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reflectiverambling_nalana's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
It was slightly bizarre to be reading a book concerned with the role of libraries in determining the future and integrating with the needs of the present when at this point it has become a part of history. And yet there are still echoes of the transitions and missions in our current system a decade and a half later. Most of this read I spent really wishing for an updated edition.
However, I found several aspects of this still fascinating. I had somehow missed that there was a library charged fight against the patriot act. The case was before I had started seriously looking at legal matters. I also had no idea how extensive that second life had been used. the example of archiving the work of someone who was not seen as 'notable' also intrigued me.
Overall a fun read for those who love books and the institutions that provide and promote knowledge. But it certainly has aged in some regards as any book involving technology and a moment will.
However, I found several aspects of this still fascinating. I had somehow missed that there was a library charged fight against the patriot act. The case was before I had started seriously looking at legal matters. I also had no idea how extensive that second life had been used. the example of archiving the work of someone who was not seen as 'notable' also intrigued me.
Overall a fun read for those who love books and the institutions that provide and promote knowledge. But it certainly has aged in some regards as any book involving technology and a moment will.
drusmilford's review against another edition
3.0
Librarians are important. Checking out several librarian blog sites listed in the book.
x_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
While the book was interesting, I was familiar with a lot of what Johnson found fascinating (book cart drills, second life librarians, and librarians fighting the patriot actf). Furthermore, I was disappointed that Johnson focused so much on the technology of libraries, sometimes to the exclusion of actual librarians. Children's librarianship was only discussed peripherally. However, I loved hearing about the archiving of zines, reference librarians taking to the streets to offer up information to protesters, and librarians offering up odd bits from their archives to inspire artists. So I found a lot of stuff I liked and a lot of stuff that I thought was boring.
jerbil's review against another edition
2.0
The first half was interesting and gave some insight into the life of a librarian, but the second half was repetitive and seemed to lend to the modern stereotypes of the field. I was hoping for this to be much more informative than it was.
protoman21's review against another edition
4.0
As a librarian, it was almost required reading that I check this book out. (Pun intended) I enjoyed Johnson's look at the many different sides to an information professional. I can't say that there was anything particularly eyeopening for me, but she certainly covered a lot of ground. Cybrarians might have received a bit much coverage here than I think they deserved, but that could just be me not being able to see a future where their purpose is anything more than a tiny niche market. Still an interesting read and a positive look at my profession.
alidottie's review against another edition
3.0
3 and a half stars. There were parts of this book that I was so into and excited to read and others that for me were a snooze--otherwise I would have rated it higher. This is a fun book for anyone who works in, volunteers at or simply feels very attached to and invested in their library. Lots of interesting facts and insights into the future of libraries and librarians.
celtic_oracle's review against another edition
2.0
A love letter to librarians. Unfortunately, the book feels like it's more about the author than her subjects. I learned a couple of things I didn't know, like the order issued under the Patriot Act, but I honestly didn't care about the numerous pages on Second Life - that could have been dealt with much more succinctly.
Somehow I was expecting more from a book subtitled "How Librarians Will Save Us All."
Somehow I was expecting more from a book subtitled "How Librarians Will Save Us All."
lanica's review against another edition
4.0
It's a book that makes me proud to be a librarian...and makes me feel as though I'm a sloth running with a field of cheetahs. I thought I was obsessive and up to date, I'm just not that energetic.