Public Speaking Handbook for Librarians and Information Professionals - by Sarah R Statz (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Now more than ever, librarians need good communication skills. They are no longer unseen collectors, classifiers, and cultural guardians. Information professionals are doing more public speaking at conferences, in meetings, classes, book talks and countless other situations, but many of them dislike, even fear, the thought of getting up in front of a group of people and giving a presentation.

Librarians and other information professionals can find in this work help in overcoming their hesitation. Part one offers basic principles for better speech preparation and delivery, discussing such topics as the importance of good listening skills to being a good speaker, doing the necessary research beforehand, applying organizational skills to a presentation, engaging an audience, practicing a presentation before actually giving it, and putting oneself at ease, among others. Part Two discusses the specific situations in which librarians often have to communicate, including interviews, interpersonal communication, library instruction, meetings and presentations to large groups.

Review Quotes

"from meetings to formal presentations, book talks, library tours, interviewing, this work would be a good jumping-off point"-Library Journal; "a reference for the professional shelf of any library"-Booklist; "very practical"-Library Media Connection; "helps librarians gain confidence...covers the basic principles"-American Libraries; "excellent...writing is informal and engaging...leads you from one point to another clearly and logically...very impressed with the contents and layout...instantly accessible for those under time constraints...a very engaging way of presenting ideas and resources and keeping the reader interested"-Public Library Quarterly; "excellent...practical, lively and intelligent...examples are helpful"-The Australian Library Journal.

About the Author

Sarah R. Statz is a library assistant for the Madison Public Library system in Madison, Wisconsin, and a freelance indexer.