Our Enduring Values: Librarianship in the 21st Century

by Michael E. Gorman

"In a sense, the world of libraries is a microcosm of the wider world, buoyed by technology but daunted by the unknown, changing in ways that most of us understand dimly, if at all."From Our Enduring Values A veteran of four decades of library service and one of today's leading library thinkers, Michael Gorman opens a discussion on library values--those that are rooted in historical perspective and those that can adapt to changing times. This provocative book takes you through the principles of eight core values as it considers the questions on the minds of most librarians today, A must-read for progressive librarians everywhere, Our Enduring Values will help you to define your role in the library of the future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Grad School, Librarianship

Paperback

First published June 9, 2000

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been feeling a little lost in the library lately, weary of arguing for things in the organization that I thought we all agreed about, like - oh, being a public service organization? And just generally feeling in need of some, well - professional centering, and so I've reserved a stack of titles to help me get my librarian feet back under me, and get straight with what I'm up to, why I'm here, what we're all doing (or trying to do) here, and to what all this is tending. This is the first one I've cracked, and although it is proving to be more head-nodding confirmation that thought-provoking for me, it is pretty much what I needed. The false-dichotomies between virtual and 'brick & mortar' libraries that are so strong throughout this title seem to have progressed very little in the years that have passed since this came out. There are quite a few good leads here to some of the best and most interesting 20th century thinkers in the field, and Gorman himself is no slouch, and is reasonable and balanced throughout. A good and even necessary read for newbies and jaded oldsters.

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was referenced heavily in one of the units of a Library Advocacy Unshushed MOOC I was participating in, so I sat down and read/skimmed it. I think the underlying lesson I took from it is that libraries have changed a lot in fifteen years. Imagine a discussion of privacy, democracy, and equitable access before the Patriot Act!

Some of the philosophies do endure, but I think how we practice them is different than what Michael Gorman may have envisioned. I took note that Gorman recommended the flattest structure possible, after my library recently added a level of hierarchy.

"A modern catchphrase tells us not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good, and that, too, is a utilitarian approach. To many of us, however, such intense practicality leaves a void, a sense of longing for more meaning and richer philosophical underpinning."

Verdict: a bit outdated, but a noble attempt to provide a newer philosophy for any library no matter the type.

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for a librarian looking to re-centre in these tough economic times (although as far as libraries go it seems like its a constant economic battle). It was interesting because this was written in 2000 and I read it in 2012, so a lot of the projections for the future were a bit off, but humorous to think that that was how people thought WAY back then! It was especially humorous to read about the eBook - what it would look like and how much it would take over. Of course eReaders weren't invented yet so Gorman's prophecy was a bit far fetched.

I especially enjoyed the chapter on stewardship as it discussed the move from "library schools" to "information schools" and what was lost along the way. My first year of library school was still "library school", but by my second year it officially because the "iSchool". I could relate to certain courses having nothing to do with preparing one professionally for the field, but instead advanced the professor's own research goals in the field of "information".

Another good chapter was the one about literacy. It discussed how the library is meant as a place to promote literacy, what it actually means to be literate in America in the 21st century, and how well we are actually doing. If you're looking for more ways to show your town council the importance of a public library in today's world, this is a good chapter to read.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author was referenced in a grad school class, so I wrote it down to read "when I have time".
While this is an older version I feel like the basics of librarianship have not changed that much. There is a lot to think about with this topic. I really appreciated Gorman's tell it how he see's it style of writing. The years of experience he brings to the topic really made me think. While I am still forming all my librarian ideas, this book is a really good tool for learning the core values of our profession and some of the difficulties that go hand in hand with that.

[John Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read for Librarians, to reaffirm why we do what we do.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book because it caused me to think about what makes a library important. It caused me to think about what I perceive a library's (esp. public library) values should be...and who I would want to be as a library. His casual writing style makes the book an easy read too. While I think every librarian needs to think about the values they hold dear in the library realm, Gorman's opinionated language is just a bit too strong for me to feel comfortable giving this more than three stars. Nonetheless, am 100% thankful I read the book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read a lot of professional literature in the library science field, but I have tried to read some. There have been a fair share of titles I had to cast aside because of the author’s stuffiness. Gorman was refreshing, because he was academic and used quite a few words that I had to look up in the dictionary, but he was enjoyable, while being informative. I read the book with the goal of gaining some foundational knowledge to take into grad school and Gorman certainly met my desire.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a graduate course I was taking. As textbooks go, it was good. It was short! The author was funny, down-to-earth and offered a different viewpoint on library sciences from some of the other textbook authors.

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great brief look at the overarching values and core ideals of librarianship. I intend to hold onto this book and reference it for years to come...if my library career manages to last that long (fingers crossed!).

[Donna Burtwistle-Popplewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book very useful in understanding both society's and a librarian's views of the purpose of libraries and librarianship today. Repetitive in spots, this book was well documented and provided a terrfic bibliography for futher reading.

[Lane Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I realize that Gorman is a controversial figure. Many librarians dismiss him as a self-righteous figure. Still, despite Gorman's idiosyncrasies, this is a solid survey of the intrinsic values of librarianship.

[Kat Leache · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite pragmatic and enjoyable so far.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorman is brilliant. You could read through this book at lightening speed and miss the nuance of the text. Take the time- its worth it! Thanks JB!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's out of date, of course, being written in 2000, but there was a lot here that resonated.