Lisa A. Ennis and Nicole Mitchell. The Accidental Health Sciences Librarian. Medford, N.J.: Information Today, Inc., 2010. 232p. Trade paperback, $29.50 (ISBN 978-1-57387-395-6). LC 2009-51594

The title of this book humorously and truthfully defines how most librarians enter the profession of health sciences librarianship. Most librarians do not begin their careers with plans to specialize in the health sciences, nor are many of them aware that health sciences librarian-ship even exists. A well-written foreword by Jean P. Shipman, former President of the Medical Library Association (MLA), clearly explains what this book covers and unveils what is in store for readers. She mentions that the book contains " numerous personal reflections that provide valuable guidance to those considering a career in health sciences librarianship. " It is these excerpts, written by health sciences librarians who share their journeys and experiences about how they developed their careers, that make this book so fun to read and easy to relate to. The authors, Ennis and Mitchell, are both health sciences librarians and have a wealth of useful knowledge to share. This book serves as an easy-to-read guide for current health sciences librarians as well as those considering entering health sciences librarianship as a career. The first chapter begins by defining how broad health sciences librarianship is and what it encompasses. Specifically, it includes information professionals who work in all settings including academic libraries, veterinary libraries, health education centers, hospital libraries, and other types of organizations. Chapter 2 covers a brief history of the National Library of Medicine, the Index Medicus, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), and other medical terminology. In chapter 3, the authors discuss how to provide effective reference services when responding to various types of questions that patrons might ask. Since patrons can include students, clinicians, researchers, as well as members of the general public, the importance of legal and ethical issues concerning questions about consumer health is emphasized. Other chapters talk about keeping up with technology and using social networking tools. In addition, various health science–related databases and resources, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, MD Consult, as well as PDA and evidence-based medicine resources, are listed with brief descriptions of what kinds of information they contain. However , the book does not delve into how to search these particular databases and resources. The final chapter discusses networking and associations, such as the MLA, and how health sciences librarians can use blogs, RSS feeds, and listservs to keep up to date with current information. In the appendices, the authors include a survey they conducted of over 300 …