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

Libraries that thrive reach out to all parts of their communities. Stellar community outreach plans help libraries build the strong partnerships that undergird these critical ties. Most librarians know they must reach out to the community to be successful, but many do not always know the best way to make that happen. Here's a practical manual designed specifically to help librarians conceptualize and then implement an outreach program that will achieve good results. Through examples of library roles within community outreach, outreach needs assessment, and great tips on implementing your plan, the authors give you the clear cut advice you need to build the perfect outreach plan. Barbara Blake, Robert Martin, and Yunfei Du have years of experience working with libraries to build community outreach programs. Here's what you get: Part one: shows you sample vision and mission statements, lists realistic goals to target in your community, and demographic factors to consider. Part two: highlights potential programs and partners, and gives you advice on how to "pitch" your plan for optimal community support. Part three: teaches you how to develop and implement the outreach plan. Written for all public librarians, the concise, step-by-step process delivers the information you want in the format that you need it. A bibliography of public library resources make finding further information a snap; and worksheets on the companion CD-ROM make your job easier by providing ready-to-go outreach plans for writing and implementing your own plan. With this book, your library will go from being seen as a nicety to a necessity.

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 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

When disaster strikes, school librarians can play a key role in keeping kids safe. This is the only book written specifically to provide school librarians with emergency preparedness and recovery tools as well as curricular tie-ins. No school is immune to disaster, whether in the form of a natural event like a tornado or a tragedy like the violence that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The key to minimizing injury or death in an emergency is preparedness-something the school librarian is uniquely positioned to lead. This must-have book will show you how to be proactive in getting your school ready for the worst. It provides comprehensive preparedness and recovery plans, check lists, and curricular recommendations on preparedness that can be tailored to your individual library and community. Covering natural disasters, human-made disasters, and school violence, the book shows you how to conduct drills, assess vulnerabilities and risk, communicate preparedness plans, and use bibliotherapy for disaster recovery. It also describes how your library can be a safe haven for students who feel disconnected, bullied, or otherwise disenfranchised. Although the book is primarily intended for school librarians, classroom teachers will also find many ideas here for helping students be better prepared for disasters, whatever their cause or severity. Covers the impact of recent natural disasters on schools and addresses the changing landscape with regard to school violence Provides a guide to school emergency planning and ways in which school librarians can take the lead in making it a reality Features checklists, reproducible role-playing scenarios, and other aids for creating an emergency preparedness plan Lists equipment and resources the school library can provide during disasters Suggests curricular tie-ins and books you can use to work with students before and after a disaster or violent incident

To compete today, librarians need to not only provide old services in new ways but also to provide new services. Repositioning Reference: New Methods and New Services for a New Age re-imagines reference services in libraries and information organizations and the role of reference librarians, taking into account rapid developments in technology and information-specific services in non-library sectors. It traces the history of technology adoption for reference services, describes competitive pressures facing reference services, identifies untapped opportunities for reference services and librarians, details innovative and creative solutions for energizing the profession and engaging library user communities, and prescribes means to evaluating technologies for reference services. This book: * Includes current and unique examples of innovative reference services to serve as inspiration and launching points for readers. * Offers contemporary management theory and practice from outside of the field of LIS to offer readers a guide for initiating, leading, and managing change in their organizations. * Outlines the processes of environmental scanning and SWOT analysis, which are important practices for keeping abreast of changes in the field and positioning an organization to make the most of their opportunities and to minimize threats. Repositioning Reference may be used as a textbook by LIS educators whose courses and learning experiences prepare aspiring librarians to lead the reference revolution and by practicing librarians in diverse settings who want to be change agents.

Whether set in ancient Egypt, Feudal Japan, the Victorian Age, or Civil War-era America, historical fiction places readers squarely at the centre of fascinating times and places, making it one of the most popular genres in contemporary publishing. The definitive resource for librarians and other book professionals, this guide Provides an overview of historical fiction's roots, highlighting foundational classics, as well as covering the latest and most popular authors and titles Explores the genre in terms of its scope, style, and appeal Includes lists of recommendations, with a compendium of print and web-based resources Offers marketing tips for getting the word out to readers Emphasising an appreciation of historical fiction in its many forms and focusing on what fans enjoy, this guide provides a fresh take on a durable genre.

An excellent starting point for both reference librarians and for library users seeking information about family history and the lives of others, this resource is drawn from the authoritative database of Guide to Reference, voted Best Professional Resource Database by Library Journal readers in 2012. Biographical resources have long been of interest to researchers and general readers, and this title directs readers to the best biographical sources for all regions of the world. For interest in the lives of those not found in biographical resources, this title also serves as a guide to the most useful genealogical resources. Profiling more than 1400 print and electronic sources, this book helps connect librarians and researchers to the most relevant sources of information in genealogy and biography.

One of the key services librarians provide is helping readers find books they'll enjoy. This "crash course" will furnish you with the basic, practical information you need to excel at readers' advisory (RA) for adults and teens. The question "can you recommend a good book?" can be one of the most daunting you face, notwithstanding the fact that recommender tools are ubiquitous. Often, uncertainty arises because, although librarians are called on to perform such services daily, readers' advisory is a skill set in which most have no formal training. This guide will remedy that. It is built around understanding books, reading, and readers and will quickly show you how to identify reading preferences and advise patrons effectively. You'll learn about multiple RA approaches, such as genre, appeal features, and reading interests and about essential tools that can help with RA. Plus, you'll discover tips to help you keep up with this ever-changing field. There is no other professional book that covers the full spectrum of skills needed to perform the RA service that is in such great demand in libraries of all kinds. Helping readers find what they want is a sure way to serve patrons and build your library's brand. You will come away from this easy-to-understand crash course with the solid background you need to do both. Serves as a practical, down-to-earth, all-in-one introduction to a subject that is essential for librarians working in the field Summarizes the best practices of readers' advisory service and the best tools for readers' advisors Introduces tools for identifying read-alikes and discusses new trends and approaches in readers' advisory Includes lists of the best sources for further reading for those who wish to delve more deeply into a subject Can serve as a text or manual for in-service training or be used as supplementary reading in LIS courses

"Since Poetry Aloud Here was published in 2006, poetry written for young people has gained interest as an educational tool. This revamped and expanded follow-up guides educators toward innovative ways to use poetry and establish an atmosphere that encourages individual participation and creativity. Blending information and inspiration, Vardell Offers practical strategies for reading aloud and teaching poetry in both formal and informal situations Details best practices gleaned from years in the field, with numerous suggestions that cross the curriculum--from literature to science and math Includes expanded lists of poems, poet profiles, book/poetry pairings, and other tools useful for programming and collection development Updated with a new bibliography, this book is the perfect resource for helping librarians and educators use poetry to fire children's imaginations."

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

This unique annotated bibliography is a complete, up-to-date guide to sources of information on library science, covering recent books, monographs, periodicals and websites, and selected works of historical importance. Far from just compiling a simple list of sources, Bemis digs deeper, examining the strengths and weaknesses of key works. A boon to researchers and practitioners alike, this bibliography *as a profession, the ethics of information science, cataloging, reference work, and library architecture *Encompasses encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, photographic surveys, statistical publications, and numerous electronic sources, all categorized by subject *Offers appendixes detailing leading professional organizations and publishers of library and information science literature This coimprehensive bibliography of English-language resources on librarianship, the only one of its kind, will prove invaluable to scholars, students, and anyone working in the field.

This manual provides a guide to the cataloging of criminous literature (i.e., mystery and detective fiction, spy stories, suspense novels, gothic mysteries, and some horror and macabre literature) in the Library of Congress classification scheme--including subject headings, classification numbers, author main entries and literature numbers, artist main entries and artist numbers, and the numbers for major motion pictures, radio programs, television programs, and comic books associated with the field. This Second Edition more than doubles the coverage of the 1987 original version.

Libraries have always played a special role in times of disaster by continuing to provide information services. The Stafford Act of 2011 designates libraries as among the temporary facilities delivering essential services, so the federal government directive for a Continuity of Operations Plan for all its agencies is a planning imperative for libraries. Peppered with engaging first-person narratives from librarians recounting emergency situations, Halsted, Clifton, and Wilson cover such topics as: * An eight-step approach to developing a risk assessment plan * Information on how to use mobile devices and social media effectively in times of disaster * Sample disaster plans, along with model exercises, manuals and customizable communications Published in cooperation with the Medical Library Association (MLA), this nuts-and-bolts resource will enable libraries of all kinds to do their best while planning for the worst.

Every archives strives to have an active, well-planned processing program, but achieving this is no easy task. How to Manage Processing in Archives and Special Collections breaks down what you need to know to establish or revitalize your processing program, delivering effective methods to help you succeed. This resource is packed with information about: Creating a framework for a processing program, including developing proces-sing policies, priorities, and strategies; Managing the day-to-day work of processing assessment techniques; Implementing best practices and standards; Administering a patron-based approach to managing processing; Effectively assessing the demands for descriptions and item-level cataloging to make collections available more swiftly; and Applying standards in the adoption of trends and new concepts in processing and in handling outside demands. Whether you manage numerous archivists, operate as one member of a processing team, or operate as a lone arranger, How to Manage Processing in Archives and Special Collections is your go-to guide for developing and managing a processing program. With an effective processing program in place, your archives will be better positioned to help users find the materials they need.

As if transitioning from library school or a different type of library job into the role of a school librarian wasn’t challenging enough, just factor in today’s straitened funding environment for the position itself. Librarians new on the job need expert advice on what to expect and how thrive, and since its publication in 2006 this guide has served as a wise mentor for the new school librarian. From job search strategies and discovering work philosophy to the nitty-gritty details of creating acceptable use policies, this revised and updated edition, which includes a new foreword from Sarah Kelly Johns, shares the joys and perils of the profession along with a wealth of practical advice from decades of experience in school library programs. With this guide as a roadmap, new school librarians can: Tackle the job search with confidence, with tips on everything from polishing a résumé and acing a job interview to ways of handling any potentially negative Google results and other digital footprints Learn the secrets to successfully collaborate with teachers Navigate new roles and responsibilities through orientation and organization Create dynamic interactions with students to deepen their learning experiences Master the art of communicating with the principal, IT experts, and vendors Become familiar with school library technology, including e-book collections, online databases, and library management systems Receive field-tested guidance on daily matters – from budgeting and purchasing to advocacy and programming The AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and Common Core State Standards are also thoroughly discussed. New school librarians as well as those already in the profession can set the tone for rewarding career with this one-stop, hands-on guide.

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

Using a library's facilities to bring arts to the community is a wonderful marketing and outreach opportunity, a tangible way to show the public that libraries offer value, thus shoring up grassroots support. Editor Smallwood has combed the country finding examples of programs implemented by a variety of different types of libraries to enrich, educate, and entertain patrons through the arts. Her book shares such successful efforts as Poetry programs in the public library Gatherings for local authors at the community college Creative writing in middle schools Multicultural arts presentations at the university library Initiatives to fight illiteracy through the arts The amazing creativity and resourcefulness found in each example provide practical models which can be adapted to any library environment, inspiring librarians looking for unique programming ideas.

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

Genre fiction has always been a complex mixture of themes and elements. The increasing popularity of "genre blends," or fiction that straddles the traditional labels, means greater pleasure for readers but a greater challenge for readers' advisory. In this informative and entertaining book McArdle gets library staff up to speed on these engaging titles, showing how such crossover fiction appeals to fanbases of multiple genres. Complete with booklists, summaries, read-alikes, and thorough indexes, this guide: Covers suspense, fantasy, historical fiction, horror, mystery, romance, and science fiction, as well as non-genre titles that don't neatly fit into any categories Offers guidance for shelving, displaying, and marketing genre blends Shows how to make the most of online discovery tools in cataloging these titles Includes "Blend MVPs," a section spotlighting several popular authors who regularly move between genres, and a useful bibliography of additional resources Providing a unique look at how common genres are often combined, this guide will open up new worlds of fiction to readers' advisors and those whom they serve.

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.

As school districts across the United States increasingly question the need for trained librarians, this collection of research-based evidence helps make the case for a state-licensed librarian in every school. While serving on the AASL legislation committee, Mirah Dow recognized the urgent need to utilize research-based evidence to prove school librarians are much more than an educational luxury. This collection is the result. It brings together school library research studies and findings from the past decade and draws connections to how they can be applied to situations and questions that occur in practice. Taken as a whole, the research underscores that state-licensed, school librarians are a necessity for 21st-century students. Chapters center on important research studies from the past decade that examine data and locate school libraries within operational contexts. Methodologies are explained and findings summarized, while notes clarify practical applications for school librarians. Because each chapter includes a connection to broad realms of theoretical influence in the social sciences, the work will also be relevant to educators and public policymakers, arming them to better communicate research-based links between investments in school libraries and student learning outcomes. Utilizes evidence-based findings to explain why school libraries-and trained librarians-matter Illustrates the progression of ideas around current education debates Shares numerous examples of quantitative and qualitative research design and application Summarizes the importance of each study and its practical application for working school librarians

This readable and practical book examines the changes in school libraries brought by the digital revolution-and describes how new and experienced librarians can take advantage of them. Both a book of practical solutions to today's budgetary and staffing problems in school libraries as well as an advocacy book, The Indispensable Librarian: Surviving and Thriving in School Libraries in the Information Age, Second Edition provides a practice-based overview of all management topics that also supplies real-world scenarios, step-by-step instructions, and pragmatic solutions to specific problems. In this follow-up to his original book, Doug Johnson offers more practical methods and sage advice for leveraging technology's popularity and effectiveness to build stronger programs and cultivate beneficial professional connections and friendships. He defines and clarifies the role of the school library media specialist in a technologically enhanced school, providing relevant examples and useful advice on a variety of topics; and underscores the importance of strong management skills, especially regarding collaborative planning and communications. The book is written especially for K-12 school librarians, both new and experienced, and is also suitable for pre-service librarians as a textbook. Provides both practical and visionary insights from an experienced, currently practicing librarian/library supervisor Supplies accessible and often humorous coverage of the subject without being simplistic Includes provocative ideas to stimulate thought and discussion Highlights the impact of technology on the library program and serves as a straightforward guide to changes needed in the field Offers an essential foundation of all aspects of managing a school library program