Book excerpt: The library and information profession builds skills and expertise that cover a wide spectrum. These skills are often desirable in other fields and industries. Likewise, the skills we build before entering the library and information professions can help us as professionals. Skills to Make a Librarian looks at both sides of this equation through a collection of essays by current and former librarians and information professionals who make use of this wide range of cross disciplinary skills. - Chapters written by authors at various points in their careers detailing what skills they have developed outside of librarianship - Chapter authors discuss skills that have benefited their practice and careers, and how the skills of librarianship fit into life outside libraries - Authors open up about personal experiences while keeping it professional