A one-stop, complete guide to tabletop role-playing games for novice librarians as well as seasoned players. Tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) are a perfect fit for library teen services. They not only hold great appeal for teen patrons, but also help build important skills ranging from math and literacy to leadership and dramatics. Role-playing games are cost-effective too. Dragons in the Stacks explains why RPGs are so effective at holding teenagers' attention, identifies their specific benefits, outlines how to select and maintain a RPG collection, and demonstrates how they can enhance teen services and be used in teen programs. Detailed reviews of role-playing games are included as well, with pointers on their strengths, weaknesses, and library applications. Coauthored by an experienced young adult librarian and an adult services librarian, this is the definitive guide to RPGs in the library, and the only one currently available. Discusses collection development, cataloging, and programs for teens Supplies detailed reviews of scores of popular and less well-known role-playing games Outlines a variety of affordable, effective programs for teens that involve role-playing tabletop games

This inspiring guide shows how to implement the principles of the Slow Book movement in college campus libraries as well as public and high school libraries, with the ultimate goals of encouraging pensive reading habits and creating a lifelong enjoyment of books. In a world of constant Facebook posts and Tweets, digital distractions and online reading habits are wearing at students' ability to focus, reflect, synthesize, and think deeply. This professional text, based on a concept introduced by Maura Kelly in the online edition of The Atlantic, delves into the trend toward contemplative reading-otherwise known as the Slow Book movement-explaining what it is, why it's important, and how you can implement it in various ways and in multiple settings. Author and librarian Meagan Lacy, along with contributions from others in the field, offers insights, advice, and practical tools to help you foster an appreciation of reading in students both during and after college. The first part of the book establishes the importance of the Slow Book movement, while the second and third sections combine case studies and guidance for employing the principles of this method across multiple genres, including fiction, nonfiction, classics, and contemporary works. Chapters build a rationale for the approach, describe its underlying philosophy, and articulate concrete ways to apply the methodology in different venues. Explains how you can address your users' growing needs for sustained reflection and authentic connection Shows how leading and promoting the Slow Book movement adds new value to your library Presents examples and advice that you can use and adapt to lead the Slow Book movement at your library Shows ways in which academic, public, and school librarians can form partnerships for literacy outreach programs

The Maker Movement is hot, and librarians are eager to participate. Even if you feel restricted by budget, staff, or space, this step-by-step guide will help you turn your library into a creativity center. The Maker Movement is sweeping the nation because it is creative and educational-and a lot of fun. Nonetheless, some librarians have hesitated to incorporate the movement into their programming because their libraries do not have dedicated makerspaces. If that describes you, then take heart. Written by librarians for librarians, this "cookbook" proves that every library is already a MakerPlace and provides you with recipes to make your library come alive with creativity. Easy-to-use, step-by-step guidance helps you create engaging K-8 programs in science and technology, arts and crafts, and home skills that are perfect for the library setting. The menu of ideas is broken into four types of programming. "Appetizers" add a taste of the Maker movement to existing library programs. "Entrees" present full programs for a lengthy one-day event or a short series. "Side Dishes" are programs you can use if you have limited staff, budget, space, or any combination of those. "Desserts" are low-tech programs, suitable for young children. Each "recipe" includes extensions, variations, and curriculum tie-ins that give you even more ways to present the program ideas, whether to a different audience or as part of other related activities. Programs that involve creating a "Balloon Zip Line," a "Zen Garden," or a "Maker Marketplace" will delight library users and generate activity and excitement in your library. Makes it easy for you to host Maker programs for children and 'tweens-with "No Makerspace Required!" Provides clear, step-by-step directions for creating new Maker programming or adding Maker elements to an existing program Offers alternatives that allow you to customize programs according to the resources available Suggests curricular tie-ins so the programs can be used in a school setting Includes appendices chock full of supplemental materials such as book-discussion questions, checklists, and other reproducible participant handouts

ALA's popular and respected Whole Library Handbook series continues with a volume specifically geared towards those who serve young adults, gathering stellar articles and commentary from some of the country's most innovative and successful teen services librarians. Sections focusing on practice, theory, and the philosophical underpinnings of the profession are supported by current research and historical perspectives. Both instructive and reflective in scope, this essential handbook Provides a comprehensive introduction to the background and day-to-day realities of teen librarianship for LIS students and those new to the field Offers expert tips and wisdom invaluable to those already working with teens Highlights trends, challenges, and opportunities in the changing world of how teens interact with libraries, and what they expect Emphasises advocacy across all spectrums, including in local communities and among fellow staff who may be anxious about teens in the library Guides staff in providing readers' advisory to teens Includes ready-to-use marketing resources, templates, and sample teen services and teen volunteer plans Anyone who works with young adults will benefit from the thorough coverage provided by this volume's expert contributors.

Updated to include the 2014 award and honor books, The Newbery and Caldecott Awards: A Guide to the Medal and Honor Books 2014 Edition gathers together the books deemed most distinguished in American children's literature and illustration since the inception of the renowned prizes. Librarians and teachers everywhere rely on this guidebook for quick reference and collection development and also as a resource for curriculum links and readers' advisory. With an easy-to-use stsreamlined look and format, the 2014 guide features: * A new essay by Sylvia M. Vardell on the history and development of poetry for young people; * Explanations of criteria used to select the winners; * Updated bibliographic citations and indexes for the award winners. This perennial guide for locating information about the best in children's boosk is valuable for every collection.

Today's students need to be able to do more than score well on tests-they must be creative thinkers and problem solvers. The tools in this book will help teachers and parents start students on the path to becoming innovative, successful individuals in the 21st century workforce. The children in classrooms today will soon become adult members of society: they will need to apply divergent thinking skills to be effective in all aspects of their lives, regardless of their specific occupation. How well your students meet complicated challenges and take advantage of the opportunities before them decades down the road will depend largely upon the kind of thinking they are trained and encouraged to do today. This book provides a game plan for busy librarians and teachers to develop their students' abilities to arrive at new ideas by utilizing children's books at hand. Following an introduction in which the author defines divergent thinking, discusses its characteristics, and establishes its vital importance, chapters dedicated to types of literature for children such as fantasy, poetry, and non-fiction present specific titles and relevant activities geared to fostering divergent thinking in young minds. Parents will find the recommendations of the kinds of books to read with their children and explanations of how to engage their children in conversations that will help their creative thinking skills extremely beneficial. The book also includes a case study of a fourth-grade class that applied the principles of divergent thinking to imagine innovative designs and come up with new ideas while studying a social studies/science unit on ecology. Demonstrates how to use children's literature specifically to foster divergent thinking in students in school and at home Provides specific suggestions for activities and example projects relevant to individual books as well as to entire teaching units Supplies bibliographies of hundreds of recently published children's books recommended for children of different age levels Cites research findings that underscore the vital importance of divergent thinking in today's world and its importance to the business community

This new edition of an ALA bestseller remains an indispensable all-in-one resource for everything related to the school library media center. Articles from dozens of respected authors and experts, culled from popular journals such as Knowledge Quest and School Library Journal, cover everything of interest to the contemporary school librarian, including Professional development and career guidance Information on collection development and school library resources such as books, periodicals, e-mail discussion groups, databases, websites, and more Programming, partnering, promoting, and collaborating for student success Innovative ways to use technology like social networking and e-books in service of education Tips for analyzing and strengthening ongoing programs Building and maintaining healthy relationships with stakeholders Covering a wide range of important information in one handy volume, this stimulating handbook is a must-have for every school librarian.

The daily administration of an academic library often leaves you needing quick advice on the topic at hand. Nelson, an experienced administrator writing from first-hand knowledge, delivers such advice in 30 topical chapters. Each chapter begins with an Assertion, a one-sentence summary allowing you to rapidly scan the book and find what you need. When you re on the job you can dip into this guide for ready-to-use guidance on the full range of administrator responsibilities, such as How to think and act politically Preparing staff for safety and security procedures Influencing student and faculty's perception of the library as a basic component of education Fostering librarians' professional identity as teachers Communicating effectively, from email messages to meetings Assessment and systematic collection of data Commentary sections in each chapter offer observations and interpretation, with abundant examples of useful advice. If you want to dig further into a topic, a Readings section points you to resources. Packed with insight about the day-to-day operations of the academic library, Nelson's guide will be invaluable to new and experienced administrators alike.

Students need to be able to distinguish good information from bad. This book gives you the tools to transmit those essential skills to your students. Being an effective school librarian requires acting as an active instructional partner, an advocate for information literacy and information resources, and a reference librarian. Now in its third edition, this concise book provides you with a solid foundation in providing reference services to students as well as teachers. It details all aspects of providing essential reference services in the context of the AASL Standards, the Common Core State Standards, and the evolving role of today's school librarian. Author Scott Lanning emphasizes service and instruction while addressing topics such as inquiry, critical thinking, building core reference skills, electronic and Web resources, leadership skills, and virtual reference services. The book begins with chapters that discuss information and the information-seeking process. The following sections cover the provision of reference services, methods for teaching information literacy, the use of electronic resources in general, and the creation of library resources that support reference and instruction. The text concludes with an assessment of the value of reference and instruction services to the school and beyond. Covers theories of information behavior, models of information literacy, and provision of reference services in various mediums Emphasizes reference and instructional services and examines the impact of the Common Core State Standards on reference services in schools Explains how to conduct the reference interview

Learning which takes place "after hours," in a club setting, is often an undersupported component of children's education. After-school clubs built around books encourage independent, recreational reading, which in turn has a positive impact on the rest of a child's day. In this book, Shaia offers a year's worth of ready-to-implement program ideas for librarians and educators .Her month-by-month calendar of themed clubs is conveniently divided by grade level (K-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6) to allow club leaders and organizers to closely align activities and book selections to the ages of the club's participants. This handy book Offers programming on such themes as science, math, animals, mysteries, art, fairy tales, and more, all of which can be adapted for either a half-hour or forty-five-minute time slot Details age-specific bibliographies and suggestions for read-alouds, music, and craft or game activities, with different ideas for each week in a month Presents information on publicizing the activity, community outreach, display ideas, set-up, supplies, management, and evaluation With its inviting approach to book-based programming, Shaia's start-to-finish guide helps promote reading as a fun, engaging activity for kids.

An MLIS can provide the skill set needed to get a library job, but building a library career means knowing how to maximise your potential every step of the way. Benefiting those fresh out of library school as well as experienced professionals, career librarians from every corner of the profession offer a personal, down-to-earth view of ""what it's really like out there."" Filled with valuable insights into how to better launch and manage a library career, this book addresses important topics like How to work and adapt at a new organisation What management expects and how to view everyday activities from that point of view How to make suggestions for change Advice on navigating the cyclical nature of a librarian's work year The rewards and challenges of professional organisations Why a library degree is valuable outside a traditional library setting Those new to the field will find the contributors' seasoned advice both inspiring and practical, while veterans of the profession will find guidance on retuning their careers in librarianship's changing environment.

Ephemeral Material: Queering the Archive articulates a queer approach to archival studies and archival practice, and establishes the relevance of this approach beyond collections with LGBTQ content. Kumbier argues that queering the archive (thinking through queer interests, experiences, explanatory frameworks, and cultural practices) allows us to think critically about established archival principles and practices. This project describes -- and supports -- the work of archivists, community documentarians, activists, and scholars seeking to preserve materials documenting queer lives and experiences, and imagines how we might respond to the particular demands of archiving queer lives. Further, this project intervenes in the repetition of practices that may exclude LGBTQ constituencies, render our experiences less-visible/less-legible, or perpetuate oppressive power relations between archivists and users or documented subjects. The project aims to make work by scholars in history, performance studies, queer studies, and other areas of the humanities who are encountering the limits of archives -- and are developing strategies for working with them -- legible and relevant to archivists and librarians. The book supports its conceptual work with concrete examples of collecting and documentation projects, a research ethnography, and analyses of popular media that represent -- and critique -- archival spaces and practices.

Social media allows you to scale up a core librarian practice connecting your community to information and learning-- across geographic boundaries, 24/7. Addressing curation as the term is used colloquially, this issue of Library Technology Reports draws from 17 in-depth interviews to show how libraries are using social media to collect, organize, share, and interpret in short, how to tell a digital story to a specific audience. Additionally the authors use data, collected through an online survey that encompassed all library types, to offer a snapshot of this important collecting-connecting-curating-contributing practice. Also included is an annotated directory covering 66 tools for social media curation, organized by category with links to the websites.

Reinventing the Library for Online Education Frederick Stielow Item Number: 978-0-8389-1208-9 Publisher: ALA Editions Price: $75.00 Email Friend Order Options: Qty: Add To Cart Add To Wish List 256 pages 6" x 9" Softcover ISBN-13: 978-0-8389-1208-9 Year Published: 2013 AP Categories: A, B, I, J, Z This title will be available Fall 2013. You may place an order and the item will be shipped when it becomes available. Have changes such as cloud computing, search engines, the Semantic Web, and mobile applications rendered such long-standing academic library services and functions as special collections, interlibrary loans, physical processing, and even library buildings unnecessary? Can the academic library effectively reconceive itself as a virtual institution? Stielow, who led the library program of the online university American Public University System, argues most emphatically that it can. His comprehensive look at web-based academic libraries synthesizes the changes wrought by the Web revolution into a visionary new model, grounded in history as well as personal experience. He demonstrates how existing functions like cataloging, circulation, collection development, reference, and serials management can be transformed by entrepreneurship, human face/electronic communicator relations, web apps, and other innovations. Online education can ensure that libraries remain strong information and knowledge hubs, and his timely book Shows how the origins and history of the academic library have laid the foundation for our current period of flux Identifies practices rooted in print-based storage to consider for elimination, and legacy services ready to be adapted to virtual operations Discusses tools and concepts libraries will embrace in a networked world, including new opportunities for library relevance in bookstore/textbook operations, compliance, library/archival/museum functions, e-publishing, and tutorial services Offers a thorough examination of the virtual library infrastructure crucial for an online learning program, with a special look at the particular needs and responsibilities of online librarians Looks at the evolving relationship between higher education and copyright, and posits how educational technology will bring further changes

How do you get young adults excited and engaged with books? Get them onstage! Readers Theatre is a stage presentation during which participants read from scripts, acting out the book's story using voice and facial expressions. It offers educators an innovative opportunity to acquaint young people with quality literature, test their grasp of English grammar, develop their public speaking skills, and learn about teamwork in an activity that is entertaining as it is educational. Elizabeth A. Poe, creator of many Readers Theatre programs, explains how to create successful programs, offering: Ways librarians can link basic educational goals with appreciation of good literature, A bibliography of books suggested for their Readers Theatre potential, with examples of texts converted into scripts and Core programming ideas that can be adapted for use across different age levels. Poe's book helps youth services librarians get students out from behind their desks and onto the stage by writing their own scripts based on children's literature.

An ideal resource for cultural heritage professionals who teach with original materials, this book provides fresh, adaptable, and easy-to-implement primary source literacy exercises to improve their teaching and engage their students. Special collections librarians and archivists in academic settings are often confronted with the challenge of teaching classes outside their personal area of expertise, with very little notice or guidance-as the authors of this book can attest. Using Primary Sources: Hands-On Instructional Exercises features 30 adaptable, hands-on exercises that special collections librarians, archivists, museum professionals, and teaching faculty can use in a multitude of instructional situations with K-12, undergraduate, graduate, and library school students. The exercises teach lessons in both archival intelligence-such as building skills in using finding aids and locating primary sources-and artifactual literacy, such as building skills in interpretation and analysis of primary sources. Each exercise includes sections for audience, subject area, and materials used so that instructors can find customizable, easy-to-follow "recipes" to use regardless of personal experience and expertise. In addition, this consultable reference resource includes a bibliography of readings related to instruction in special collections, archives, and museum environments. Presents adaptable, time-saving, and practical exercises for different audiences, disciplines, and types of collection materials Advances pedagogical practice in special collections and archives beyond "show-and-tell" to mirror the current methods of practitioners in information literacy, which will serve efforts toward primary source literacy and assessment Provides straightforward, time-saving exercises that provide enough detail to offer specific guidance to instructors but allow for flexibility and adaptability

Public libraries are keystone public institutions for any thriving community, and as such can be leaders in making cities better places to work, play, and live. In this important book, noted urban planner and librarian Dudley shows how public libraries can contribute to "placemaking," or the creation and nurturing of vital and unique communities for their residents. Using case studies and other information from the field, the author Shows how public libraries can address pressing urban and environmental sustainability issues through smart urban design practices, making contributions to economic regeneration, and a commitment to social equity Provides examples of innovation in public library design, management, collaboration and public services Offers librarians, library administrators, and even urban planners the practical knowledge, tools, and vocabulary to overcome professional and disciplinary barriers From the economic renewal potential of library development projects, to the provision of public space in a privatising world, from services for the homeless to crisis management during urban disasters, Public Libraries and Resilient Cities explores the vital role that public libraries can play in the promotion of ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable communities in challenging times.

A library's infrastructure of programs and personnel is its most valuable asset, providing the foundation for everything it does and aspires to do, which is why assessment is so vitally important. In this collection of case studies, Murphy and her team of contributors describe how quality assessment programs have been implemented and how they are used to continuously improve service at a complete cross-section of institutions. This volume: Looks at how a program was established within a library organisation, the individual roles for staff participating in the program, and singles out which activities and projects were most successful Describes programs such as the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, Lean Six Sigma, and ISO 9001:2000 Examines contexts ranging from a liberal-arts college library to key federal government libraries, to libraries that serve major research universities in the United States and Canada Summarising specific tools for measuring service quality alongside tips for using these tools most effectively, this book helps libraries of all kinds take a programmatic approach to measuring, analysing, and improving library services.

Providing clear explanations of inquiry-based learning in the light of the Common Core, this book is a practical and graphical guide that will serve as a much-needed primer for librarians and educators. Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are putting educators under pressure to examine what works and what doesn't. Even with the best efforts, integrating new strategies into daily practice in the classroom or library can be frustrating. This book will help. Providing a professional development toolkit that trains school librarians and teachers and enables them to train others, it presents a sequence of scaffolded essential questions that results in a customized blueprint for effective teaching. The book assembles background building blocks for inquiry and the Common Core, illustrates and connects key concepts on how to introduce inquiry-based learning, and provides effective tools for igniting the Common Core through inquiry-based learning methods. Developed from the crucible of six years of professional development to real-world audiences with deep experience in teaching and school librarianship, this book makes implementing inquiry learning and embracing the Common Core easier for classroom teachers and school librarians who understand the value of these teaching methods but are unsure of the best way to implement them. Presents essential questions and key concepts as the framework for efficient, effective change Provides readers with an understanding of the basics of inquiry learning and preparation to use methods and tools to implement inquiry learning Explains the rationale for the need to redesign instruction in the context of 21st century education Examines the Common Core and its relationship to inquiry learning Prepares readers to use a toolkit for implementation of the skills called for in the CCSS, such as synthesis and evaluation, and in order to train others in the implementation of inquiry-based learning and the CCSS

Library Technology Reports v.49 no.7. Innovation is a broad concept, frequently mentioned in circles at all levels-libraries, higher education, the corporate environment, and society in general. So frequently is the word used, and in so many contexts, that it can become confusing to clearly frame what the word means at present. Clarity is important, as it can help provide focus, direction, and strategy for organizations often under the shadow of limited resources. More bluntly, innovation is often synonymous with change, progress, and addressing user needs in new ways-critical concepts in today's volatile higher education environment. This issue of Library Technology Reports seeks to open or continue the discussion of what's meant by innovation, focusing specifically on innovation with a strong technological underpinning. A brief review of the literature-scholarly and mainstream-is accompanied by some more indirect methods to try to better grasp what librarians and the profession refer to when they use the word innovation. Later, results from a survey open to Association of Research Library members offer additional insights into what directors of large research libraries think about when considering the concept of technological innovation.

"Audiobooks are now a staple in most public and school libraries, and with good reason, since they have a clear role in the education of today's "born digital" generation. Burkey, who has been following their rise in popularity for years, combines a fascinating history of the medium and practical tips for using them in a readable guide applicable to school and public librarians as well as classroom teachers. Enriched with reflections and comments from authors, audiobook narrators, producers, reviewers, and librarians, this book Shows how audiobooks not only benefit struggling readers and bring families together but also fit neatly within newly accepted standards for early literacy education Demonstrates how to use audiobooks as classroom and library tools for learning Identifies how to locate "must-have" audiobooks and offers advice for maintaining a collection Including an overview of the major audiobook awards and lists of additional resources, Burkey's guide will help librarians and educators unlock the educational potential of audiobooks for youth. "

In this provocative call to action that encourages LIS students, researchers, and practitioners to question some of the underlying assumptions of their discipline, Bernier initiates an open discussion about how YA professionals perceive young adults. Exploring the question of what an LIS-specific vision of young adults should be, this book offers a wide array of provocative positions with implications for libraries in literacy initiatives, YA space, intergenerational interactions, and civic life. Research-based articles and essays from leading scholars and practitioners examine young adults in historical and conceptual contexts, such as the ways in which social theory is rapidly changing the essence of YA librarianship. The variety of perspectives and analyses offered will launch a vigorous new debate on how libraries and those in the field think of and serve young adults.

This unique book covers the who, what, when, where, why, and, most important, the HOW of creating a career center or jobseeker program in a public library. Blueprint for a Job Center at Your Library provides a practical, down-to-earth guide for library staff who wish to better meet one of their patrons' most pressing needs. The book covers everything from program planning for classes, workshops, and special events to career advising, resources and facilities, recruiting personnel, funding, outreach and promotion, and program evaluation. The authors share a plethora of tips and tricks that can be customized to enable even small public libraries to offer job-search help. Real-life examples and case studies from across the United States show the blueprint in action. Even those who already have a job center in their library will learn about forming resourceful partnerships, gain new ideas for funding sources, and discover innovative services they can provide easily and affordably. Explains the need for job centers and showcases an expanding role for librarians in staffing them Reviews various types of programs and services that can help meet the needs of jobseekers Shows how to research community needs and publicize services Provides samples of forms and marketing materials from which libraries can draw

Practicing librarians and library educators demonstrate the power of inquiry to achieve the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and promote school librarians as key partners in implementing this type of critical teaching and learning in K-12 schools. With the adoption of the CCSS in most of the nation's schools, educators and administrators at K-12 schools have a pressing need to find the best ways to implement these rigorous and comprehensive standards that challenge students to understand informational text and digital content at increasing levels of complexity. This text provides faculty with much-needed support in achieving this critical goal, thoroughly describing inquiry learning and how it links to the CCSS. The authors-nearly 30 contributors total, comprising librarians, library media specialists, educational leaders, teachers from the kindergarten level to college professors, and administrators, each with direct experience and knowledge regarding the subject matter-explain how the standards' emphasis on in-depth investigation and evidence-based reading and writing skills dovetail perfectly with inquiry-based learning initiatives. Acclaimed thought leaders such as Jean Donham, Kristin Fontischiaro, Leslie Maniotes, and Barbara Stripling clearly define and illuminate the librarian's role in school initiatives today and share lesson plans that have been proven effective in actual practice. Features a foreword by Allison Zmuda, former public high school teacher, renowned education consultant, president of Competent Classroom, member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), and author of numerous publications about learning, including Breaking Free from Myths about Teaching and Learning Defines and elaborates on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) as they relate to inquiry learning Describes the role of the school librarian in implementing the CCSS and inquiry learning in the school Introduces examples of inquiry-focused learning approaches, including guided inquiry design and project-based learning Provides lesson plans that will spark more practical ideas for inquiry-based instruction that address the CCSS