Published: July 3, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson

Summer is finally here! Whether you’re on break from classes or just enjoying the warmer weather, these temperatures make everyone want to grab a beach chair and a good book for some relaxation. Why not make that time as productive as possible with a fascinating—yet still educational—book? Here are five titles to choose from that will help you land your dream job with your toes still in the sand!

1. The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded by Michael D. Watkins (2013) – This book focuses on leaders at all career stages and provides advice for your first 90 days in any position. You’ll learn how to plan for roadblocks and best common issues during a job transition. Whether you are moving up to a position with more responsibility or starting a completely new job, this book will help you succeed during your first three months. This book was also highlighted by Amazon Editors as one of 100 Leadership and Success Books to Read in a Lifetime.
2. Makerspaces: A Practical Guide for Librarians, Second Edition by John J. Burke – Revised by Ellyssa Kroski (2018) – If you plan to work in a public library or a school library setting, you’ve probably heard about the makerspace movement. This book is an excellent way to get caught up on what’s happening in the world of makerspaces and come across as an expert on them in an interview. The book covers all aspects of makerspaces from funding to purchasing to implementing. You’ll be ready to build from the ground up or make an existing makerspace the highlight of the library.
3. The 4 Rs of Reference: Using the Psychology of Question-Asking for Reference Success by David A. Tyckoson (2018) – This book is a great choice for students who want to brush up on their reference skills. The author provides four Rs for a reference interaction—“reassuring, responding, restating, and repeating”—and explains how these ensure a successful experience for the patron. The book also covers online reference assistance and how to avoid common pitfalls. Students will be well-prepared to meet any reference need after reading this title.
4. Crash Course in Time Management for Library Staff by Brenda Hough (2018) – If you don’t yet work in a library, you have probably guessed from your courses—librarians are busy people! This book offers time management advice so librarians can get their work done, enjoy their job and still provide excellent service. Readers will create their own personal time management plan by the end of the book and read stories from real librarians.
5. Expert Internet Searching, Fifth Edition by Phil Bradley (2017) – This title is a great choice for those who want a refresher on Internet searching or those who are concerned about combatting fake news. This book covers all the trends in searching, everything from social media to Google to academic databases. Readers will come away more effective and faster searchers, ready to tackle any patron inquiry.

What books are on your summer reading list? Share in the comments!

New LIS Jobs in Handshake

Open Educational Resources Librarian     California State University Dominguez Hills, University Library

ILS Administrator for the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (OH)     Bradbury Miller Associates

Don’t forget to explore job openings outside of the public and/or academic libraries in Handshake. Consider searching on topics such as taxonomy, research, data management, digital asset management, and similar terms that may reflect your particular LIS skills or area of emphasis.