Ten must reads for new academic librarians

Abstract

Purpose

To inform new academic librarians and their mentors about books, articles, and web sites which provide guidance in becoming a professional librarian and achieving tenure and promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

New academic librarians are often ignorant of important publications that can help them succeed in becoming successful professional librarians. Many are not prepared for what is expected of them in an academic library. These ten works, arranged by ten categories, contain an explanation of the importance of the work and its value to the new professional librarian. These resources range from topics such as achieving tenure to learning about state publications.

Findings

These ten works were chosen based on their clarity, usefulness, and content. Full bibliographic information or pertinent URL is provided for each source.

Practical implications

This list has been successfully used by new librarians mentored by the author and will be of value to both new hires finding their way through tenure, promotion, and evaluations, as well as providing practical information for mentors to give their charges.

Originality/value

Other bibliographies provide information on how to do research, publications, pros and cons of tenure, etc., but this one brings together practical information that is instantly useful, as well as filling in gaps in a new librarian's knowledge on becoming a successful librarian.

Citation

Landry, A. (2005), "Ten must reads for new academic librarians", Reference Services Review, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 228-234. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320510597435