The 21st-Century Black Librarian in America: Issues and Challenges
How much have things changed since the publication of E. J. Josey’s seminal work,The Black Librarian in America(Scarecrow Press, 1970) andThe Black Librarian Revisited(2d ed.; Scarecrow Press, 1994)? Judging by some of the anecdotes and data found throughout the 48 essays in this collection, racism remains a challenge to the profession. The mostly brief (four to five pages) essays cover the professional gamut from school librarianship to special libraries work, and the authors range from library school students to retired individuals, with three excellent editors helming the project. Naturally with such breadth and variety the quality will vary, but the immediacy of the personal stories are most striking and thought provoking, even though their individuality raises questions of just how prevalent racism is. The matter of diversity and relatively low number of black professional librarians runs through many of the essays, but all too often some basic questions are not addressed. Are blacks not entering the profession because of white attitudes, or is it a matter of higher pay and more opportunity in other fields? Is librarianship itself as attractive a profession as it was 40 years ago, or is it seen as a going the way of buggywhip salesmanship to new generations? Overall, this is a fine work that could open up discussion in the field, much in the way that Josey’s work did in the twentieth century. This work is recommended for all library science collections.(American Reference Books Annual)The powerful legacy of librarian, mentor, and activist Dr. E.J. Josey (1924–2009) permeates and inspires this collection of essays addressing the diverse and multifarious concerns of the black librarian in America. This edition, which follows two earlier versions edited by Josey in 1970 and 1994, begins with a dedication to Josey, a selected bibliography of his works, and a tribute to him by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA). Indeed, Josey influences every page in this comprehensive volume with his work providing inspiration and guidance to black librarians in America. With 47 chapters and eight parts, this wide-ranging collection offers a varied and prolific assortment of essays related to black librarianship in America. . . .The 21st Century Black Librarian in Americais highly recommended for collections concerned with diversity in librarianship, the history of the field of librarianship, the education of library professionals, and activism in the profession.(College & Research Libraries (C&RL;))As the book’s title indicates, the scope ofThe 21st-Century Black Librarian in Americais ambitious. Each part could easily be a book unto itself. . . .[T]his is a valuable text for students of library and information science and for professionals who are looking for ways to nurture and increase diversity in their workplaces. It will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of black librarians.(Information & Culture)