April Book Review

Cogell, Raquell V. and Gruwell, Cindy A. (eds). Diversity in Libraries: Academic Residency Programs. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. 181 pages. $85.00. [ISBN 0313308314]

This book is a collection of essays from academic library residency program administrators and participants. The primary focus of the book was residency programs designed with the intent of attracting highly qualified minorities into the field of academic librarianship. The participants gained much-needed experience in various departments within an academic library. These individuals received funds and additional resources to assist with the publishing of papers and to allow for attendance at professional conferences. Most of the contributors continued their career in academic librarianship.

The content of the book is divided into three sections; the first begins with five essays contributed by administrators. These essays go on to describe each of their own institutions’ programs. Some of the information offered within these essays include: characteristics of successful participants, a brief history and evolution of the program, and issues of institutional support and continuing challenges. The second section includes essays from nine program participants from different institutions. Each essay begins with a brief overview of their program, reasons for application to that program in particular, and a brief description of duties completed during their residency. The third section contains essays from successful participants who are currently involved in their own careers within the field of academic librarianship. The six essays contain perspectives on the programs and indicate the substantial impact their residencies had on their own successful careers.

The fact that the contributors are administrators and participants of residency programs adds authority to the book. The residency participants have exceptional credentials that have allowed them to attend competitive programs offered by institutions such as Yale and the University of California. The information provided is current and complete when compared to similar items on the market. The inclusion of personal experiences and the writing style of the contributing authors made the book interesting enough to read from beginning to end in just one sitting.

It was intriguing to read about the personal experiences within the participants’ essays and the reasons behind their program and career choices. This book is recommended for institutions that currently host library science programs or those that are interested in creating their own academic library residency program. Diversity in Libraries is a valuable book for both the library science student and the academic library administrator.

Reviewed by Sophia Guevara, Student, Library and Information Science Program, Wayne State University, at2589@wayne.edu

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