INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIBRARIANSHIP, 2(1), 81 

ISSN: 2474-3542 

 

 

Book Review: 

 

The Data Librarian’s Handbook, by Robin Rice and John Southall, London: Facet 

Publishing, December 2016, 192p. Paper $69.52. ISBN: 978-1783300471. 

 

Rice (Data Librarian, EDINA and Data Library) and Southall (Data Librarian, Bodleian 

Libraries, University of Oxford) have produced a concise, wide-ranging introduction to 

data librarianship.  The authors aim to cover the basics of all central areas of the field, from 

its history to current issues such as data sharing.  Data literacy and helping patrons find the 

right data set to analyze get sufficient attention.  The challenging topic of research data 

management gets two chapters.  Included are eight short examples (“vignettes”) discussing 

experiences with research data management planning, written by other data librarians, 

which give life to the subject.  Each chapter concludes with “Key take-away points” and 

“Reflective questions,” which help the reader focus on the most essential elements. 

Rice and Southall write clearly and even entertainingly.  The book is well organized 

and flows smoothly.  Although both authors are from the United Kingdom, the book takes 

an international approach and is suitable for an international audience.  While the shortness 

of the book (159 pages) limits its detail, its coverage is quite comprehensive.  It is highly 

recommended as a source for all new data librarians and other librarians starting to work 

with data. 

 

--- Daniel Edelstein, University of Windsor 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2017.vol2.1.33   

https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2017.vol2.1.33