Our enduring values revisited Librarianship in an ever-changing world

Former library dean Gorman (California State Univ., Fresno), a past president of the American Library Association, is a well-known figure for his thought-provoking writings about libraries and the library profession. This latest book follows his successful Our Enduring Values: Librarianship in the 21st Century (2000) and does not disappoint. Rather than acting as a library futurist or trying to solve all the problems libraries face, Gorman paints a realistic picture of the evolving library field while examining, often critically, how and why things have reached this point. He argues that despite rapidly changing technology, the core values and philosophies guiding libraries and librarians have endured, chief among them the charge to preserve and organize the human record. In 14 chapters--some titled simply "Stewardship," "Service," "Privacy," or "Democracy"--Gorman demonstrates that many enduring values are just as important today as they were in years past. The author's clear and effective writing style is refreshing. Readers may not agree with all his assertions, but this book is a must read for library professionals, library school students and those considering the career, or anyone concerned about the future of libraries in a civic society. An essential addition to career or general circulating collections in public and academic libraries, including community colleges. Summing Up: Essential. All academic levels; general readers; professionals/practitioners. --Jeffrey Donald Graveline, University of Alabama at Birmingham

This book is for anyone who has questioned their decision to become a librarian, been asked why anyone should follow the career, or if libraries are still relevant. Former American Library Association (ALA) president Gorman (former dean of library services, California State Univ., Fresno; Our Enduring Values) addresses core reasons why libraries and librarians exist and why they will continue to be vital in maintaining the human record and combating the erosion of rational discourse. The values the author discusses transcend library type, making this text as relevant to children's librarians as it is to academic library administrators. The title's "enduring" is fitting because it reminds librarians to keep seemingly constant change in perspective and appreciate how much has stayed the same over time. Even as advancements in technology increase access to a vast amount of information, nothing replaces the work of librarians or the physical collections of libraries. While many libraries are actively telling their individual stories to secure funding and community support, Gorman's book paints a larger picture that will make librarians feel proud of their profession. VERDICT Librarians at any stage of their career will appreciate the perspective provided about librarianship of the past, present, and future.-Kendra Auberry, Indian River State Coll. Lib., Port St. Lucie, FL © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.