How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian

With firsthand knowledge of the trials and tribulations of working as a lone librarian, this reviewer appreciates this helpful primer aimed at those flying solo and seeking means to survive and thrive. Smallwood and Clapp have gathered information on a wide range of topics that are enlightening for solo librarians of all types. Each of the 26 chapters in How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian is written in straightforward prose by experienced library practitioners, and each is approximately 10 pages in length. Among the main subjects that warrant multiple chapters are marketing, community involvement, and professional development. Numerous thoughtful tips abound for the solo librarian in this specialized volume. A useful resource for those practicing or considering careers as solo librarians. * Booklist *
Smallwood (editor, Librarians as Community Partners), a veteran of public library administration, here oversees another practical book for librarians in the field. With Clapp (Humanities & Social Sciences Lib. West, Univ. of Florida), she presents a collection of pieces by various practitioners who must do it all. The contributed chapters cover time management, community involvement, public relations and marketing, professional development, administrative tasks, and assessing and weeding collections. The work is at times informative and practical....VERDICT Intended primarily for special librarians, who often function alone, and very small public libraries. * Library Journal *
The audience for this book—librarians who are working alone, or nearly alone—may be larger than many of us suspect. And once again Carol Smallwood has done what she does so well—present a guide, written by a variety of experienced professionals, full of common sense, nuts and bolts advice, and step-by-step instruction. -- Tom Cooper, Director, Webster Groves Public Library, Webster, Writing and Publishing: the Librarian's Handbook, (ALA, 2010)
Pragmatic and to the point, the articles contained in How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian are useful for librarians working at libraries of all types and sizes. The book is also a great starting point for those librarians about to embark on major tasks which lie outside of their comfort zone. -- Wayne Finley, Assistant Professor and Business Librarian, Northern Illinois University Libraries
A wealth of solid, practical advice, this anthology provides essential how-to articles that speak directly to the needs of those solo librarians who do it all. -- Kim Becnel, assistant professor of library science, Appalachian State University
Time and money are often in very short supply for the one person library. This book will give the solo librarian what is most needed—timely, practical advice presented in a concise and readable manner. -- James B. Casey, Director, Oak Lawn Public Library; recipient of the Illinois Library Association Librarian of the Year Award
You're not alone anymore! How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian, written by your fellow solo colleagues, is here to guide and help you. It covers the many facets of solo librarianship including collection development, moving your library, time management, PR & marketing, administrative tasks, as well as the much-needed advice on professional development. You are one amongst many; learn from your experienced friends. -- Dorothea J. Coiffe, assistant professor, A. Philip Randolph Memorial Library
In these tough economic times, where so many librarians find themselves wearing several different hats and taking on additional responsibilities, How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian not only offers helpful advice for the solo librarian, but useful ideas for those of us with reduced library staffs and budgets. -- Larissa K. Garcia, assistance professor, National-Louis University Library
How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian presents the distilled knowledge of practicing solo librarians in an accessible, helpful way. It will be invaluable on the front lines. -- John Helling, director, Bloomfield-Eastern Greene County Public Library
This book contains a wealth of practical information and tips on how to manage a one-person library. They cover topics such as prioritization and planning, managing time and workloads, using technology, networking and learning, using volunteers, and marketing. This book is recommended for all types of libraries and library schools * American Reference Books Annual *
Together the editors have found a wealth of knowledge within their contributors, using it to create a practical toolkit that helps professionals overcome the challenges of managing day-to-day library work as well as major projects, while at the same time seeking opportunities to justify funding through public relations and effective fiscal management. While recommended for solo practitioners or those considering careers as solo librarians, the advice in this work suits not only solo librarians but also librarians managing departments (both small and large) within large library organizations. This book is also a great starting point for those librarians about to embark on tasks that may lie outside their comfort zone and is an excellent toolkit for students of librarianship. * Australian Library Journal *