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Librarians of Babel: A toolkit for effective communication

Paola de Castro, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Italy

Chandos Information Professional Series

 - concise introduction to professional writing and conference organization
 - easily understood, even without background information
 - based on practical experience rather than on theories
 - practical solutions to everyday problems
 - hints for further studies in communication strategies

A librarian’s main task is to acquire, organize, process, retrieve and disseminate information to all possible users, but also to communicate and develop professional skills in this field. This collection offers an introduction to the different challenges that librarians and information specialists are called upon to carry out in order to achieve effective communication through different media. The main elements of professional writing, conference or workshop organization power point presentations are outlined.

Readership: Young librarians that have a basic knowledge of library activities but who may lack the experience in tackling communication tasks. It may also be useful to older colleagues who may not be familiar with the techniques and strategies concerning such complimentary activities that are now carried out in a library in parallel with the most traditional ones.

£47.50 / US$80.00 / €55.00

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About the author

Paola De Castro is the head of the Publishing unit of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Italian National Institute of Health) and a member the editorial committees of the publications edited by the Institute itself and others. She takes part in development of the Institute’s digital archive of publications in public health and promotes the new model of Open Access publishing. She has written many articles on information transfer process, research evaluation and scientific communication; delivers courses on scientific writing, organises conferences and exhibitions both for the general public and specialized public health operators. She is involved in a number of activities for the promotion of science culture in schools and carries on projects regarding the preservation of historical heritage belonging to scientific institutions.

Contents

The communication process
 - Key elements
 - From theories to practice
 - Finding your own rules

What you should know before writing a paper
 - The editorial process
 - Ethical considerations

The writing process: technical considerations
 - The first step: reflecting on the title
 - How to write a professional paper
 - Paper versus non-paper documents

Writing a journal article
 - How to select the right journal
 - Instructions to authors, your first guide to write an article

Writing a book, a report or a chapter therein
 - Why write a book?
 - Which part are you going to play?
 - How to organize a sound structure

Writing conference papers and issuing proceedings
 - What are you expected to do as an author?
 - What are you expected to do as an editor?
 - Which structure?

Using illustrations
 - When using a table or a figure?
 - Some technical details

Citing the work of others: how and why
 - Elements to be included in a reference
 - Reference styles

Editorial revision
 - How to handle proofs

Producing leaflets
 - Some hints for autonomous creation

How to organize a conference
 - Define roles and objectives
 - Scientific Committees and their responsibilities
 - Tips for a correct call for papers
 - Defining a conference programme

How to produce effective presentations
 - Before getting to work
 - Suggested structure and scheme

How to produce effective posters
 - Before getting to work
 - Balancing content, structure, and graphics

Addressing the media
 - Media advisory
 - News release
 - Final considerations

Recommended reading

Useful reading

Index