Carlyle, C. & Winn, D. Your Passport to International Librarianship. Chicago: ALA Editions, 2018. 132 pp. ISBN: 978 0 8389 1718 3. £52.
Caro, S. (ed) Government Information Essentials. Chicago: ALA Editions, 2018. 240 pp. ISBN: 978 0 8389 11597 4. £71.50.
Examining the unpredictable nature of communication
THIS book aims to explore theories of communication science and place them in the context of face- to-face and virtual communication in libraries. The fi rst part of the book focuses on description and analysis of theoretical frameworks for understanding communication. I found the scrutiny of Aristotle’s theory the most engaging. Formulated 2,300 years ago it suggests a distinction between practical wisdom gained from life experiences and scholarly knowledge gained from formal education. Practical wisdom which is useful in communication as it allows us to tailor our conversations.
The second half deals with applying communication theories to reference conversations in libraries. It delves into the unpredictable nature of communications when a librarian mediates between the knowledge available in the library, systems that exist to access this knowledge and the enquirer’s information need. Examples include formal presentations, giving feedback, staff evaluation, speaking up during team meetings, dealing with impatient users, resolving confl ict between colleagues, building relationships and networking. Although
September 2018
Practical resource for continuing professional development
Radford, M. L. & Radford, G. P. Library Conversations: reclaiming interpersonal communications theory for understanding professional encounters. Chicago: ALA, 2017. 184 pp. ISBN: 978 0 8389 1484 7. $75.
examples are library-based, the analysis of human interactions is applicable to any profession and context. This is not a self-help book – the authors consider self-help books on communication to be ineff ective as the tips and tactics approach misses the complexity of interpersonal communication. Instead, this book encourages the reader to refl ect on communication theories in order to develop a deeper understanding of communication process and to obtain a new viewpoint on their own communication techniques.
Margaret I. Katny London
I RECOMMEND this well- written book to libraries in any sector in support of the continuing professional development (CPD) of their staff . Clearly structured with information framed through the book as a series of tips, it meets the objective of being a resource you can dip into rather than having to read from beginning to end. It is a good starting point for those exploring CPD from a strategic perspective as well as for any employees as it is bursting with practical suggestions.
Theoretical grounding is given, which helps understand how and why people may behave, learn and develop, and how personal preferences may infl uence management styles. A wide range of learning style theories are outlined and well supported by additional references. The profession as a community of practice is evidenced in the recognition of those beyond the book’s authors who have contributed tips. A section entitled “Infrastructure” initially confused me. However, as you read on, it makes sense, and looks at the development of the whole person, not just training, and how all staff need a willingness to continually develop in our rapidly changing environment.
Emphasis is given to workforce planning, and the authors draw out issues relevant to all managers including job descriptions,
Pratchett, T. et al. Practical Tips for Developing Your Staff. London: Facet Publishing, 2016. 224 pp. ISBN: 978 1 7833 0018 1. £54.95, £43.95 to CILIP members.
shortlisting, interviews, providing feedback, inductions and appraisals. This will be particularly useful for managers new to any of these core activities.
An excellent variety of CPD activities and tools are highlighted including action learning sets, buddying, CILIP qualifi cations, Library Camps, group conversations, learning logs, meetings, projects, refl ective practice, social media, time management and writing articles. Tips are concise but provide suffi cient information to help you decide if you want to follow up tools either individually or for your team. It has certainly sparked thoughts for my own CPD action plan!
Suzie Kitchin University of Sunderland INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 53
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