For many master of library science degree candidates, the promise of a position in an academic library is a goal that is avidly pursued. The collegial atmosphere, the available resources, and the opportunity to perform exemplary reference, cataloging, or information technology work with talented students and faculty—these are some of the reasons that many library school graduates want to pursue careers in academic libraries. These reasons also are valid for experienced librarians who want to find work in an academic setting. What can these two groups of librarians—inexperienced and experienced—do to succeed in their goal of attaining an academic library position?

Teresa Y. Neely, the editor of How to Stay Afloat in the Academic Library Job Pool, has written a useful and resourceful book that will assist both sets of librarians in their quest for an academic library position. Basing her book on her experience as a committee search member at the University of New Mexico library, the author first provides the reader with a sobering and honest analysis and overview of the state of hiring for entry-level librarians in academia (hopefully not deterring any potential candidates from applying for job openings!). Further chapters cover reading job advertisements effectively for the best possible candidate match, compiling an effective and outstanding application packet, approaching and conducting the interview process successfully, and negotiating potential job offers to one's best advantage. Throughout the book, Neely writes with honesty, sincerity, and authority; she includes many relevant additional resources at the end of each chapter, as well as hypothetical interview questions and other helpful tips and techniques that encompass all aspects of the application and interview processes. Although brief, the book is full of well-organized information that potential candidates can access quickly and easily.

For those anxious academic library job candidates, both new and experienced, Neely's How to Stay Afloat in the Academic Library Job Pool is an essential tool in the search for the academic library position they aspire to obtain. Highly recommended.