Growing Librarians for the Digital Age
March 1, 2021
Though not all librarians are required to participate in professional development activities, most do so regularly in some form or another throughout their careers. Editors Moen (Graduate Sch. of Library and Information Studies, Univ. of Rhode Island) and Buchanan (Sch. of Information Science and Learning Technology, Univ. of Missouri) acknowledge that commitment by focusing on lifelong learning and learning opportunities aligned with different career stages. Case studies combine with tips and techniques for designing and facilitating continuing education programming. As the title implies, many chapters stress training that involves digital elements, such as developing an online community for networking with others, using digital badges to encourage and recognize participation, and combining passive conference attendance with digital interaction to increase engagement. Several case studies describe successful programs, such as the Lilead Fellows, a school librarian leadership skill program that emphasizes the importance of in-person sessions for developing connections among participant cohorts. VERDICT A quick read with guidance for creating myriad enrichment activities for library professionals. Will appeal broadly across all types of libraries, professional organizations, and library science programs.--Sara Holder, Univ. of Illinois Libs., Champaign
Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
April 30, 2021
Few professions have experienced such drastic change as quickly as librarianship has. Because it is often a lifelong calling, there is a constant need for renewing the skills required to do the job well. Leading Professional Development serves that important function. It offers nine chapters written by different authors on how to develop and facilitate a program in one's library that will help keep staff up to date on the philosophical (rather than technical) aspects of how the profession has changed. A focus of the book is lifelong learning, for both library users and staff, with an emphasis how these skills affect the community of which the library is a part. Each chapter is laid out in a practical and useful form, some with timetables and checklists, and a bibliography at the end of each. An interesting concept, digital badges, is introduced, and an international component is also included. It is written in true scholarly style and, though somewhat ponderous, will serve well in library-science programs and libraries seeking to develop or maintain continuing education.
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