The Whole Library Handbook 5: Current Data, Professional Advice, and Curiosa about Libraries and Library Services

by George M. Eberhart (Editor)

The Whole Library Handbook, now in its fifth edition, is an encyclopedia filled with facts, tips, lists, and resources essential for library professionals and information workers of all kinds, all carefully handpicked to reflect the most informative, practical, up-to-date, and entertaining examples of library literature. Organized in easy-to-find categories, this unique compendium covers all areas of librarianship from academic libraries to teen services, from cataloging to copyright, and from gaming to social media. Selections include

Facts and figures on library workers
Bookmobile guidelines
100 great libraries of the world
Job search and recruitment techniques, and advice on how to deal with tough economic times
Tips on writing articles and book reviews
Fun with cataloging rules
Famous librarians’ favorite books

Covering a huge spectrum of librariana, this one-of-a-kind volume is both educational and entertaining.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Library Science, Librarianship, Professional Development

536 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[createitlibrarian (Amanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you read only the parts that are pertinent to your current career goals. This is because the editor of this book attempts to cover every aspect of the library world. As my current goals are directed more toward children's and youth librarianship in a public library setting, those are the articles I focus on. So when you pick this book up, don't feel like you need to read it cover to cover. Read the articles that interest you.

[Christen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with this text, which I had to read for a graduate course. The information is outdated (census statistics, technology, etc.) and its merely a collection of articles on topics that I could have found more current informatino on for free using my university library's journal databases.

[Readergeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't even like a textbook, this is like the most wonderful gift to someone like me who has always wanted to know all these little facts and tidbits. Short sections, clear and concise information, packaged in a user-friendly book that is as informative as it is enjoyable to consume. I now can't wait to begin my classes!

[Ashlaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and its variety of information and spent the night reading it.
Some of the information may be outdated, but I think that others are still useful to know (how to deal with people challenging your library, deal with harassment in your library, basics like the Dewey & Library of Congress cataloging systems, how to provide good service to LGBT folks, seniors, disabled people, etc.) and could be an ok introduction. The trivia and historical/folkloric facts were great, there was a lot of that.
There's a whole list of movies having something to do with libraries. There's also a part about how to protect and recover a collection of books and records from water damage.
So, a lot of it was useful/interesting to me even though I am not a librarian.
TW for ableist language and mentions of harassment (also if your psychotic episodes involved ghosts you might want to avoid the list of haunted libraries)

[Charity U · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as books about librarianship go, this one is remarkably enjoyable. It was a textbook for my Foundations of Library & Information Science class. It includes information about every aspect of librarianship. Highly recommended for any librarian who just needs basic useful info in order to do the job better!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite of all assigned reading for the spring semester. Packed full of library trivia, 97% of the content is "new or substantially revised" from edition 3. This title belongs on the shelf of any current or aspiring librarian. I was completely intrigued.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super useful with a little bit of information on nearly every topic pertaining to libraries you can imagine. I especially appreciated the inclusion of Friends groups, grants, and all of the fun tidbits throughout!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great for present and future librarians! It contains many articles on anything to do with libraries--from history to present-day issues. There are also articles on managing a library, and ways to implement new technologies and programs. A necessary read for anyone interested in libraries!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a handbook and an info resource all about libraries and librarians! my friend ken found one in the garbage and poof! some years later, he's a librarian! it's magic like that, i guess.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

My copy is very highlighted and dog-eared. It was very helpful.

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The librariana section is a smirk.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A required text for my first class in library school and served as a useful resource of basic facts and general overview of the profession.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned many things about what it is generally like to be a librarian. This is a great book for those, like me, who are considering entering the wondrous world of library science.

[Amber Polo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's perfect for the mind of a librarian. Mix facts with fun.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but out of date in parts.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I barely scratched the surface of this book. It is jam-packed with information about everything related to libraries.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think this is the type of book you read cover to cover, but it is extraordinarily comprehensive and carries most things you need to know about the profession of librarianship and libraries.

[Katie]

WSU classmate reccomendation