TechEssence.info

I received in the mail today my very own copy of Rachel Singer Gordon's newest book, The Nextgen Librarian's Survival Guide. I've read the introduction and poked through a few other chapters, and I'm fascinated. The book is intended to provide much-needed information on preparing for and being a librarian to GenX and GenY-ers in library school, in the library job market, or just starting out in the librarian profession. I'm in the latter group - I'm finishing up my second year as a librarian, although I've been working in digital libraries for almost six years now. So what am I doing talking about this on a blog for library administrators thinking about technology decisions?

The answer is simple: reconaissance. The Nextgen Librarian's Survival Guide isn't explicitly about technology, but technology is a pervasive theme throughout. Gordon discusses the role of technology in Nextgen Librarians' lives, and presents various technological tools as strategies for "survival" in the profession. This book can provide library administrators with valuable insight into how and why your newest librarian employees will approach their jobs and services for your patrons, and the role technology can play in both. Read it. Better yet, buy a copy for your library!