LibraryTechtonics

This is sort of on-topic with my recent summer reading thread, and a bit of a stump speech for the library school education reform I tend to discuss more in person than on my blog (these days, at least).

So here’s the list:

It’s never done that before: a guide to troubleshooting Windows XP by John Ross
Why? If librarians could learn to approach technology problems the way they approach reference, I think it would tear down a wall that keeps librarians from trying to get it. This book, in my mind, does that really, really well. The type’s a bit small for my taste, making it look a bit overwhelming, but really, it’s the most practical and readable troubleshooting guide I’ve read. If the layperson can use it for tech self help, then certainly a librarian should carry it in the mixed reference arsenal of books, Wikipedia, Google, databases, and ask-a-person resources. And, I believe that every librarian should have some minimal troubleshooting skills, either learned in school or some other way.

Send: the essential guide to email for office and home by David Shipley & Will Schwalbe
Why? Because everyone has problems with email. *Everyone*. I think of this book as the HOWTO file on email with some Emily Post sprinkled liberally in for good measure. Anyone who is subscribed to a listserv will read this book and nod their head knowingly, recognizing all the cardinal sins of email in everyday practice. You’ll either recognize that the horror has been inflicted upon you, or realize with horror that you’ve inflicted it upon others. Library school students, potential and current, read this book. Library schools, I beg you, add this to your competency curricula. If you teach email classes, recommend this book to your patrons.

High definition: an A to Z guide to personal technology by the editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries
Why? Everyone loves a good dictionary. If you’re reading, say, It’s never done that before, and you come across a term that was mentioned and defined earlier, but you can’t remember the definition, this dictionary will come in handy. I think it should be read start-to-finish by people who know little about tech. A word a day on the workroom whiteboard or something. And yes, while you can get by with the define: widget built in to Google, this is way more fun to snuggle up to.

Windows Vista: the missing manual by David Pogue
Why? Some libraries are moving to Windows Vista because they must, or because the new computers they buy have it installed, and there are no other options. This book gives you the real skinny on the quirks, the differences, the things you need to know. Yes, I did interview the author for the PLA Blog, but I wouldn’t be pimping the book here if it wasn’t worth it, trust me. New librarians will need knowledge on the new operating systems available to libraries (if I could get my hands on a copy of the 2nd edition of Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, then I’d know whether or not I could recommend that, too; either way, you should try to get your hands on it and give it a looksee.)

Tags: books