Announcing New Book: Wholehearted Librarianship: Finding Hope, Inspiration, and Balance

CHICAGO — Of his earlier book, Against the Grain raved, “Reading this book brings a sense of hope, inspiration, and excitement for what the future holds for the new generation of hyperlinked librarians entering our profession.” Now Michael Stephens is back with a newly curated collection of succinct writings that will refresh your view of the profession and invigorate your work: “Wholehearted Librarianship: Finding Hope, Inspiration, and Balance,” published by ALA Editions. Associate Professor at San Jose State University, Stephens encourages curiosity and creativity in his students and all library workers by connecting trends from outside the profession to its bedrock values. With a humanist lens, he reflects on such topics as:

  • how libraries can empower kindness;
  • developing a coterie of kindred spirits at conferences outside libraryland;
  • inspiring creativity in library patrons;
  • the most effective professional development experiences;
  • comfort, joy, and hygge in the library;
  • the characteristics of compassionate leadership;
  • how to contend with a devil’s advocate; and
  • mentoring new librarians.

In conjunction with the book’s publication, Stephens is presenting a program at the 2019 ALA Annual Conference.

In his teaching, Dr. Stephens focuses on information communities, evolving library service, and reflective practice for librarians. He is inspired by library structures and virtual spaces that support user curiosity, encourage participation, nurture the creation of new knowledge, and encourage the heart. He has delivered keynotes, papers, and workshops throughout the United States and internationally. In 2018 he spent a month in Australia visiting libraries, keynoting a multinational conference, and serving as a visiting scholar at the University of Southern Queensland. To review his archive of work, visit his Tame the Web website and blog at https://tametheweb.com.

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