Professional Media

Edited by Hurlbert (associate dean and director, libraries services, Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA) and featuring chapters written by more than 20 librarians, library administrators, and professors, this book addresses issues relating to rising trends in academic library management. Starting with a description of the emerging generation of academic library patrons (i.e., the Millennial generation) and Web 2.0 technology, the essays focus on a range of timely topics—from a discussion of the changing role of the "library as a place" to an entire section devoted to issues of information literacy. The intent of this volume is to cover the overarching themes of "Connection, Competition, and Collaboration" and as such it provides a worthy introduction to the vast array of emerging themes and trends that will impact the future of academic libraries, large and small. For academic libraries and library school collections.—Thomas Harrod, Univ. of Maryland Libs., College Park

This is a book for those who delight in books and libraries. In 15 evocative essays, Manguel (A History of Reading), an Argentine-born writer and editor now living in France, explores the world of words, books, libraries, literature, and imagination. Libraries serve as his focal point as he weaves together quotations, memories, biography, mythology, and illustrations. In the chapter "Libraries as Shape," the reader encounters details of stone masonry, images of a brain-shaped library juxtaposed with the first known floor plan of a monastery library, a history of reading room architecture, and snippets of biographies of Pope Clement and Michelangelo pulled together with wit and provocative insights. In "Libraries as Oblivion," the author explores the notion of books read and forgotten alongside descriptions of libraries lost to war and destruction and readers lost through discrimination and denial of access. This is not standard library history, and its strength lies not in the details but in the connections, in the lyrical web pulling together odd bits into new ways of seeing the universe of books, readers, authors, and libraries. Published originally in Canada in 2006, this U.S. edition deserves a wide readership. Recommended for most libraries and any librarian needing a reminder of the power of connections.—Jan Blodgett. Davidson Coll. Lib., NC

Long-range planning has been promoted by the American Library Association as a necessary tool for administering a library since 1980, but the process has always required a time commitment of one year or more. The entire plan in library consultant Nelson's revision of her 2001 The New Planning for Results: A Streamlined Approach can be completed in four months for libraries of all sizes. This allows libraries to keep pace with technological changes. The planning tool originally dealt with long-range strategies, library roles, and community needs. Service responses were introduced in the 1990s and defined as what a library offers its users to meet community needs. In the new edition, service priorities have increased to 18 and planning tasks reduced to ten. Part one contains instructions for the planning process, how to design it, and the tasks to be accomplished. Milestones introduce each chapter, which then conclude with key points to remember. Part two covers public library service responses in-depth, and part three provides tool kits to help navigate through difficult situations during planning. Part four contains useful worksheets. There is also a web site of downloadable electronic work forms that can be modified. A sequel (Implementing for Results: From Ideas to Action) on how to implement the new plan will be released later this year. Nelson, a specialist in public library management, has presented training programs and facilitated strategic planning processes for 30 years. She has also worked in small and large public libraries as well as state library agencies. Her latest book is essential for any public library undertaking the planning process.—Marie Bruni, Huntington Memorial Lib., Oneonta, NY

Library neutrality, which means not favoring one agenda over another, is often assumed in library materials selection, programming, and patron services. This collection of essays first published in Progressive Librarian not only provides a solid history on the concept and philosophy of library neutrality, it also offers evidence that even libraries striving to create a politically neutral environment often fall short owing to the restrictions of the information framework in place. Progressive Librarians Guild cofounder Mark Rosenzweig's 1991 opening essay, "Politics and Anti-Politics in Librarianship," provides an excellent entry point to understanding why the profession should be concerned with library neutrality. Arranged chronologically, the essays dip into key issues and events surrounding library activism and social responsibility. Highlights are Ann Sparanese's response to being "the librarian [who] saved [Michael Moore's] Stupid White Men" ("Activist Librarianship: Heritage or Heresy") and Joseph Good's closing observation, "The Hottest Place in Hell: The Crisis of Neutrality in Contemporary Librarianship." As there is little scholarship in this area, this title provides a much-needed overview. Editor Lewis is the coordinator for the American Library Association's Social Responsibilities Round Table and faculty member at Drexel University's College of Information Science and Technology. Recommended for all library professionals, as well as library school faculty and students.—Dodie Ownes, Information Services Consultant, Golden, CO