Characteristics of the Successful 21st Century Information Professional

Citation

Bruce, N.M. (2007), "Characteristics of the Successful 21st Century Information Professional", Library Review, Vol. 56 No. 8, pp. 741-742. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530710818117

Chandos Publishing's information professional series has been “specially commissioned to provide the reader with an authoritative view of current thinking… designed to provide easy‐to‐read and (most importantly) practical coverage of topics that are of interest to libraries and other information professionals”. So says the blurb, so how does it stack up?

It is really quite a challenge. The chapter headings are positive – each starts with “You”. They are designed to be empowering and motivating. The thrust is “you” can do this – that is what information professionals do. Heye obviously believes in the role informational professions have and he certainly shares that enthusiasm. He also clearly believes that the profession can embrace and harness changes within its respective organizations.

Much of what the author writes is applicable in different contexts: there are some very transferable skills and techniques. Where I start to have reservations is in considering how a school librarian or assistant public librarian might benefit from them, and in seeing how this text assists them to be able to see how in their own situation. Everyone can try and say “no” (as in chapter 12); it depends on a whole range of practical things – physical space, work load and daily duties, place in the organisation, and so on. The latter can affect much of how you can implement these “tools”.

Also, while Ranganathan is cited, to have his “five laws” brought up to date in “web world”, I could count the use of the word “book” on the fingers of one hand. I fully recognise the importance of the Web and the potential it gives to information professionals and that the core principles of librarianship still pertain. However, many librarians still and will continue to provide user services in the “mixed economy” of books, as well as online databases, electronic journals and websites. There is a dimension not mentioned, of characteristics and skills for supporting literature and literacies, of how libraries can contribute to social inclusion and cohesion, neighbourhood community planning, a sense of place and heritage, as well as culture and leisure.

Yes, “you” can take this book and use it in the above contexts. I do not think the author is claiming it is definitive. However, I would have liked to see examples given in a wider range of experiences and contexts. At nearly £40 for 162 pages of text, it is expensive. Even so, it is written by an enthusiast and in a clearly, relatively jargon‐free manner.