Our Singular Strengths: Meditations for Librarians [Paperback]

Michael Gorman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gorman, one of the leading voices of late-twentieth-century library science, presents 144 meditations, rooted in experience, to provide insight into libraries and librarianship today. Each consists of a quotation, a brief essay (some only one paragraph long), and a statement or resolution of the situation considered. They cover such topics as the demise of Library of Congress printed cards; S. R. Ranganathan and his five laws, together with a set of five new laws; the problem patron; e-mail in libraries; descriptive cataloging; ALA conferences; and the image of the librarian. Perhaps librarians should have two copies of this book, one to keep at their desks for the times when they need help just to get through the day and one to keep by their bedsides to dip into time and again to validate their lives and careers and make them all right with the world. Edward Swanson

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: American Library Association (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0838907245
• ISBN-13: 978-0838907245
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,095,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Professional Inspiration, August 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Our Singular Strengths: Meditations for Librarians (Paperback)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration for library users and librarians, July 12, 1998

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Our Singular Strengths: Meditations for Librarians (Paperback)

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating food for thought about libraries., January 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Our Singular Strengths: Meditations for Librarians (Paperback)

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.