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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “Scott Douglas is a librarian, a writer, and a member of my generation. Out of jealousy, I figured I'd be overly critical of this book from the start. I did enjoy it, though, especially the use of footnotes throughout, and I loved the acknowledgments page. Douglas has an easy-to-read voice and...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “"Quiet Please" turned out to be a stinker. I was hoping for a witty look at the operation of a library; instead Douglas gives us a rather snarky, opinionated, disconnected series of "bits". The footnotes (often sarcastic and mean) and sidebar items detract from every page and the main story...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“"Quiet Please" turned out to be a stinker. I was hoping for a witty look at the operation of a library; instead Douglas gives us a rather snarky, opinionated, disconnected series of "bits". The footnotes (often sarcastic and mean) and sidebar items detract from every page and the main story isn't that interesting anyhow. Douglas seems to dislike his patrons, most of his coworkers, and just about anyone who gets a mention in his book. At times, he muses about whether he took the right career path and I think the answer is clear. ”
travelingmamma wrote this review Saturday, February 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The first half of this book is wonderful-- it captures the attitude and day-to-day life of librarians of our generation. However, toward the last 1/4 of the book, it seemed to devolve into self-righteous rambling. Not bad, but could have used some more editing, and cheated it out of a star or two. ”
Anne B wrote this review Wednesday, January 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Since I work in a library I was interested in reading one of the library memiors that have been written. This one was the first one I tried. It was all right. I enjoyed hearing about the troubles experienced at another library and with some (the rats) was very happy that hasn't been a problem at my library. However I did feel a bit jealous because the author goes on and on about how little he really does each day. At my library we've all got very busy workloads and aren't sitting around playing solitaire all day. ”
Erin F wrote this review Saturday, January 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“ Experience the real world of pubic libarianship. Whether it's the polite family looking for Dr. Seuss, the rude adult who threatens to beat you up, or the crazy lady who'd like to sue the extraterrestrial aliens living in her basement -- it's all at the library. It's no joke to say that it can be an exhilirating, sometimes terrifying, often rewarding job. Because this is the public library: where everyone (and he means EVERYONE) is welcome. And it's your job to serve them all.
BCL Young Adult Librarians wrote this review Wednesday, November 12 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
What can I say? I thought this was an awesome book. If you think being a librarian is quiet and bookish, you're in for a ride. And if you want to know if it's all true, ask any librarian: the craziest things happen at the library. That's what makes it one of the most entertaining, challenging, grossest, coolest jobs in the world.
Read this if you want the library you thought you knew to become a bigger, louder, weirder place!
--Courtney”
“A fun book about life as a librarian. It will make you consider more peaceful career paths such as prison guard or bomb defuser.”
Tim Patrick wrote this review Monday, September 29 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“As a librarian I could appreciate his stories about the patrons he met and his work; don't we all have similar stories! But I am glad I didn't start my career at his library system; I would have been totally disheartened. Also, I didn't bother with the hundreds of footnotes or the "For Shelving" tidbits.”
Salsabrarian wrote this review Monday, August 18 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“What a fun book! Having worked in a public library myself, I could relate to most of Douglas's CRAZY stories. From insane patrons, to people threatening to kill him, to a man who spent FIVE HOURS in the bathroom, Douglas spills it all. Aside from the oddities, it's nice to see Douglas grow from a library student into his role as a public servant. Highly recommended if you're looking for a fun, funny read with a heart”
estellasrevenge wrote this review Monday, July 21 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A librarian writing about his experiences in a public library who uses footnotes and inserts eclectic but interesting information should be right up my alley, but Douglas is just too snarky in his observations. He apparently never met a librarian, or any library staff person he really liked (although he trades quips with a couple) or respected. He also virtually ignores the majority of patrons seeking to inform or entertain themselves. It is good that he understands that many mentally challenged people are particularly fond of their library and if you don't work in a library his anecdotes will give you some idea of how a library is more than books and public computer stations. In spite of his style he also shows some sympathy for teens and poor communities. Still, there are other librarian memoirs that are funnier, more evocative of the public library ambiance, and better written. Perhaps if you like his smug, superior sarcasm...”
Bombadillo wrote this review Saturday, April 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
0 of 1 members found this review helpful“Should be read in tandem with Don Borchert's Free for all. Here is the crux of librarianship-do you need a degree or can paraprofessionals work just as competently. People either fall into one or the other's camps. Douglas has a MLS and Borchert doesn't.”
Refgirl wrote this review Wednesday, May 7 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No1 of 1 members found this review helpful“Scott Douglas is a librarian, a writer, and a member of my generation. Out of jealousy, I figured I'd be overly critical of this book from the start. I did enjoy it, though, especially the use of footnotes throughout, and I loved the acknowledgments page. Douglas has an easy-to-read voice and did some interesting, humorous things with his memoir. Although I felt he was a little negative about the profession sometimes, he was realistic, which is good. I also think, after reading both this and another memoir by Don Borchert, that libraries in California are very different from libraries in Ohio, at least the ones I have worked in. I'm lucky we have the funding and resources we do here in this state. Maybe I'll be a copycat and write a librarian memoir next.”
cb1281 wrote this review Sunday, April 27 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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