Book Review: Librarian Tales
The wind is literally howling outside as I sit down to write this. It's one of those nights where you want to curl up next to the fireplace with a hot cup of tea and a good book.
Sadly, I don't have a fireplace, and I just finished my most recent read, so I must settle for comfy blankets and, of course, that cup of tea I mentioned.
Now, I want to be perfectly clear. I have no intention of turning this blog into a book review site. I like books, I read a lot of them, but I have no desire to be a book reviewer. However, every once in a while I may not be able to help myself.
This is one of those times. Mostly because it's relevant to what I like to write about.
I recently wrapped up reading Librarian Tales: Funny, Strange, and Inspiring Dispatches from the Stacks written by fellow librarian, William Ottens. I don't make it a habit to read library related books. I prefer fantasy, science fiction, and the occasional philosophical piece.
However, I was shelving books the other day at work and stumbled across Ottens' book and decided to check it out.
Ottens, at least at the time the book was published, is a librarian in Lawrence, Kansas and the creator of the Librarian Problems Tumblr account. While I've never had a Tumblr, or heard of the Librarian Problems Tumblr until I read this book, none of that mattered.
Ottens' book is full of funny anecdotes on librarianship. I found it hugely relatable. Each chapter covers a different aspect of librarianship focused around an anecdotal story from Ottens' own time as a librarian or from submissions from other library workers to his Tumblr account.
Chapter topics include circulation and reference desk work, technology, youth services, collection development, and other library-centric topics of interest.
While I enjoyed Ottens' work, it has a very easy to read casual style, I was hoping for something a bit...more. But that is nothing against Ottens and his work. I think my hang up with this book was my own expectations going in. I was hoping for something a bit more practical. In other words, if this happens, try this, etc... That's not what this books is and that is not it's fault. That's just what I had wanted it to be.
For what it is though, it is a good book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It makes me feel seen and heard. Sometimes knowing we are not alone in our experiences as professionals helps keep us going. Librarianship can be draining, but knowing someone out there has lived a similar, shared experience and was able to make it through, helps. In a way, Ottens' book is what I hope this blog will be. A way to help. A way to feel seen and heard in this profession.
If you have ever worked in a library, Ottens' work is a great piece to commiserate with on all things library. Which is a huge aspect of what I enjoyed about the book. Working with the public is rewarding, but man, it can be odd and trying at times.
If you're a regular library user, give it a read to see what being a librarian is all about. You may even laugh in disbelief at some of the absurd things we deal with on a daily basis.