Out Front with Stephen Abram: A Guide for Information Leaders

Citation

Cleyle, S. (2007), "Out Front with Stephen Abram: A Guide for Information Leaders", The Electronic Library, Vol. 25 No. 5, pp. 633-634. https://doi.org/10.1108/el.2007.25.5.633.7

No doubt about it – Stephen Abram says what's on his mind. For his entire career he has been passionate about libraries, librarianship and the future of information technology. His current position as vice president of innovation with SirsiDynix allows him the flexibility and the venue to speak about hot topics regardless of whether they impact the company he works for or not. He is always guaranteed to provoke a response and those responses can cover a spectrum of feelings. He has offended, rallied, angered and inspired. So it is a very interesting read to have so many of his publications in one place. The editors collected 92 articles and 63 presentations and offered up the best of the best. The book is divided into four sections: Advocacy; Technology; Communities and Generations; and The Future. Also included is a biography, a selected bibliography of his works, an index and a section of additional readings. The only complaint in this arrangement is the lack of information regarding the additional readings. It would have been useful and interesting if the editors identified how this list was compiled, particularly if the readings were recommended by Stephen Abram himself.

Each of the four sections leads off with a provocative quote and that is only the tip of the iceberg. Abram wades in on everything, from what libraries do well to the next generation of technology. He warns librarians not to dawdle “The strategic window for opportunity for librarians is huge, but keep in mind it won't be open long.” (p. 146) His shock factor manner of communicating makes this read an emotional ride and not for the sensitive at heart librarian who is uncomfortable hearing an opinion about what the profession is doing wrong. But this read can be motivational and might spur many to action. Abram always balances his criticisms by emphasizing repeatedly what librarians and librarianship are doing right and how we can correct the wrongs. “Libraries make a difference. Libraries transform lives. Let's never forget that. Let's speak up.” (p. 22)