Even as librarians rewrite the definition of what makes for a library in the 21st century, they are also redrafting their job descriptions. Along with the academic degrees and professional training, librarians in 2015 should know how to party—at least if they choose to follow the example of New Jersey City University librarian J.P. Porcaro, who wants to be president of the American Library Association. Porcaro already holds the title (self-proclaimed) to “party king of librarianship.”
“To put it mildly, JP doesn’t fit the mold of past ALA presidents. Porcaro lists ‘professional partier’ among his past positions,” notes Andrew Albanese, Publishers Weekly senior writer who met Porcaro at the recent ALA Midwinter Meeting.
“But don’t let his style side fool you. Porcaro – head of acquisitions at the Guarini Library, New Jersey City University – is a serious librarian and a natural leader. Make no mistake, his campaign for ALA president is proving to be a gift to the profession,” Albanese tells CCC’s Chris Kenneally. “Whether or not he wins, JP is effectively rallying a generation of young librarians not only to fight for the future of librarianship, but also to participate in ALA, an organization that has seen its membership slide precipitously over the last decade – down from a high of 66,000 members in 2005 to around 55,000 today.”
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Every Friday, CCC’s “Beyond the Book” speaks with the editors and reporters of “Publishers Weekly” for an early look at the news that publishers, editors, authors, agents and librarians will be talking about when they return to work on Monday.