Our Singular Strengths: Meditations for Librarians

Citation

Trickey, K. (1999), "Our Singular Strengths: Meditations for Librarians", Library Review, Vol. 48 No. 2, pp. 95-111. https://doi.org/10.1108/lr.1999.48.2.95.5

I have to confess to a profound respect for Michael Gorman both in print and in person; it is unnecessary to rehearse his professional output in a book review as that would fill the allotted span without leaving time to review the volume in question. I knew that this volume would either be brilliant or a long professional suicide note. I read the first meditation (very appropriately “Opening the door”) and I was entranced. This is the work of … words just tumble through my head bumping into to each other as I try and anchor into text how important this book is to me personally and for all librarians because it speaks out loud for the virtues of the humanistic art and craft of librarianship which has been so much under fire in the last twenty years. I have always been proud to be a librarian: this book provides chapter and verse on what it is about librarianship that for so many of us makes it “a path with a heart”.

The book contains 144 meditations arranged into 12 sections, each of 12 meditations starting with Beginnings and endings, moving via Values, Librarians to The wider world, Practicalities and closing with Eternal promises. The structure of each meditation is identical carrying a title, followed by a quote, then the meditation itself (ranging from one to three paragraphs) and closing with a summative statement which distils to brief wisdom the thoughts developed in the body of the text. I appreciate that this is the equivalent of describing a Shakespeare play as having five acts but this consistent structure helps build the rhythm of the thought encapsulated in this work.

The book is inspirational, funny, profound, carelessly drips with sweet words as Michael displays the majestic sweep of his intellect and humanity in the service of the profession and the professionals he so obviously and articulately loves. To turn out a couple of quality meditations is something to take a personal pride in. To produce 144 is the work, in the Japanese sense, of a true master of his discipline. It is invidious to pick out single examples when such excellence abounds; many of them should be writ large on the walls of library managers or in staffrooms to help us keep to the front of our minds the purpose of our work, and the contribution it makes to the cultural and intellectual growth of civilisation.

My reaction to the book has even caused me some surprise. I use it to open lectures, I have used it extensively on training days (perfect focus material when training librarians in cat. and class.). I have been heartened by the response particularly from fellow professionals as they find themselves delighted by the insight Michael brings, illuminating things you had only half realised.

I have singularly failed to quote from the text itself; that is to encourage you, dear reader, to get your hands on a copy. I will, however, quote from the preface:

“My 40 years work in libraries have created a set of beliefs that underpin everything I do. I believe passionately in libraries – in their social and cultural value, their redemptive power, and their centrality to learning and civilisation.”

Michael expands on his beliefs to provide a compelling credo that should inspire the current and future generations of librarians. The book is an expansion by example of these beliefs. Of course your library needs a copy, of course you need a personal copy. Being rational about it I would suggest you buy two copies. One for your own use and one to lend to friends or colleagues; and make sure you keep a note of who has got it because this book will walk off your bookcase. For me this is the best book on the nature of librarianship since back in the late 1970s I read James Thompson’s Library power. I read that as a graduate trainee at the Brotherton Library, University of Leeds; it confirmed my decision to work in libraries. Michael’s book puts the librarian back at the heart of what we do. Thank you, Michael.