Libraries, and the study of libraries, are near and dear to me. In fact, I’ve spent the last two years going back to school for a Master of Library and Information Science degree. It’s been a busy and crazy time, but it’s also been very rewarding.
One of the perks of the program is that I’ve gotten to read a lot of very cool books about libraries. For instance, the book below by Joshua Hammer is a fantastic discussion of how librarianship can be such an important element of attempting to save culture during times when oppositional, sometimes violent forces are trying to destroy it.
With a title like “Library Books” you might think that this post is about any book from the library. While we have all of the books mentioned below at our library, these particular books are about libraries and librarians. If you’re interested in any way about what libraries do, how they do it, and how it’s done all over the world, the following books are certainly of interest to you. Check them out!
The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World’s Most Precious Manuscripts
By Joshua Hammer
DB 84705
A journalist recounts the efforts of a small group of librarians and archivists in Mali to rescue thousands of rare manuscripts before they fell into the hands of the jihadists attacking the city of Timbuktu. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2016.
Collecting Shakespeare: The Story of Henry and Emily Folger
By Stephen H Grant
DB 79199
Historian documents the development of the phenomenal collection of works by and about William Shakespeare under the auspices of Henry (1857-1930) and Emily (1858-1936) Folger. Details their childhoods, their courtship, Henry’s career at Standard Oil, and the methods they used to anonymously acquire original Shakespeare folios and build the Folger Shakespeare Library. 2014.
This Book is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All
By Marilyn Johnson
DB 81214
Author of The Dead Beat (DB 81116) and Lives in Ruins (DB 80738) explores the careers of librarians and other information professionals. Discusses professional realities, stereotypes, and popular culture representations, and profiles librarians working in a variety of roles. 2