Primary tabs
You don't need to be an ALA Member to purchase from the ALA Store, but you'll be asked to create an online account/profile during the checkout to proceed. This Web Account is for both Members and non-Members. Note that your ALA Member discount will be applied at the final step of the checkout process.
If you are Tax-Exempt, please verify that your account is currently set up as exempt before placing your order, as our new fulfillment center will need current documentation. Learn how to verify here.
- Description
- Table of Contents
- About the author
- Reviews
Listen to a podcast with the author now!
Of his earlier book, Against the Grain raved, “Reading this book brings a sense of hope, inspiration, and excitement for what the future holds for the new generation of hyperlinked librarians entering our profession.” Now Stephens is back with a newly curated collection of succinct writings that will refresh your view of the profession and invigorate your work. Associate Professor at San Jose State University, Stephens encourages curiosity and creativity in his students and all library workers by connecting trends from outside the profession to its bedrock values. With a humanist lens, he reflects on such topics as
- how libraries can empower kindness;
- developing a coterie of kindred spirits at conferences outside libraryland;
- inspiring creativity in library patrons;
- the most effective professional development experiences;
- comfort, joy, and hygge in the library;
- the characteristics of compassionate leadership;
- how to contend with a devil’s advocate; and
- mentoring new librarians.
Whether you’ve just landed your first job or a longtime professional, Stephens’ perspective will reenergize your commitment to librarianship and the important work that libraries are doing every day.
Foreword, by K. G. Schneider
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter One: Past Is Prologue
- Do Libraries Matter?
- The Hyperlinked Organization
- Are You Dreaming?
- Finding My Tribe at EDUCAUSE
- What’s Your Digital Legacy?
- Crystal Visions
- Zones with Heart
- Five Hopes for the New Year
- Internet Years and Dog Years
- You Can Do Magic
Chapter Two: Librarian Superpowers
- Formula for Success
- Librarian Superpowers
- Adopt or Adapt
- The Research Journey
- Talk about Compassion
Chapter Three: On the Ground, Online, and On Target
- Personal, Actionable, Accessible
- I’ll Be There for You
- Conference Call
- Making a Name
- What’s Next
- PLEs @ ALA
Chapter Four: Growing Our Libraries
- Dream Explore Experiment
- Hygge State of Mind
- The Right Questions
- Agents of Change
- Speak of the Devil
- Nurture or Nature
Chapter Five: Being Human
- Libraries in Balance
- Open to Change
- Chaos and Caring
- Finding Balance
- Flash Briefing
- Gifts of the Hour
- Telling Stories
- Library Emoji
- The Livelong Day
Epilogue
Index
"Will lighten the soul and enliven the step of even the most tired, underpaid, discouraged librarian. Stephens' commentary is pithy and wise ... His experience and focus center on public librarianship; however, his piquant advice and suggestions are wholly applicable to academic librarianship as well. Highly recommended for both experienced and fledgling librarians."
— Booklist
"Library science students, as well as information professionals seeking encouragement and motivation, will benefit from Stephens's stirring work."
— Library Journal (starred review)