Wholehearted librarianship : finding hope, inspiration, and balance

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.

Reviews (2)

Booklist Review

Author Stephens is a rare treasure. This second collection of his columns, blog posts, and essays (after The Heart of Librarianship, 2016) will lighten the soul and enliven the step of even the most tired, underpaid, discouraged librarian. Stephens' commentary is pithy and wise. On changes in librarianship, he writes, ""I kid you not; we cannot hide behind a reference desk or within a fortress-like building anymore. His thoughts on conference attendance: ""All the planning in the world can't save you from a presenter's over reliance on wordy PowerPoint slides or a monotone reading from a script. . . . Don't be afraid to leave if it falls flat. Why do you think so many people sit at the end of the row? His advice about meetings (astutely, ""don't kill your staff with bad meetings"") calls to mind venerable Herb S. White's 1992 Library Journal column, ""Meetings, Bloody Meetings."" Stephens is both insightful and delightfully funny. He is a wonderfully refreshing, self-described ""advice nurse for whatever ails you."" 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.--Art Lichtenstein Copyright 2020 Booklist

Library Journal Review

With this slim, contemplative volume, Stephens (San José State Univ. Sch. of Information; Heart of Librarianship) collects several of his LJ "Office Hours" columns, as well as blog posts and essays, as he reflects on what he's learned about the profession. For Stephens, librarianship is about imparting knowledge--a goal "best delivered with humanity and heart." Librarians must "lead from the heart, learn from the heart, and play from the heart," he urges, stressing the role of empathy and emotional connection. He considers how librarianship has evolved, examines "Librarian Superpowers" (leap obstacles to service in a single bound, listen closely to the community), and emphasizes the importance of the right skills and mind-set. Also crucial, notes Stephens, are support and validation. As he explores topics ranging from adapting a hygge state of mind to incorporating Alexa into technology classes, above all, he highlights personal connection: "We need to get ourselves above the base levels…to engage our minds and help our communities." VERDICT Library science students, as well as information professional seeking encouragement and motivation, will benefit from Stephens's stirring work.--Barbara Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO

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Reviews (2)

Booklist Review

Library Journal Review