This book will help public library administrators, managers, and board members to better plan, strategize, and understand their communities, enabling public libraries to become dynamic, proactive institutions. Research-Based Planning for Public Libraries: Increasing Relevance in the Digital Age takes readers through a logical and effective process for developing a plan and implementing it within the various functions of the library. Grounded in research and best practices, the book offers practical, easy-to-implement advice and direction for today's public library administrators, managers, and board members. Covering everything from goal-setting, policy-making, and budgeting, to collections, promotions, and access and evaluation, the book details how to better provide and promote access, convey its value to customers, and make the library a more integral part of the community. The author inspires library staff and administrators to reinvent themselves to meet-and overcome-the current challenges they face. The information is specifically tailored towards public librarians, particularly those in management or administration, as well as to LIS faculty and students of public librarianship and library management. Presents a game plan to help public libraries become dynamic, pro-active institutions through well-researched and optimized planning and strategizing Offers practical, easy-to-implement advice Provides information grounded in current research

This insightful book reviews the current research on literacy programming, examines the latest standards for strengthening reading skills, and provides educators, families, and caregivers methods for building successful reading habits in and out of the classroom. Research indicates that children need more than classroom instruction to become proficient readers. Unfortunately, few parents realize how simple, everyday practices can build a lifelong love of reading. Educators, diligent with employing mandatory literacy standards, may overlook families and support systems as tools for improving student performance. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the various methods of reading instruction, analyzing the pedagogy behind Sustained Silent Reading (SSR), the importance of reading aloud to children, and the necessity of working the home-school connection. For the Love of Reading: Guide to K-8 Reading Promotions provides strategies and tips for setting up successful reading environments for children, including having a well-stocked library collection; engaging students through book clubs, reading lists, and prepared book talks; and involving student and adult volunteers. The author asserts that the entire school community-teachers, librarians, parents, caregivers, and administrators-must work together to promote literacy. Includes a step-by-step implementation and explanation of each reading program Features forms, book talks, recommended book lists, photographs, and valuable websites Provides literacy workshop agendas for parents and caregivers Offers methods for soliciting and working with literacy volunteers Each reading program is described in detail to facilitate replication at public schools, public libraries, and home-schools An extensive list of vendors, professional development materials, and websites offer additional teaching support Prepared book talks, reading lists, and templates for programs provide the basis for immediate implementation Reading programs proven successful in inner city, rural, and suburban elementary and middle schools as well as public libraries are included

These volumes provide a series of informative interviews with school/teacher librarians practicing in different parts of the world. The 2-volume set showcases the resilience, creativity, and best practices from successful school librarians from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North and South America. The librarians interviewed come from all different schools and schools systems, from a tiny recently built school library in a rural village in Africa to an ultra-modern library in Sweden. Featuring 37 interviews with successful school librarians from across the globe, the volumes let us hear the stories from countries around the world. They tell about their creative and innovative school library projects, their unconventional reading programs, and their best practices and experiences in addressing the challenges of supporting basic literacy. A wide selection of methodologies and approaches are discussed, offering a global "voyage" through topics important in school librarianship. The 2-volume set also addresses recent advancements in information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the shift toward inquiry-based learning that impacts school libraries worldwide. The books are packed with information that can be used by school librarians, teachers, school administrators and others in a variety of ways. Readers can borrow best practices from the experiences presented in the book, and the volumes can also serve as a strong voice for practicing school librarians and the profession, through expanding the opportunities for professional sharing in the international school library community.

Provides a solid, foundational understanding of creativity that enables readers to elicit creative performance from their students. The first book of its kind in the school library field, The Creative Imperative: School Librarians and Teachers Cultivating Curiosity Together assists educators, school librarians, school counselors, and parents in learning about creativity and inquiry as well as how to foster these desired processes in school settings and beyond. The work begins by addressing the foundational aspects of creativity, and then discusses creativity within the educational setting, exploring how educators can be more creative themselves and coax creative performance from their students. The final part of the text focuses specifically on school libraries and the role of librarians in developing environments and opportunities for inquiry that nurture creativity. Presents unique content from prominent, expert authors on the contemporary topic of fostering creativity Challenges current practices in the quest to foster creative thinking Provides access to additional resources for reader follow-up Supplies practical how-tos for practitioners

In the ongoing evolution of the academic library, embedded librarianship has become an important topic of debate across levels and departments. This book delves into the concept, examining everything from theory to best practices. Is the embedded librarian an equal partner in the course, or is the librarian perceived as a "value-added" extra? What is the place of technology in this effort? Is there a line librarians should not cross? Taking into account both theory and practice to discuss multiple facets of the subject, Embedded Librarianship: What Every Academic Librarian Should Know thoroughly examines these questions and more from the perspectives of experienced embedded librarian contributors who have worked in higher education settings. The chapters illuminate the benefits and challenges of embedding, explain the planning required to set up an embedded course, identify the different forms of embedding, and consider information literacy instruction in various contexts. Readers who will benefit from this work include not only academic librarians but any professor who wants their students to be able to do better research in their fields. Includes a foreword by Steven J. Bell, president of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), addressing blended librarianship within the context of embedding the library into the curriculum or the librarian into the course Provides a detailed introduction to the embedded librarian concept and information to help a novice undertake the role of the embedded librarian Explores the opportunities and reasons for embedding, the demand for it, the challenges involved, and the potential benefits Presents several feasible models of embedding for the academic library setting

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.

With this practical guide, it's easy to implement the proven fun-and learning-of a read-it-forward program in your middle school library. Teens recommend books to other teens, offering a surefire way to promote books and reading. Finding the right book for each student is almost impossible if you serve several hundred students, as most school librarians do. Read It Forward offers an innovative way around that problem: a program that lets librarians saturate the school with a title that encourages middle school students to read for pleasure. As an added bonus, Read It Forward (RIF) creates learning opportunities that can be leveraged across the curriculum. The program presented here is based on the author's experience with a community RIF project that was a collaborative effort among nine middle school librarians from schools with varying needs and socioeconomic levels. This thoroughly practical book takes librarians through the process step by step, offering specific examples of what worked and what didn't, then showing how the process can be extended to almost any book. The author also discusses other aspects of running a successful RIF program-such as getting buy-in from school administrators, the PTA, and department chairs-so that parents and teachers can collaborate in the experience. An easy-to-follow process for creating an RIF program in any middle school Testimonials from those who have initiated and run RIF projects Specific examples of what works and what doesn't Resource lists from which librarians can draw in creating their own programs Offers librarians step-by-step guidance in running a read-it-forward project in which students are encouraged to read books then pass them on to others Shows how RIF encourages interest in reading for middle school students during a period when they often stop reading for recreation Discusses how RIF can provide a focus for library programming throughout the school year, connecting it to academics Demonstrates ways to get students excited about reading by connecting it to the curriculum they are studying

From the authors of the enormously popular Hipster Librarian's Guide to Teen Craft Projects comes an all-new selection of innovative ideas. These projects have been chosen especially to engage tweens and teens-and have been field-tested by YA librarian Amy Alessio's Teen Corps, students in grades 6-12 at the Schaumburg Township (IL) Public Library. For maximum fun, this book Includes a variety of crafts that make use of recycled and repurposed materials Lists the tools and equipment needed for each project, followed by step-by-step instructions and photographs Assigns a difficulty level, ideal group size, and suggests a timeframe for each activity Offers several "Quick-fire" options to fit crafting into shorter time slots With numerous projects easy enough to be assembled in the library either by groups or someone working alone, this book will get YA librarians, educators, and their students whipping up creative crafts in no time!

The skills of digital librarianship are more crucial than ever, and these same skills are in high demand outside the field, from tech startups undertaking digitization projects to digital humanities centers bringing together professors, computer scientists, and information technologists. Map out your career in this fast-growing field with the full range of perspectives gathered in this clear, concise overview of the core concepts and competencies of digital librarianship. Twenty-one experienced practitioners from a variety of settings offer realistic views of today's job market, typical project dynamics, and employer expectations. Whether you're a new graduate just starting out or a seasoned professional transitioning from a more traditional area such as cataloging or archives, you'll benefit from this book's valuable coverage of topics such as *Activities and roles of the digital librarian, including management of digital projects and collaboration *Developing and using transferable skills *Becoming familiar with metadata *How digital librarians are re-shaping scholarly publishing *The concept and framework of digital preservation best practices *Technical competencies such as XML and content management systems Familiarity with digital practices is increasingly important for all information professionals, and this book offers a solid foundation in the discipline.

Students and professionals alike can benefit from the information in this book, which offers insights into a range of topics in the field. For instructors, and undergraduate and graduate level students, it will serve as an introduction to records and information management in archives, records and information management programs. Experienced archives and records professionals, as well as supervisors and managers charged with oversight will get a new perspective on their field, while upper-level managers, executives, and other decision makers responsible for effectively managing their organization's information assets will find it a useful guide. This book follows the records and information lifecycle model, encompassing paper, electronic (databases, office suites, email, IM), and new media records (blogs, wikis), as well as records residing in "the cloud" (software as a service).

Most academic libraries could not operate without a host of part-time student workers. But employing students is different from filling a professional position with an experienced worker; often their library employment will be their first job experience. Since many student positions make them the public face of the library, effective mentoring of such student employees is vital. In this book Reale explores the challenges and opportunities involved in recruitment. Her guide Shows how a library job can be more than just employment, teaching students important responsibilities and life-skills Covers the entire scope of a student’s tenure at an academic library, from bringing new hires on board and training them to disciplining student employees and the unpleasant but sometimes necessary task of firing Offers mentoring advice for helping students navigate the cultural contrasts, irregular hours, and other day-to-day issues faced by young people away from home for the first time With Reale’s guidance, supervising academic librarians can effectively mentor students while maintaining an enjoyable, productive workplace that functions efficiently in support of the institution.

In the 1990s, a generation of women born during the rise of the second wave feminist movement plotted a revolution. These young activists funneled their outrage and energy into creating music, and zines using salvaged audio equipment and stolen time on copy machines. By 2000, the cultural artifacts of this movement had started to migrate from basements and storage units to community and university archives, establishing new sites of storytelling and political activism. The Archival Turn in Feminism chronicles these important cultural artifacts and their collection, cataloging, preservation, and distribution. Cultural studies scholar Kate Eichhorn examines institutions such as the Sallie Bingham Center for Women’s History and Culture at Duke University, The Riot Grrrl Collection at New York University, and the Barnard Zine Library. She also profiles the archivists who have assembled these significant feminist collections. Eichhorn shows why young feminist activists, cultural producers, and scholars embraced the archive, and how they used it to stage political alliances across eras and generations. A volume in the American Literatures Initiative

Information literacy and library instruction are at the heart of the academic library's mission. But how do you bring that instruction to an increasingly diverse student body and an increasingly varied spectrum of majors? In this updated, expanded edition, over twenty library instructors share their best practices for reaching out to today's unique users. Readers will find strategies and techniques for teaching college and university freshmen, community college students, students with disabilities, and those in distance learning programs. You will also find proven approaches to teaching students in the most popular programs of study, including: English Literature Art and Art History Film Studies History Psychology Science Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Hospitality International Marketing Music Anthropology Engineering Three additional chapters guide instructors through teaching legal, government information, and patent searching. Each chapter covers instructional design, lesson planning, library/faculty collaborations, marketing programs, assessment. Also included are sample lesson plans, presentations, brochures, worksheets, handouts, and evaluation forms.

Working with at-risk teens is a rewarding and often challenging endeavour. You know there's a need for library services that specifically reach this under served population, but you don't have the background information, administrative support, or the right resources at your disposal to get the job done. Based on best practices, practical suggestions and personal experiences from many leaders in the field today, Library Services for At-Risk-Teens: Bridging the Gap connects you with accessible and affordable programming ideas and ready-to-use templates, techniques, and tools to help you better serve this population, including teens who are homeless, incarcerated, or in foster care. You'll also learn how to gain support from library administration and community leaders as well as build meaningful relationships with the facilities designed to care for these disconnected youth.

Import of the Archive examines the role of archives in the United States' colonization of the Philippines between 1898 and 1916. During this period the archives played a critical part in the United States' entrenchment of a colonial state, exhibiting the flexibility and authority to enable arguments of the former colonial power's incompetence and the native population's incapacity. Based on extensive research of and in archives in the Philippines and the United States, this book urges readers to consider archival history within the context of America's imperial history. This book defines the archives broadly, as the accumulation material about a time proclaimed as "historic," as well as the records of the Bureau of Insular Affairs and the United States' Philippine Government, and the archives ceded by Spain per the treaty that ended the Spanish-American War.

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

Learn how to integrate pop culture and technology into school library programs and classrooms, and make today's digital content, mobile devices, and students' changing interests work to the educator's advantage. Today's school libraries need to evolve and meet the needs of 21st-century students-the instruction, programming, and library services must be relevant to today's learners. Additionally, the interactions between educators and the students are what make the critical difference in the students' learning, and turn the library and classroom into places where they will find, assimilate, experience, and understand information. This book provides practical strategies for using pop culture and technology trends to connect with easily distracted middle and high school students and hold their attention. Author Linda D. Behen addresses why school libraries are in transition and why there is a need for dramatic change. She discusses the evolution of all libraries in response to digital content; ubiquitous mobile devices such as smart phones, iPads, and other tablet computers; patrons' changing interests; and the ways in which schools and school libraries have found to effectively adapt to technology changes and student needs. This book is essential for middle and high school librarians and educators, library school students and instructors, and young adult public librarians. Provides annotated lists of recommended apps and effective media tools Examines what new methods and tools work best to engage the attention of this generation of students Explains how to teach students already comfortable with the Internet how to find, evaluate, understand, and assimilate information for both academic and personal purposes Demonstrates how to keep up and constantly change a library program to maintain its appeal

Providing descriptive annotations of the best children's picture books published in the last decade, this comprehensive overview is perfect for librarians, teachers, parents, daycare providers, and anyone who works with young children. It is both an excellent tool for collection development and an abundant resource for planning storytimes and other children's programming. With selections based on proven appeal and quality, Northrup's survey features An introductory essay on the nature of the picture book, and an explanation of the evaluation criteria Bibliographic information on each picture book, including author, illustrator, publisher, date, and age recommendation A thorough index for quick reference and an appendix of additional suggested resources Packed with ardent and insightful recommendations, this book makes it a snap to select and use just the right picture books.

This handbook provides librarians and technology specialists with the tools to understand the issues and challenges related to their counterparts' jobs, and find ways to work together for the betterment of all concerned. School Librarians and the Technology Department: A Practical Guide to Successful Collaboration was inspired by the authors' collective realization that far too often librarians and technology specialists fail to collaborate successfully, and sometimes even find their groups at odds with one another. This book is the antidote: it is a powerful call to establish and improve relationships between the two for the benefit of the students as well as the librarians and technology specialists themselves. The book begins by providing background information about the history of librarianship and the use of computer technology in schools. The authors trace the origins of the positions related to educational technology, such as "technology specialist," "teacher," and "director." The following chapters describe and address specific concerns of both librarians and technology specialists. Most importantly, this collaborative work offers practical suggestions for cooperation between these two groups of educators as they work together to offer the best possible materials and instructions to students. School Librarians and the Technology Department concludes by hypothesizing what the future holds in the realms of librarianship and technology in this rapidly changing information age. Provides readers with a solid understanding of what school librarians do and what technology specialists do Clarifies the unique challenges, ethical concerns, and goals of both librarians and technology specialists Presents ways for both librarians and technology specialists to increase harmony and productivity as they work in concert to serve students Examines specific ways to work for the best interest of all patrons-both students and their teachers

Many educators now agree that graphic novels inform as well as entertain, and to dismiss the educational potential of the graphic novel is to throw away a golden opportunity to reach out to young readers. This dynamic book takes a look at the term "graphic novel," how the format has become entwined in our culture, and the ways in which graphic novels can be used in the library and in the classroom. To set those unfamiliar with the format at ease, graphic novel expert Karp - Introduces the history, the symbols, and the conventions of the form - Provides annotated lists of core titles to help K-12 librarians build their collections - Offers lesson plans that use graphic novels to impart facts and enliven discussion on everything from life skills and dating to history A one-stop resource which keeps the school library firmly at center stage, this eye-opening book will change your view of graphic novels.

E-book vendors continue to experiment: adjustments to business models, consolidation of content, and mergers with competitors mean constant change. What’s good for innovation can equal confusion when it comes to choosing an e-book platform for your library. Making a sound purchasing decision requires research and close consideration of trade-offs, and Roncevic’s new issue of Library Technology Reports will get you started. Based on surveys of e-book vendors with an established presence in academic, public, and/or K–12 library markets, this report includes Background and business model descriptions for 51 leading e-book vendors Four tables comparing content, technical specifications, functionality, and business models An at-a-glance overview of platforms, including vendor website URLs Bulleted checklists of factors to consider, and questions to ask vendors An examination of the blurring channels of publisher, aggregator, and distributor platforms, with advice to help you avoid content overlap

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

How should teacher librarians or instructional leaders engage in action research to improve their school library and benefit students' learning? This book provides the answers. Teacher librarians need to get directly involved with the research process in the learning commons in order to create actions and strategies that will enhance student learning-and benefit their own professional development as well as demonstrate accountability through their action research efforts. This book provides practical tips and work spaces for educators at the local, state, and national levels, clearly modeling and explaining the process and the tools for conducting action research in a school library setting that will identify the program's strengths and weaknesses. The author coalesces current expert opinions on the topic of action research in the school library environment and highlighting what other teacher librarians in the field have identified as the pros and cons of using the process. Readers are directed to focus on mitigating the "cons" through the use of specific working pages and templates and by initially exploring "five favorite" links, thereby encouraging those who are new to action research to try what might otherwise seem a daunting process. School principals K-12 who read this book will be better equipped to support their teacher librarians and teachers in this important professional process. Supplies invaluable insights from experts and practitioners on the subject of action research Provides a clear model of the process in action Directs readers to additional resources that facilitate effective action research and timely topics for school library research, such as time management and technology in learning

Covering the genres popular with today's teens-fiction and nonfiction, including poetry and graphic novels-this resource provides 110 great book choices for young adult reading, interactive booktalks, and individual writing activities. All educators and library professionals need practical resources with easily accessible information and activities that can be immediately applied. Teen Talkback with Interactive Booktalks! is such a resource, supplying ready-to-use, interactive booktalks and curriculum connections for more than 100 recently published young adult books. This unique book is an invaluable tool for motivating teens to read. It shows how to make booktalks interactive and get teens participating in the presentation, rather than passively listening. Book selections include titles published from 2008 to 2012 organized in seven categories: Issues, Contemporary, Adventure/Survival, Mystery/Suspense, Fantasy, Heritage, and Multiple Cultures. Complete bibliographical information for each selection is included along with a literary classification as well as an age/grade level and gender designation. The read-alouds passages include talkback questions to facilitate discussion, and related works are supplied as suggestions for additional reading choices. Provides complete bibliographical information, literary designations, and age and gender suggestions Offers tools for custom-designing booktalks, noting passages for read-alouds with talkback questions and prominent themes Identifies related works and supplementary Internet sources Supplies values designations, lists of book trailers, and study guides that will be especially useful to school librarians

This book is an invaluable resource for school library aides who conduct storytime activities, providing everything from instruction on how to read to children to a week-by-week read aloud curriculum for the entire school year. School Library Storytime: Just the Basics is the perfect resource for library aides, paraprofessionals, or other library staff who conduct storytime in a school library media center. It provides all of the essential information, materials, and step-by-step guidance needed to facilitate these all-important events for children in kindergarten through second grade, allowing library staff without previous training or experience to get started with confidence. The fifth title in the highly regarded Just the Basics series, this book starts with an introduction, followed by explanations of how to read aloud and tips for managing and working with children in the primary grades. The authors suggest specific picture books that tie into school year-based themes and supply materials that can be used as listed or easily modified to meet the individual library's needs. Event-specific lessons are supplied for many weeks within the school year, making this title one that educators will rely on for storytime ideas from September through May. Follows the school calendar, providing a lesson for nearly every week of the school year Uses both fiction and nonfiction readalouds Supplies a resource page for each month