As an educator who appreciates the immense contribution of libraries and librarians in our societies, I’ve always been intrigued by the multitude of roles that librarians play. They are not just curators of books but architects of knowledge, community builders, information technology experts, researchers, and so much more.
In the digital era, the role of a librarian has evolved dramatically. Today, librarians must have a strong understanding of technology, digital resources, collection management, research methodologies, and a myriad of other competencies. It’s a complex and rewarding profession that requires continuous learning and adaptation.
I have curated a list of the top 14 books for librarians that I believe every librarian or library science student should have in their professional toolkit. These books offer insights and practical knowledge on everything from collection management and academic writing to grants and information retrieval.
[Related: Best Grant Writing Books]
So whether you’re a budding librarian eager to absorb all the knowledge you can or a seasoned veteran looking to update your skills in an ever-changing landscape, there’s a book in this list for you.
Get ready to uncover new insights, revisit the foundations, and venture into the future of library and information science. And don’t forget to visit my other blog, Selected Reads, for more book recommendations and literature-related content.
1- Collection Management Basics, 6th Edition, by G. Edward Evans , Margaret Zarnosky Saponaro
A comprehensive update of the long-standing authority on library collection development, “Collection Management Basics” redefines the subject for today’s libraries. In tune with the 21st-century environment, it addresses the need for library services to evolve and adapt. The book emphasizes strategies for managing collections in the digital age and provides essential insights for both library students and current professionals.
2- Management Basics for Information Professionals, 3rd Edition, by G. Edward Evans , Camila Alire
With a broader scope to match the rapid changes in information services, this book is a vital introduction to library management. It covers all fundamental skills that library managers need to excel in their careers, with a new focus on management ethics. The book also addresses managing in economically challenging times and offers updated insights on technological advancements like social media.
3- Handbook of Academic Writing for Librarians , by Christopher V. Hollister
The ultimate reference for librarians aspiring to publish in professional literature, this handbook covers the entire publishing process. It outlines standard formats for scholarly writing, such as research papers and articles, and offers guidance on managing the peer review process, choosing suitable publishing outlets, and understanding copyright laws. It’s an essential guide to improving and navigating academic writing in library science.
4- Library Management 101: A Practical Guide, by Diane L. Velasquez (Author, Editor)
This book fills an educational void by focusing on best practices specific to library management. It offers a unique blend of classical and contemporary management theories as they apply to libraries and covers human resource planning, marketing, public relations, financial management, and facilities management. A valuable resource for library science students and current library professionals alike.
5- Librarian’s Guide to Online Searching: Cultivating Database Skills for Research and Instruction, 4th Edition, by Suzanne S. Bell (Author)
An invaluable guide for library professionals and students to master the art of online searching. The book guides readers to understand the intricacies of online databases, develop effective research strategies, and convey these skills to others. It empowers librarians to navigate the digital landscape and transform online searching into a cultivated skill.
6- Foundations of Library and Information Science, Third Edition , by Richard Rubin (Author)
In his book, Rubin explores the increasing influence of the internet on library and information science. He addresses the impact of new media forms like blogs, wikis, and social networks on services, discusses electronic publications including e-books and digital libraries, and delves into digital preservation and mass digitization. A must-read for understanding how modern technologies impact library services, policies, and standards.
7- Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs, by AASL (Creator)
An authoritative source of guidelines for school library media programs from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). The guidelines focus on building flexible learning environments aimed at nurturing successful learners proficient in various literacies. It’s a crucial tool for shaping the future direction of school library media programs.
8- Collection Development and Management for 21st Century Library Collections: An Introduction 1st Edition, by Vicki L. Gregory (Author)
This authoritative guide to collection development and management covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of new technologies, needs assessment, collection development policies, selection sources and processes, budgeting, assessment and evaluation, and cooperative collection development. It also dives into marketing the collection, legal issues, diversity and ADA issues, gifts and exchanges, professional ethics, preservation, and the future of collection development and management.
9- Basic Research Methods for Librarians, 5th Edition , by Lynn Silipigni Connaway (Author), Ronald R. Powell (Author)
This updated introduction addresses the significant issues involved in designing and conducting original research in the field of library and information science. It uses library and information science examples to illustrate research methodologies and techniques, and provides comprehensive notes, more than 400 research-related references, and guidelines for determining sample sizes.
10- Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual (How-to-Do-It Manuals for Librarians) , by Stephanie K. Gerding (Author), Pamela H. Mackellar (Author)
This DIY book and CD-ROM set for fundraisers outlines the grant-writing process and offers a proven step-by-step strategy for securing grants. With over 15 success stories from a variety of institutions and purposes, it provides valuable models that can be adapted for your own grant proposals.
11- Library: An Unquiet History 1st Edition, by Matthew Battles (Author)
A captivating journey through the history of libraries as seen by former rare books librarian and Harvard MetaLAB visionary, Matthew Battles. From ancient scriptoria and medieval monasteries to the Information Age, Battles explores how libraries have not only preserved but also shaped and inspired knowledge – and how they’ve faced crisis and destruction along the way.
12- Introduction to Modern Information Retrieval, 3rd Edition , by G. G. Chowdhurry (Author)
Blending traditional theories, techniques, and tools with cutting-edge advancements, this revised edition provides an exhaustive guide to information retrieval. Unparalleled in its scope, Chowdhury’s guide covers the entire spectrum of this rapidly expanding field, making it a valuable resource for both aspiring and seasoned information professionals.
