Advocacy, Outreach, and the Nation's Academic Libraries: A Call for Action. Eds. William C. Welburn, Janice Welburn, and Beth McNeil. Chicago: Association of College and Research Libraries, 2010. 224p. alk. paper, $40 (ISBN 9780838985496). LC2010-018611

Chapter 3 provides an analysis of the survey outlining some of the challenges that institutions face in hiring diversity librarians. The area of job expectations is one challenge that can contribute to the difficulty in finding qualified applicants. Feedback from librarians emphasized the importance of making job expectations both clear and reasonable. The chapter concludes with suggestions for setting reasonable expectations (for those hiring diversity librarians) and discussion on job descriptions and improving the search process. Chapters 4 and 5 draw heavily from the reflections and responses of librarians surveyed. Chapter 4 addresses the issues and challenges faced by those working in positions that serve diverse populations. Balancing responsibilities, budgetary concerns, work satisfaction, and feeling that their efforts were supported were common themes expressed as impacting the success of their work. The themes in chapter 5 address how to get started once in the job. Survey respondents present recommendations on moving past barriers and offer guidance in setting priorities, assessing collections, establishing relationships, and gaining entrée. Chapter 6 includes information on how organizational culture, attitudes, and behaviors affect diversity awareness and training efforts; and chapter 7 outlines specific factors that need to be considered by libraries when implementing diversity training programs for their staff. A major finding from the research study is that librarians receiving their master’s degrees do so with little coursework or training in multicultural librarianship. If library schools are not providing the foundational knowledge related to diversity, then it should come as no surprise that library graduates may be ill prepared to provide the range of services these positions demand. Chapter 8 not only looks at some of the curriculum issues in library schools but also outlines reforms that address not only what is being taught but how it is being taught. Mestre advocates for a curricula approach to cultural competency and cultural awareness that prepares all librarians to work in a multicultural environment. Mestre does a good job of summarizing the experiences, suggestions, and perspectives of librarians serving diverse populations and comes full circle in chapter 9 by outlining what she considers the “next steps” involved in strengthening diversity efforts. Chapter 10 is an extensive compilation of resources related to diversity and serves as a useful reference source to anyone desiring to explore the topic further. Overall, Librarians Serving Diverse Populations is a timely examination of the experiences and perspectives of librarians working in the field of multicultural librarianship. The qualitative and quantitative data gathered from the author’s research study are interwoven throughout the book and help to inform the discussion by providing first-hand perspectives on specific challenges and various opportunities inherent in serving diverse populations.—Kelly R. McBride, Appalachian State University.