The Art of Communication: A Librarian's Guide for Successful Leadership, Collaboration, and Advocacy

(Paperback)

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Description

Librarians will learn communication skills that help them develop as leaders, build community, and advocate for their libraries. Librarians understand the importance of making the value of the library known to stakeholders. In this informative and conversational book, Hilda K. Weisburg gradually builds librarians' communication skills, which are intrinsic to the success of library programs and services. Being able to effectively communicate as a sender and receiver of messages is a vital leadership skill, and librarians must master all the multi-faceted ways people exchange information in order to grow as leaders. Throughout the book, librarians will learn communication basics and the obstacles that interfere with successful communication. The chapters in part one detail the three components of communication; part two prepares librarians to cope with difficult communications; and part three gives librarians further techniques to ensure their messages are cohesive and strategic as they reach out to stakeholders. The book's goal is for librarians to feel confident about using their newly learned communication skills for advocacy. As their value to the library community grows, they will be able to strategically use the relationships their communications have built to create positive change.

Reviews

Hilda K. Weisburg masterfully invites readers to develop the communication skills necessary for collaboration, leadership, and advocacy. Librarianship is first and foremost a career built on relationships. This book demonstrates that when we take the time to improve how we communicate through our voices and body language, as well as print, audio, and visual media, we are able to effect change as empowered thought leaders. * Kristina A. Holzweiss, 2015 School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year and coauthor of Hacking School Libraries *
Communication is the best tool library workers have. Weisburg lays out strategies for library workers to become visionary leaders through continuous communication skill building. The Art of Communication will be my go-to guide when advocating for libraries! * Erin Berman, Division Director, Alameda County Library and Past Chair of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee's Privacy Subcommittee *

Author Bio

Hilda K. Weisburg was a librarian in public and school libraries for more than 30 years, mainly at the high school level.