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But I Want To Hold It In My Hand! Print Resources
Myburgh, Sue. The New Information Professional: How to Thrive in the Information Age Doing What You Love. Oxford, England: Chandos Publishing, 2005. ISBN: 1-84334-087-9. $55.00. Purchase from Amazon.com.
At first glance, Myburgh's The New Information Professional: How to Thrive in the Information Age Doing What You Love appears to be a timely piece on the success of information professionals in this ever-changing environment. Readers expecting a "how to" manual for new graduates, though, may be taken aback by the material Myburgh incorporates into her book. She begins with the view that "unless there is better understanding of the theoretical structure of the traditional information professions (TIPs), their practice is doomed." Rather than a step-by-step guide, each of the nine chapters essentially provides an overview of the existing theoretical literature, overflowing with abbreviations. Readers will find themselves constantly flipping to the list of abbreviations to define such terms as HIB (human information behavior), ICT (information and communication technology), and TIPs (traditional information professions). This book seems better aimed at mid-career or experienced information professionals than at those just starting out.
A former archivist, Nicole Mitchell is currently pursuing a graduate degree in library science at the University of Alabama. She received her M.A. in history from Georgia College and State University.
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Sullivan, Michael. The Fundamentals of Children's Services. ALA Fundamentals Series, ALA Editions 2005. ISBN 0838909078. $45.00. Purchase from Amazon.com.
Sullivan's book is an enjoyable and informative read; a comprehensive overview of children's services, but with a fresh, inspiring presentation. Sullivan's concise and fluent style allows him to discuss theoretical issues such as "how children's services fit into a library's mission" and "who do children's librarians serve?" in a single chapter, yet he suggests commonsense solutions for even the most esoteric challenges. He delves into practical programming tips and gives powerful suggestions for keeping even the most jaded librarian motivated to meet any challenge. Sullivan's knowledge of the field is extensive, and not limited to guidance for new librarians. He includes options for those seeking professional development challenges in their careers with helpful resource lists in every chapter. An excellent text for study and reference in the field.
Phillippa Brown is a Children's and Family Literacy Librarian at the Greater Victoria Public Library's Bruce Hutchison Branch. She is also editor of YAACING, the newsletter for the British Columbia Library Association's Young Adult and Children's Services division.