Author Dorothy Stoltz states, ‘Libraries are not just about collections, programs, technology and services; they are a community portal for cultivating beauty, honesty, and the larger use of the mind’ (p. 68). Consequently, this is not a handbook but a presentation of ideas and principles recognising the interdependency of library and community vitality. Stoltz and her co-authors leverage the interdependent relationship to refute notions that libraries are declining in necessity. This approach to an ever-topical issue adds to the already multi-pronged efforts by the profession worldwide.
The book is written with evangelical fervour and has a relentlessly perky tone. The book has four parts, summarised as developing culture to decrease groupthink, upholding library customer service of respect and goodwill; leading with grace, integrity and patience; and refreshing minds and activating creativity, respectively. Chapter 1 ‘Startle Yourself’ exhorts the move from adequate to top notch performance. Chapter 2 ‘Learning the Right Things’ notes that unlearning is often necessary, such as that only ‘professional librarians’ on staff can help customers. Important also are the values of an organisation, which prompt decisions of how to invest time, energy and resources, and thus move it into the future. Chapter 3 ‘Intelligent Risk-Taking’ remarks that the real steps forward in any profession are taken by risk-takers, and thus we should ‘strengthen our risk muscle’. Transforming library spaces can be a risk, but it can also help the community meet challenges. Chapter 4 upholds ‘The Golden Rule’ meaning ‘do unto others, as you would have them do unto you’. Chapter 5 ‘Respect and Goodwill’ advises to check your prejudices, lead an examined life (reflection), and strive for neutrality, openness and helpfulness
One of the strongest chapters is Chapter Six ‘Think Things Through’, to make thoughtful and intelligent change. Make room for the new, without abandoning what works well. Let the community know what we do and can do. Chapter Seven ‘Carnegie’s Light’ reminds that libraries are for enlightenment and seeing truth. Chapter Eight ‘Getting Everyone on the Right Page’ notes the director must carry the community forward and needs courageous followers. Chapter Nine ‘Finding Treasures in Your Stacks’ advises browse, explore and discover, and utilise the library’s rich heritage. Chapter 10 ‘The Entrepreneurial Spirit’ suggests connecting parts of the community and recognising long-term potential of implementations. Chapter 11 ‘Tap into Creative Potential’ states that library creativity means better grant-seeking, better customer service policies, improved space, events and collaboration. In the Afterword, the authors sum up with ‘Scatter joy into our library work – and spark curiosity among ourselves and our community’ (p. 122). Most chapters contain numerous illustrations, and helpful bullet points of questions to ponder, such as what thoughts and behaviours leaders must consider of staff and themselves. The nine appendices varied in usefulness – good was Appendix E sample program planning and evaluation.
I was surprised that library examples of principles and actions are matched if not equalled in quantity by historical examples, such as Abraham Lincoln’s selection of his presidential cabinet. The library examples are often from the Carroll County Public Library in Maryland, where most of the authors work – I would have preferred greater variety. Literary references abound including Emerson, Shakespeare and Plato, plus quotes from the Bible, Buddha and Mohammed. Edward de Bono’s Six Hats approach (popular in the business world decades ago) is endorsed and adapted.
At times, it seemed more bliss than LIS material – ‘think and live in such a way as to bring out our personal inner best, the best of others, and the best of the community’ (p.121). Readers seeking a more practical text might try ‘Sustainable thinking: ensuring your library’s future in an uncertain world’ (2018) by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich; readers seeking more of the same might try ‘Reflecting on the future of academic and public libraries’ (2013) by Peter Herron and Joseph R. Mathers.