Our Singular Strengths: Meditations for Librarians

By Michael E. Gorman

This is a compilation of 150 thoughts about library work, written by a librarian. It is intended as a soothing volume, presented in a meditations format, reminding librarians why they chose their... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0838907245
• ISBN13: 9780838907245
• Release Date: December 1997
• Publisher: American Library Association
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

A Professional Inspiration

Michael Gorman's book provides an inspiration and rejuvenation for mid-career professionals as well as motivation for anyone just entering the field. The meditations can be considered one at a time, with plenty of time for thought, or read one after another for a deluge of professional wisdom. This book is recommended for all librarians, anyone desiring to learn more about becoming a librarian, and everyone who loves books, reading, and libraries.

Inspiration for library users and librarians

Just recently I was trying to explain to someone, not familiar with library work, what it was I did, and why I did what I did. I recommended Gorman's book to them to read. You can read the book straight through or just open it up anywhere and receive ideas and inspirations.

Fascinating food for thought about libraries.

Michael Gorman has achieved prominence in librarianship, first through his major role in the total revision of cataloging rules, and second, more recently, as the co-author of the provocative Future Libraries: Dreams, Madness and Reality. This new work is a total departure from anything he has done before, being a collection of 144 "meditations" for librarians. Each meditation consists of a quotation, from authors as diverse as Jean Anouilh and Justice Potter Stewart, a short essay, and a final resolution. Topics range from "Occam's Management Theory" to "Burnout." As is all of Gorman's writing, this is first-rate, and recommended for lovers of books and libraries, as well as for librarians.