The Nextgen Librarian's Survival Guide

by Rachel Singer Gordon

Looks at concerns of interest to new and aspiring librarians, including library school, job-hunting, entry-level positions, career advancement, stereotypes, diversity, networking, and achieving work/life balance.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Librarianship, Adult, Professional Development, 21st Century, Reference

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2006

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and read it in one evening. I'm still carrying it around and will probably purchase it (I've got the library's copy).

This book was great for me because I (at times) experience and feel a divide in the technology realm of library science. Maybe not so much a "divide" as a segmentation of technology tools. Reading this book allowed me to see the perspectives of up and coming Librarians along with the seasoned professionals. I particularly enjoyed Katie Dunneback's interview (she runs http://younglibrarian.blogspot.com/ and is a LEEP grad). I think it's a must-read for librarians.

[September Michaud · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay. There is some good information here about how to take on projects and make yourself marketable, but this information can be found in most professional development books.

I guess because I already work in a library I already knew a lot of this stuff, so it could be more useful to someone who is brand new to the field and just beginning research. (Repeats information about libraries being slow to change, generational issues among employees, and the difficulty in finding a full-time job with benefits)

This book is a little dated and most of the websites listed are no longer available.

[Iroquois · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book didn't really give any helpful info when it came to really figuring out if librarianship is a career for u.
It was off-topic a lot, and didn't have much in the way of useful guidance. The Library Journal is probably a better idea, and so is the book "Free for All".

[Nicole Baratta]

http://www.web2learning.net/archives/329

[whejleh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I so badly want to award this 0 stars. Worthless garbage.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far, this is probably the most relevant book to my own experiences as a graduate student and young professional, and I really enjoyed reading it. Some of the advice given by the author is really important to use younger professionals to remember, from knowing when your job is becoming stagnant to making sure you're backing up your knowledge with real experience and skills.

The "generational divide" issue in most professional areas is pretty interesting, though I do think that trying to split things into "over 40" and "under 40" isn't quite as successful as the author might hope. Then again, there aren't a lot of ways to do it, I suppose.

Gordon's advice is sturdy, and some of it is pretty important. The whole "image" conversation felt a little strange and forced, to the point where it almost felt like she was trying to push some slight argument, but against what wasn't so clear. I did appreciate the thoughts put in from surveyed librarians - it was great to see thoughts from so many in the field.

Definitely worth reading if you're a graduate student, or if you're a professional who wants to understand where a number of us are coming from and how differently we can operate.

[Margot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any focus on generational differences will by necessity create some division, but must every mention of the "new" generation of librarians be so fraught with stereotypes and self-righteous aggrandizement? Admittedly, Gordon attempts to represent "both" sides of the picture (under-40 and over-40), but even this dichotomy is laughable. As a young and new librarian, I didn't find much helpful in this book, but there was plenty beating of the horses of librarian image, generational differences, and the technological divide. Let's get over ourselves, and stop thinking we're God's gift to librarianship.

This book made me think, "Hey, if she could get this published, just think what I could do!" It's good as an ego-boost for a hopeful writer, at least.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect for me to read at the time that I did. I read it slowly over the course of my first two years in a professional position. Every time I began a chapter, something in it related to my life. It was rather interesting. I've already recommended this to a new LIS student. I think it's a fabulous work and one that should be read in (or before) grad school, not after. Why? Because I feel I would have been more prepared going into some expectations I could have had in the field rather than encountering each one as my profession progressed. Oh well. At least I've learned the lessons.

[Cathy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a useful read. As well as sharing the opinions of many librarians, library workers, and MLS students in both the under-40 and over-40 categories, this book contains a plethora of useful websites. Subjects vary from choosing and getting through the MLS as a NextGen to work/life balance to how to deal with the new librarians as an administrator. The author organized all the links mentioned in the book into one webpage, which will definitely be bookmarked for me for years to come.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was glad to find a book on this subject, and I believe this book to be one of very few. In that regard, this book is great. However, there is definitely room for improvement. It is a good place to start if you don't know very much about the topic, but it fails to go in-depth. A good beginner's resource.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a worthwhile read for new librarians, some interesting discussion and tips. The "generational divide" is dramatized a bit more than I've found to be the case so far, but I did appreciate reading up on potential challenges I may face in the future ;-) Singer-Gordon's writing style and perspective are quite refreshing compared to many other books for new librarians.

[Sinistmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a library science student, it was kind of a scary book to read (especially the job search section). However, I thought it gave a great summary of the issues that libraries and libraries are currently facing. There was also some pretty solid concrete advice.

So, after reading this book, I am definitely sobered, but also determined.

[AnnaBnana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has lots of (what I hope will be) good insight as gear up to start my job search and enter my first professional position. Plus it identified lots of good internet resources (listservs and job posting sites).

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it's a book that's more insightful for someone thinking about library school.
There were occasionally tips that I found might be useful, but I figured out many things, such as getting experience while in school, on my own.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Singer Gordon has a really good and realistic understanding of the obstacles librarians are facing today. Many of her examples really typified the experiences that I had as a librarian. I wish I had read this book many years ago and saved myself a lot of frustration.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, but nothing I hadn't already read on various library listservs.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

yawn. To summarize: "be innovative."

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but more useful if read before going to library school.

[Erin Lee]

reading

[mona · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not gain much new information from this book. A lot of these things I have learned by doing the job.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is helpful for beginners and for a quick scan. Many comments will be familiar - nothing new or shocking.

[C.E. G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the most helpful guide for new librarians that I've read so far. Most advice was pretty intuitive, but I find reading this sort of thing comforting.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 2006 and already a little dated. Helpful information about navigating a new idea in an old institution full of stereotypes and assumptions.

[Jenny Chew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for the beginning library student!

[Lauren Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit dated.