Productivity, as defined and quantified over the last century, usually refers to how efficient (and effective) machinists, factory workers, and office works are at their jobs. But what about librarians—can they, as professionals, improve their productivity at their jobs, no matter how different those jobs and tasks may be?

Samantha Hines has provided the library profession with a unique and long-overdue volume on how librarians can organize their work to improve their productivity. A caveat: Hines does not aim in her book to measure and quantify enhanced productivity in the “scientific management” style espoused by Frederick Taylor and other early efficiency experts. Rather, she provides for librarians a valuable and readable how-to manual of how to improve productivity. Hines first defines productivity from a librarian’s point-of-view and then discusses, in two chapters, motivation and procrastination and their effects on productivity. Also found in these chapters are helpful self-paced exercises that will enable readers to confront any roadblocks to enhanced productivity.

Once these issues are addressed, the author thoroughly covers various aspects of time management, including how to use productivity systems (such as the ubiquitous to-do lists), how to manage and delegate productively, and how to maintain productivity. A unique addition to this book is Hines’s well-written summations and critiques of several important and well-known productivity books, such as Stephen Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Each chapter concludes with a well-summarized review, as well as an exhaustive resource guide and bibliography.

Hines holds several different positions at University of Montana, Missoula: Distance Education Coordinator, Social Science Librarian, and Reference Desk Manager. Her experience “wearing multiple hats” clearly has helped inform her work on this book, which provides the profession with a well-researched and thorough resource that will aid librarians in managing their work time, as well as their professional time, effectively. Highly recommended for all librarians.