Customer Reviews

Truth about Reference Librarians

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When the journal _Booklist_ appears in our library mailbox, I grab it, open it, and quickly scan the table of contents for the page number of "The Manley Arts" column. Forget the book reviews -- they can wait until lunchtime. I *have* to read Will Manley first. He's the Dave Barry of librarianship, the Andy Rooney of bibliophiles, the Jerry Seinfeld of bookworms. His comments are always on the mark and usually make me smile and nod my head in agreement. Here, his observations about goofy patrons with bizarre questions and typical reference desk scenarios are accompanied by Richard Lee's funky illustrations. The result is the kind of honest silliness that should first be thoroughly enjoyed by oneself and then immediately shared with colleagues. Though this book is clearly one of specialized humor, anyone who works in a public service occupation will recognize some of the customer categories -- "Dorkus Completis," "Studentus Moronis," "Parentus Irresponsibilis," and the rest. If a layperson stumbles across these pages, let the outcome be that he/she learned that (a) librarians are people too and (b) that they have a good sense of humor. It might be a strange and twisted kind, but it is humor nevertheless. Thank you, Will, for encouraging us to laugh at ourselves.

Just read this one, checked out from my local library. I'm not a librarian but my mom is, and I'm about to start working on my MLS. We both had a good laugh w/ this book.

The section on "stupid reference questions" made me howl. I pray I will be able to keep a straight face if I ever end up working in Reference. May end up choosing cataloging from the get-go! The 10 stages were funny, if a little depressing.

Think of Matt Groening's "Life is Hell", focused on Librarianship. That's pretty much the kind of book you have here.

Will Manley's "The Truth About Reference Librarians" is a must for stressed-out library students. Feeling pressured about your Information Sources exam? Pondering the absolute ridiculousness of LC Subject Headings? Wondering if an MLIS is really worth all this idiocy? Here's the book for you. Manley provides a selection of valuable resources: the signs of reference burnout (personal favorite: "You might be suffering from reference burnout if a patron asks for a good mystery and you offer her AACR2"), suggested epitaphs for librarians, and a list of technological innovations reference librarians *really* need (such as the odor-activated antiperspirant gun). Richard Lee's illustrations are a good complement to Manley's lively text

After reading this book I am both happy and relieved to say that I am finally on the road to figuring out our two reference librarians. I had thought that there would be no hope but this important guide clears up many of my long-standing questions!