At the Crossroads: Librarians on the Information Superhighway

by Herbert S. White

Overview

White's previously published articles and speeches (most presented after 1989) identify and address critical issues that range from library education, funding, and leadership to technology, ethics, and burbanout. Although often delivered with humor, White's probing and sometimes controversial commentaries on the opportunities and dangers to the profession are certain to provoke serious thought. Divided into three sections, the book covers Librarians, Their Self-Image, and the Perceptions That Define Their Preparation; Librarians and Their Role, As Defined by Them and by Others; and Librarians in the Cruel World of Politics and Money. The author introduces each section with general comments. A must for the library professional shelf and a useful supplementary text for management and issues courses in library schools.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781563081651
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/15/1995
Pages:	422
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

HERBERT S. WHITE is Dean Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus, School of Library & Information Science, Indiana University, and Adjunct Professor, University of Arizona, Green Valley. He is the recipient of the ALA Melvil Dewey Award.

Editorial Reviews

White, well-known advocate of libraries, has compiled another collection of his previously published solid essays on librarianship. Following Librarians and the Awakening of Innocence (Professional Reading, LJ 8/89), this volume contains more of his erudite, tightly written, and sometimes biting commentaries, most published in Library Journal (White Papers), with others gathered from his numerous public presentations. These critical analyses are organized into sections on librarian self-image, role definitions, and the real world of politics and budgets. The mostly chronological order helps in following his work over time. You name the controversy today in librarianship, and White in his sometimes acerbic, always provocative voice has an opinion, with a strong emphasis on challenging librarians to consider seriously the state of their profession. Serving as White's "parting shot," as he recently retired, this is an essential supplementary volume for library schools and a wake-up call for those librarians who truly wish to grow their profession.-Dale Farris, Groves, Tex.

Library Journal

In a collection of previously published articles and speeches, author, lecturer, popular columnist, and library advocate White (retired, School of Library and Information Science, Indiana U.) identifies and examines a variety of critical professional issues that range from library education, funding, personnel, volunteerism, and leadership to technology, ethics, diversity, and burnout. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews