About the ReviewerPersonal Professional Development and the Solo Librarian.. By Sue Lacey Bryant, London: Library Association, 1995. 80 p. ISBN 1–856–04141–7.
The solo librarian, or the librarian working as the sole professional in a library or organization, must be self–motivated and resourceful if she is to stay abreast of rapidly changing and increasingly electronically–dominated work environments. This book is a practical, up–to–date manual for the solo librarian (or the One–Man–Band – OMB — as solo librarians are known in Great Britain) and may also be of interest to information professionals working in other types of libraries. It is part of the new series of Library Training Guides published by the Library Association. The author is an independent information professional specializing in general practice libraries and holds a Master’s degree in information science.
The book contains many references and suggested resources for the solo librarian. The advantages and disadvantages of the one–person, or one–professional, library are discussed in order that individuals might realistically assess their own aptitude and qualifications for this type of librarianship. Bryant observes that “One of the more demanding of aspects of the role of the solo information worker is that, since colleagues are professional clients, it is generally inappropriate to share exasperations and frustrations within the workplace.” (p. 21) Chapter 5, “Self–Motivation,” provides a plan for identifying one’s own personal values and setting goals. Chapter 6 gives guidelines for preparing a personal plan for professional development. The importance of networking for the solo librarian is stressed, and suggestions are offered for developing effective networking relationships.
The examples and data used in the book are from U.K. libraries and professional organizations and, therefore, are most relevant to those working in the U.K.; however the recommendations and chapter references will be useful to librarians internationally. The author notes that “Significant numbers of solo librarians have not pursued formal qualifications in librarianship or information sciences” (p. 49) and stresses the need for them to upgrade their technological, managerial and political skills in order to stay competitive in today’s market.
This paperback book is written in outline form with numbered and titled paragraphs, and with an absence of verbiage. It is indexed and contains a selected bibliography on key areas for professional development as well as guidelines for continuing education from both the Library Association and the American Library Association. It is well–researched, of value to both practicing solo librarians and those contemplating entering the field, and is a useful complement to Managing the New One–Person Library by Guy St. Clair and Joan Williamson (London/New York: Bowker–Saur, 1992).
Faye Powell is Social Science Librarian, Portland State University, Oregon.
© 1996 Faye Powell.
Citation
Powell, Fay, “Review of Personal Professional Development and the Solo Librarian, by Sue Lacey Bryant,” Third World Libraries, Volume 6, Number 2 (Spring 1996).