"Creativity is just connecting things," observed Steve Jobs. In today's diverse, ever-changing job market, creativity is more necessary than ever. In a profession offering a broad range of job opportunities, librarians are surrounded by myriad connections to be made. They are trained to recognize them.

This collection of new essays covers a wide spectrum of methods for cultivating creativity. Topics include learning through role-playing games, libraries as publishers, setting up and using makerspaces, developing in-house support for early-career staff, creating travelling exhibits, creative problem solving, and organizing no-cost conferences.

“An insightful collection...expertly organized and presented...an extraordinary, informative, comprehensive, and insightful contribution that is very highly recommended”—Midwest Book Review
“A fun, engaging, and resourceful manual with innovative ideas to spark any librarian’s imagination.”—Andrew Hart, reference librarian, Ohio BWC Library, Columbus, Ohio
“Want to know how to succeed in the library world, and enjoy it, read this anthology filled with ideas on incorporating creativity, with excellence in the profession.”—Nancy Richey, associate professor, Western Kentucky University
“A guidebook for new and growing librarians towards a spectacular profession in a madly diversified world.”—Hong Cheng, librarian, UCLA, and president of the Society for Chinese Studies Librarians
“Contains a great deal of advice for those who wish to step up and out in the profession, by utilizing their innate skills and interests!”—Larry Naukam, retired director of historical services, Rochester New York Public Library
“Provides wonderful examples of how finding creative outlets and solutions not only make us interesting people, but also great librarians.”—Corey Seeman, director, Kresge Library Services, University of Michigan
“Timely information for librarians during this era of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) and Makerspace movements.”—Linda Garrison, librarian, Canterbury School of Florida, Saint Petersburg, Florida
“Both practical and inspiring, the collection so is wide-ranging that every librarian can find something to spark new approaches to work.”—Kathrine C. Aydelott, MLIS, PhD, head of Research & Learning Services, University of New Hampshire.

Vera Gubnitskaia has worked as a library manager, consultant, and reference librarian in public and academic libraries in Russia and the United States. She has contributed chapters to several professional publications, edited multiple anthologies, and published book reviews. She is currently an art fellow at Crealde School in Winter Park, Florida. A Michigan resident, Carol Smallwood has practiced in school, public and special libraries. Her primary interest is practical librarianship, and she is the author of journal articles and editor of numerous books.