontz is well qualified to write on this topic. The book is divided into eight well-written chapters on career planning, job searching, experience and education, networking, interpersonal skills, mentoring, leadership skills, and writing and publishing. Each chapter includes a summary, quotes from practicing librarians, a list of related readings and online resources, and a lot of common sense advice. The information is useful, detailed, and current, and each chapter could easily stand on its own. The book is also an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Reviewed by Catherine Collins, Business Reference Librarian, James G. Gee Library, Texas A&M University, Commerce, TX