Resonant Leadership by Richard Boyatzis & Annie McKee

"We are in the customer service industry. We just happen to fly planes." ~employee from Southwest Airlines

I admit that it wasn't very long ago that I was burned out on public service. I'd spent many years doing front line reference and front line management. I was tired, overwhelmed and most importantly very disappointed in myself. Where did my drive go?  This book is the first one I've ever picked up that held my hand and said, you know what? This happens and we're going to show you why and how you can get the leadership you back. Whoa. I'm not a fan of business books in general but I like this one. Their whole philosophy starts with compassion and hope-what isn't to like? 2005, 304 pages.

Black Belt Librarians: Every Librarian's Real World Guide to a Safer Workplace by Warren Davis Graham, Jr.

I've read Graham's books before and we've even had him talk at our staff development day, but I've never reviewed them and it was time to refresh my memory. Graham worked security but did not know libraries until he talked with the director of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Library in North Carolina. What happens next is my favorite thing to watch-the initiation of the unknowing to the knowing about public libraries and what we all deal with on a daily basis.

A small practical book, Graham shares his knowledge about handling different situations and feeling empowered to deal with the public. It's easy going tone laced with humor will set many readers at ease-even those who are not at all certain they have what it takes to play security guard librarian. 55 pages, 2006.