In times of recession, the library is more critical than ever for those who want to start a business and need to do research, and academic and public libraries are at the heart of a growing need to research business questions. An "accidental business reference librarian by trade," Ross explains how to provide quality reference help on issues from marketing to finance--for business people, students, and even business faculty. Honing in on fundamentals, this practical guide - Explains how to conduct the reference interview, with tips for helping clients help themselves - Identifies important business resources, both free and fee-based - Offers chapters devoted to industry and market information; small-business needs; international business research; investing and the stock market; and marketing and demographics A detailed bibliography functions as both a standing reference for desk use as well as a collection development aid for building a core business collection. Including numerous illustrative case studies, Making Sense of Business Reference takes the guesswork out of doing business research.

The all-in-one "Reference reference" you've been waiting for, this invaluable book offers a concise introduction to reference sources and services for a variety of readers, from library staff members who are asked to work in the reference department to managers and others who wish to familiarize themselves with this important area of librarianship. Written in an accessible style and designed for everyday use, it presents an overview of the basic tools and techniques of reference work, including - "Reference Services," a section addressing such important topics as telephone reference, the reference interview, and electronic reference - "Reference Sources," chapters which focus on types of reference tools, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, handbooks, and almanacs - Appendixes with key documents prepared by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) and an annotated bibliography An excellent training tool for both new and experienced staff, Fundamentals of Reference will quickly become your fundamental reference!

This book provides practical strategies and step-by-step plans for developing advocacy initiatives for school libraries. School libraries provide an essential service to the community, but without proper funding few libraries stand a chance to maintain the resources they offer-or to survive at all. School librarians can play an instrumental role in the survival of their programs. This how-to book provides school librarians with effective advocacy and activism strategies for promoting and improving their library programs. Activism and the School Librarian: Tools for Advocacy and Survival offers straightforward, practical approaches for creating advocacy programs. This guidebook examines the characteristics for becoming an advocate, explores the meaning of advocacy/activism as an effort that is ongoing and proactive, and provides the steps required for initiating a successful program. The contributors address the various types of advocacy and activism, including legislative advocacy at the local, state, and national levels; school and district level programs; and community-based initiatives. The book includes expert advice from successful advocates and provides helpful reproducible tools. Practical advice from expert advocates Step-by-step guidance for developing an advocacy program A comprehensive glossary of terms An examination of the proactive role of school librarians in successful advocacy initiatives

A comprehensive guide to creating dynamic, successful, and innovative library programs that cater to the specialized needs of older adults-an important and growing user group. Crash Course in Library Services for Seniors provides a refreshingly positive approach to working with older adults-one that focuses on the positive effects of aging on patrons, and the many opportunities that libraries can create for themselves by offering top-notch services delivered with a concierge mindset. The book offers page after page of great programming ideas specifically for reaching out to Baby Boomers and older customers-a population that is predicted to double over the next 20 years. Organized in only six chapters, this easy-to-read book provides practical suggestions for making any library a welcoming place for older adults, covering topics such as assessment, planning, programming, services, marketing, and evaluation. This title will be invaluable to public librarians interested in expanding and improving their current programming for older adults within their community, and for those looking to create entirely new programming for seniors.

This full-color book provides a practical approach to incorporating graphic inquiry across the curriculum for school library media specialists, technology coordinators, and classroom teachers. It's new. It's graphic. And it is the first of its kind. Designed to bridge theory and actual practice, Graphic Inquiry contains applications for new and practicing educators and librarians that can truly bring classroom learning into the 21st century. This visually rich book provides numerous, standards-based inquiry activities and projects that incorporate traditional materials as well as emerging social and collaborative technologies. This full-color book provides real-world strategies for integrating graphic inquiry across the curriculum and is specifically designed to help today's educators identify tools and techniques for using graphic inquiry with their students. Although research is cited and references are provided, lengthy text passages are avoided in favor of practical, visual examples rooted in best practice and presented in graphic format. Readers will view this book as a quick reference to timely, realistic activities and approaches as compared to a traditional textbook. Dozens of references and virtual links to associated resources

"Coming Full Circle: A Guide to Service-Learning" is a unique, stand-alone text for courses that connect service to the community to the acquisition of academic knowledge courses that ask students to venture into the outside world, and engage in the problems and projects of the communities surrounding their schools. The book begins with an explanation of service-learning, its roots, and definitions of useful terms. The three subsequent chapters discuss reflection, culture, and reciprocity, and how these apply to real-world service environments. Later chapters address the guiding issues of service-learning, including:
- Diversity
- Social Welfare
- Environment
- Education
- Social Change
- Responsive Citizenship
The book concludes with an epilogue that encourages students to reflect on what they have learned and experienced. While other texts focus on theory, "Coming Full Circle" emphasizes the how-to of the discipline, providing students with a clear roadmap for involvement in service fields. Written in a student-friendly, accessible style, the book combines academic instruction with participation through service. It encourages students to reflect on their service experiences, and to grow as responsive citizens. More than a textbook, "Coming Full Circle" is also an effective aid to self-awareness and personal development. "Coming Full Circle" can be used in sociology and education courses, as well as in classes dealing with human development. It is also an excellent supplementary text for psychology and political science courses.
Dr. Joyce Duncan is an instructor in the Department of Human Development & Learning at East Tennessee State University, where she teaches stand-alone service-learning courses. As part of her teaching, Dr. Duncan has facilitated thousands of hours of student involvement in the regional community. She is the author/editor of a variety of works, including "Ahead of Their Time: A Biographical Dictionary of Risk-Taking Women and Sport in American Culture." Dr. Duncan is the editor of "Aethlon: The Journal of Sport Literature," the managing editor of the Sport Literature Association, and on the editorial board of the "Journal of Popular Culture."
Teresa Brooks Taylor is a graduate of the University of Tennessee. She has been involved with service-learning, both directly and indirectly, for over fifteen years. Currently, she manages the campus wide Service-Learning program at East Tennessee State University, where she coordinates placements and projects, and deals directly with faculty, staff, students, and the community. Teresa supervises the local affiliate of the national program, America Reads, and is a faculty member in Human Services. She has taught in various disciplines, including Human Services, Sociology, Women s Studies, and Service-Learning. In addition to teaching, she has worked extensively in the non-profit sector.

There is arguably no arena more contentious in the battle over intellectual freedom (IF) than the public library. When confronted with challenges like censorship and policy disputes, public librarians and paraprofessionals need reliable how-to guidance, and Pinnell-Stephens offers exactly that in this valuable resource. Chock-full of case studies, real-life examples, and hypothetical scenarios, this book provides An easy and thoroughly engaging way to introduce new employees to basic IF concepts Incisive analysis of how IF plays out in the world of public libraries Practical advice on how to effectively handle intellectual freedom challenges Numerous sidebars, written by IF expert Deborah Caldwell-Stone, detailing copyright laws, statutes, past court cases, and sample policies A concise summary of what s at stake and how to react, Protecting Intellectual Freedom in Your Public Library will prepare public library personnel to face the issues at hand.

Librarians have long looked for a single, comprehensive text to provide a solid introduction to the art and craft of instruction. With this book, now they have it. Information Basics for College Students provides critical information and knowledge relevant to library instructors-both for those just starting out in the field as well as experienced and seasoned pros-all in a single volume. It approaches topics directly relevant to instruction, such as preparation, assessment, teaching techniques, and communication with academic faculty. It also provides invaluable guidance for new instructors in developing personal processes by which they can continue learning, such as strategies for evaluating new classroom technologies and recommended national organizations for library instructors. The book also details the various roles that library instructors can play in campus planning and governance-activities that can be instrumental to career growth and advancement. Information Basics for College Students is essential reading for academic library instructors as well as those who are training to provide academic library instruction. Academic faculty and teachers interested in development of research skills at the college level will also benefit from selected sections of this book.

Vampires, zombies, ghosts, and ghoulies: there are more things going bump in the night than ever. So how do you wend your way through all of them to find the ones that interest a particular reader? RA expert Spratford updates her advisory to include the latest in monsters and the macabre, including * Lists of recommended titles, authors, and sub-genres, all cross-referenced for quick reference * Tips for effectively practicing horror RA, with interview questions for gauging a reader's interests * An expanded resources section, with an overview addressing the current state of horror lit, and suggestions of how to dig deeper As both an introductory guide for librarians just dipping their toes into the brackish water of scary fiction, as well as a fount of new ideas for horror-aware reference staff, Spratford's book is infernally appropriate.

School librarians need a simple action plan for overcoming the barriers to adopting School Library 2.0. This book provides one, and describes how fully integrating technology would dramatically benefit 21st-century schools. Web 2.0 and its associated tools have the power to substantially increase student achievement. This book has two straightforward primary purposes: to detail the research-based reasons classroom teachers fail to incorporate Web 2.0 tools into their instruction and collaboration with other educators; and to provide actionable strategies to rectify these omissions. The Secret Reasons Why Teachers Are Not Using Web 2.0 Tools and What School Librarians Can Do about It provides authoritative definitions of Web 2.0, explains the types of Web 2.0 tools suited for use in educational settings, examines the research-based reasons they are underutilized, and offers strategies for school librarians to model the use of technology-enabled tools-and for teaching others to do so. This book will benefit anyone wishing to effect a positive social change in improving student achievement: practicing K-12 librarians and educators, K-12 school and district administrators, and researchers in the field of K-12 education. Figures illustrating pertinent research statistics Screenshots of Web 2.0 tools appropriate for educational settings Links to suggested Web 2.0 tools for teachers and librarians Handouts for school librarians to use with staff

Created in consultation with teachers and public librarians, this fantastic collection of 101 ready-to-use book lists provides invaluable help for any educator who plans activities for children that involve using literature. Nancy J. Keane is the author of the award-winning website Booktalks-Quick and Simple (nancykeane.com/booktalks), as well as the creator of the open collaboration wiki ATN Book Lists. With 101 Great, Ready-to-Use Book Lists for Children, she provides another indispensable resource for librarians and teachers. The lists in this book are the result of careful consultation with teachers and public librarians, and from discussions on professional email lists. These indispensable reading lists can be used in many ways-for example, as handouts to teachers as suggested reading, to create book displays, or as display posters in the library. This collection will help educators support the extended reading demands of today's children.

Adults over the age of 55 constitute some of the most engaged and frequent users of public libraries. They may also be the most misunderstood. As Baby Boomers continue to swell their ranks, behavior and trends in older adults have changed dramaticaly in the last ten years--and most literature on this topic is hopelessly out of date. Schull, co-editor of Boomers and Beyond, helps improve the situation by * Presenting over a dozen case studies of public library programs for older adults, spotlightin best practices that can be applied at other institutions * Detailing a four-year program, presented by the Lifelong Access Libraries National Leadership Institute, that trains librarians to meet the needs of people over the age of 50 * Discussing issues such as creativity, health, financial planning, heritage adn planning, and intergenerational activities from the over-50 perspective, laying out the trends and implications for libraries * Including samples of materials that illustrate new approaches to policies, staffing, programs, services, partnerships, and publicity Containing the keys to reshaping library services for older adults, Schull's book needs to be in the collection of every public library.

Technology may not be a magic wand, but innovative technology programming can genuinely help children become adept at navigating our increasingly wired world while also helping them develop deductive reasoning, math, and other vital literacy skills. One of the simplest and most powerful tools for technology-based public library programming is called Scratch. It's a free, easy-to-use programming language that can be used to create everything from 3-D animation and graphics to music-enhanced presentations and games. This book * Explains how to use Scratch, and how it has already been used in libraries around the country to create technology workshops for youth * Guides readers through workshop planning, focusing on targeting youth ranging from teens to younger elementary students * Presents advocacy tools so that organizers can make the case to their insitution's managers, administrators, and other stakeholders * Provides reliable and field-tested techniques for time management, locating and training volunteers (teen and adult), and identifying and working with community partners * Includes workshop templates as well as sample participant evaluation checklists Storytimes for the digital age, technology-based workshops are important opportunities for supplementing and complementing education for all youth; this book fosters a different kind of thinking about what literacy in the 21st century really entails.

Best-selling children's author Reid knows a thing or two about getting kids' attention and holding it. His advice? Cut out the blah-blah-blah and make 'em laugh In his new book, aimed squarely at the preschool/elementary school crowd, he highlights dozens of programming and title suggestions that are surefire ways to banish young ones' yawns permanently, including Humorous lesson plans, organized by age group, with storytelling tips for maximum yuks Several book lists of the funniest titles published since 2000, encompassing picture books, books for beginning readers, graphic novels and Manga, juvenile fiction, poetry, and other literature More than a dozen original fingerplays, songs, activities and stories, along with a new "Rappin' Rob Rap" With the hilarious ideas and ready-to-use programs in this book, your storytimes will be the laugh factory of the library

Building on the author's work in The Big Book of Teen Reading Lists, this book provides 101 new and revised reading lists created in consultation with teachers and public librarians-an invaluable resource for any educator who plans activities for children that involve using literature. Nancy J. Keane is the author of the award-winning website Booktalks-Quick and Simple (nancykeane.com/booktalks), as well as the creator of the open collaboration wiki ATN Book Lists. With her latest book, 101 Great, Ready-to-Use Book Lists for Teens, she provides another indispensable resource for librarians and teachers. The lists in this book are the result of careful consultation with teachers and public librarians, and from discussions on professional email lists. These indispensable lists can be utilized in many ways-for example, as handouts to teachers as suggested reading, to create book displays, or as display posters in the library. This collection will facilitate the creation of valuable reading lists to support the extended reading demands of today's teens.

Authored by an experienced librarian, digital resource manager, and professor in the field of library science, this book explores the wide-reaching impact of second-generation web technologies on library organization and services-and how library staff must respond. Most librarians are infinitely familiar with the Internet due to their daily use of this essential resource. However, having practical expertise with today's digital resources does not guarantee the ability to speak intelligently and convincingly about their less-obvious benefits to funding authorities-an important skill to have. Beyond the Browser: Web 2.0 and Librarianship overviews the history of libraries and the Internet to provide necessary perspective and then examines current and future trends in libraries. In Part I, the author traces the notion of connectivity from its roots in the 19th century through the rise of digital technology in the second half of the 20th, concluding with a discussion of its influence on the role expectations and performance of today's information professional. Part II investigates the evolutionary impact of open access, scholarly inquiry, and second-generation web technologies on library organization and services. A bibliography of helpful resources is also included.

Categorizing hundreds of popular biographies according to their primary appeal-character, story, setting, language, and mood-and organizing them into thematic lists, this guide will help readers' advisors more effectively recommend titles. Read On...Biography: Reading Lists for Every Taste is that essential go-to readers' advisory guide, filling a gap in the growing readers' advisory literature with information about 450 biography titles, most published within the last decade, but also including some classic titles as well. The book focuses on life stories written in the third person, with subjects ranging from individuals who lived in ancient times to the present-day, hailed from myriad nations, and gained fame in diverse fields. The contents are organized in order to facilitate identification of read-alikes and easy selection of titles according to appeal features such as character, story, language, setting, and mood. Written specifically with librarians and their patrons in mind, this readers' advisory title will be invaluable in public, high school, and college libraries. A chronology of the history of the biography genre Brief reviews of over 450 high interest biographies

Learn the concept of passive programming and get started easily with plans for implementing a wide array of intergenerational programs in libraries with this professional primer. Libraries are an integral part of the community, a fact that can often be overlooked in today's world of home-based online research. Passive programs encourage patrons to linger-either in the library or on the library's website-and promote a connection to the library's collections, its services, and the community. Librarian's Guide to Passive Programming: Easy and Affordable Activities for All Ages presents plans for 32 passive programs designed to capture the attention of library patrons. Each chapter-which contains programs grouped thematically-details the steps necessary to reproduce the programs, and includes supporting handouts, activities, and photographs. This helpful guide also examines what passive programming is, why passive programming is relevant, and offers strategies across all aspects of its implementation-from developing program ideas to evaluating program success. Step-by-step instructions for more than 30 individual programs Lists of supplies and resources needed for program implementation Alternative approaches for how to adapt the program for in-house or online use Strategies for developing, marketing, and evaluating passive programs

With more than 500 original descriptive annotations in over 70 thematic lists, this unique compilation makes it easy for adult readers and librarians to discover graphic novel reads that satisfy their interests and reading tastes. Graphic novels are not the junk food of the literature world. Indeed, this inventive, high-quality storytelling medium comprises satisfying adult literature that can contain and express as much intellect, moral conflict, depth, and complexity as other artistic formats, embracing all genres, fiction and non-fiction alike. Read On...Graphic Novels: Reading Lists for Every Taste fulfills the promise of its title, providing more than 500 original annotations organized within 70 thematic lists. The broad selection of titles is further categorized by key appeal elements, including story, character, setting, language, and mood, providing unique access points that allow discovery of interests to transcend subject headings in catalogs. The selection encompasses all genres, ranging from literary fiction to mystery to science fiction, and from superhero stories to family sagas to coming-of-age tales. Nonfiction titles-memoirs, travelogues, history, and text books-are also well represented, as are international graphic novels, including the extremely popular manga category (Japanese graphic novels).

Today, the field of academic archives is more expansive and complex than ever before. In addition to college and university archives, academic archives encompass records management programs, special collections departments, and other campus archival repositories. This new definition of academic archives programs has redefined the role, and training, of academic archivists. This book gives you the tools to fill that role, including collection strategies, a management plan for electronic records, and development strategies for starting a campus records management program, and an understanding of the emerging trends affecting all archivists. Table of Contents: Chapter 1: The Path to Academic Archives Chapter 2: The Mission of College and University Libraries and Academic Archives Chapter 3: Special Collections and Academic Archives Chapter 4: Mission and Vision Building Chapter 5: Records Management Chapter 6: Collection Development Chapter 7: Acquiring, Processing, and Managing Collections Chapter 8: Public and Research Services Chapter 9: Digital Frontiers and Electronic Challenges Chapter 10: Emerging Trends and the Horizon Academic Archives is designed to appeal to archivists of all ranks and experience, archivists working both inside and outside of academic libraries, archivists in training, other information professionals, library directors, and members of the academic community. If you want to start an archives program, update an existing archives program, begin a career in academic archives, or remain current on recent developments, you'll find valuable advice in this timely addition to the Archivist's and Records Manager's Bookshelf Series

Some students are more "challenging" than most. This book helps school librarians prevent, deal with, and overcome discipline problems they may face when communicating with K-12 students. Positive Classroom Management Skills for School Librarians is a rich, highly needed collection of strategies and methods for building and maintaining a positive learning environment in the library classroom. Appropriate for both pre-service and practicing school librarians at all grade levels, this book provides suggested techniques and examples of best practices for managing students in a school library. This invaluable information has been obtained from observations of school librarians and from discussions with pre-service students, and based upon coauthor Kay Bishop's 20 years of experience as a school librarian in various library settings. Specific topics covered include establishing positive relationships between students and school librarians; characteristics of students in different grade levels; techniques that librarians can use for effectively managing students in the school library; ways to relate with diverse students, including students with special needs; managing students as they utilize technology in library settings; and designing a school library environment to avoid potential discipline problems. Index provides easy access to information about specific topics and groups of students

Whether or not ""instruction"" appears in their job titles, librarians are often in the position of educating their users, colleagues, and peers to successfully locate and evaluate information. Because MLIS education tends to offer less-than-comprehensive preparation in pedagogy and instructional design, this much-needed book tackles the challenge of effective teaching and training head-on. Char Booth, an avid library education and technology advocate, introduces a series of concepts that will empower readers at any level of experience to become better designers and presenters, as well as building their confidence and satisfaction as library educators. Laying the foundation for effective teaching, Booth outlines a four-part framework of Instructional Literacy, which includes . Reflective Practice: tools for improving learning in the moment and developing a teacher identity, as well as approaches to collaboration and creating communities of practice.Educational Theory: evidence-based strategies in learning and instructional research.Teaching Technologies: evaluating and integrating technology in learning using a practical ""toolkit"" approach.Instructional Design: a systematic and outcomes-based strategy for developing and assessing learning experiences. This foundation is supplemented by the USER Method, a step-by-step approach to creating learner-focused instruction. Tailored to library contexts, USER walks readers through understanding an instructional scenario,structuring content, engaging learners, and reflecting on outcomes. Also included are templates for instructional planning and technology evaluation, as well as practical advice and scenarios from those working in the field. Entailing a methodical approach to educating oneself about this emerging field, Booth's work helps librarians become better learners and teachers.

Time-strapped educators may wonder whether partnering with school librarians can realistically improve students' scores, but studies show that collaboration improves overall effectiveness in increasing students' reading comprehension. As part of the U.S.-wide drive to improve test scores and build a nation of readers, "Coteaching Reading Comprehension Strategies in Elementary School Libraries: Maximizing Your Impact," published by ALA Editions, offers proven teamwork tools to accomplish both goals. Judi Moreillon, a veteran teacher-librarian, updates "Collaborative Strategies for Teaching Reading Comprehension" to draw on cutting-edge research in instructional strategies, offering a clear, rigorous roadmap to teaching reading comprehension in a proven collaborative process. Incorporating the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, Moreillon presents: -Strategies for improving reading comprehension, complete with updated graphic organizers, sample lesson plans and technology-centered examples -Practical steps for streamlining the coteaching lesson-planning process, boiling it down to three levels of literacy development -Techniques for strengthening collaborative partnerships through flexible design and delivery -Guidance for incorporating library programs into research-driven teaching practices.

This time-saving program planner for librarians and classroom teachers alike includes everything you need to get started- reading lists, flannelboard patterns, poems, songs, easy crafts, even take-home activities to extend the learning process. The many creative ideas packed inside include - Activities keyed to popular classroom themes, with one chapter for each week of the school year - Lessons that reinforce skills in key learning areas such as reading, writing, and math - American Sign Language and Spanish language activities that make diversity awareness a part of children's learning - Teachable concepts that can be mixed and rearranged for maximum flexibility, complementing classroom schedules Both veterans and novices will find plenty to help make kindergarten days richer, more rewarding, and more fun.