The vast array of social media options present a challenge to today's busy librarians: it's tough to keep current, let alone formulate a plan for using these tools effectively. Solomon, a librarian with extensive experience in web development, design, and technology, cuts to the chase with this invaluable guide to using social media in any kind of library. With a straightforward and pragmatic approach, she enlarges her best-selling ALA Editions Special Report on the topic and Presents an overview of the social media world, providing context for services like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and analyses how adults' and teens' use of social media impacts the library Offers advice on easy ways to use these tools on a daily basis, with planning strategies for posting and scheduling Addresses the fine points of Facebook, comparing the various types of profiles and accounts Guides readers in the basics of crafting eye-catching status updates, and other social media best practices Shows how to manage and monitor accounts, including pointers on dealing with negative feedback Including a bibliography of additional resources, Solomon's guide will empower libraries to use social media as a powerful tool for marketing, outreach, and advocacy.

Explore exciting programs and initiatives that can both engage undergraduate students with academic libraries and assist academic librarians in creating a vibrant library atmosphere. In spite of the doom and gloom predicted in the press for the future of libraries, these institutions aren't at the top of the endangered species list just yet. Librarians who are focusing significant attention and staffing resources on undergraduates-and are thinking creatively about what engages this specific group of students-are forging the future for academic libraries. Student Engagement and the Academic Library explores how initiatives that involve high impact educational practices and other creative programs can effectively engage undergraduate students with academic libraries. The methodologies described in this work serve to draw students in and make their learning meaningful, both through curricular initiatives as well as through co-curricular and self-initiated activities, disciplinary initiatives, and partnerships across the university. This book will benefit any librarian seeking to further engage their college-age student populations, and will be especially helpful to libraries that are struggling to establish their programs and initiatives with today's students.

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!

Something sinister is afoot out there-and this newly updated readers' advisory has all the clues to help librarians solve the mystery of which titles readers should check out next. Equally useful for novice librarians and seasoned gumshoes, this handbook: Summarises the history of mystery fiction, highlighting key figures in its development Covers the latest and most popular classic titles in the genre, as well select suspense and thriller fiction with crossover appeal Offers examples of how library staff can help readers move back and forth from fiction to nonfiction Suggests ways to conduct an effective reference interview With several well-chosen booklists, practical programming ideas, and a brand new compendium of print and web-based resources, your only crime would be not adding this guide to your collection!

Richard J. Cox's fifteenth book on archival studies related topics, this collection of essays responds to anxieties affecting the archival profession as societal changes highlight the importance of archives and records-keeping and begin to push archival work in new directions. The initial part of the book consists of three essays exploring the notion of archival calling, including a lesson about a lost opportunity for advocating the critical importance of the archival mission and a very personal reflection on the author's own calling into the archival field. The second part of the book concerns one of the pre-eminent challenges of our time, government secrecy, and how, if left unchallenged, it can undermine the societal role of the archival profession. The third part of the book considers one of the most important issues facing archivists, indeed, all information professionals, the possession of a practical ethical perspective. The fourth and final part of the book concerns the matter of teaching the next generation of archivists in the midst of all the change, debates, and controversies about archives and archivists. In a brief concluding reflection, the author offers some final advice to the archival community in charting its future.

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

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.

How do college students really conduct research for classroom assignments? In 2008, five large Illinois universities were awarded a Library Services and Technology Act Grant to try to answer that question. The resulting ongoing study has already yielded some eye-opening results. The findings suggest changes ranging from simple adjustments in service and resources to modifying the physical layout of the library. In this book Asher and Duke, two anthropological researchers involved with the project since the beginning, * Summarize the study's history, including its goals, parameters, and methodology * Offer a comprehensive discussion of the researach findings, touching on issues such as website design, library instruction for faculty, and meeting the needs of commuter and minority students * Detail a number of service reforms which have already been implemented at the participating institutions This important book deepens our understanding of how academic libraries can better serve students' needs, and also serves as a model for other researchers interested in a user-centered approach to evaluating library services.

"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.

How do libraries deal with angry comments on their websites, blogs, or social networks? Does having a security staff actually help defuse angry users? How can library staff members best respond to frustrated users who get angry in a chat reference setting? Here, renowned library consultant Rhea Rubin deals with these questions and more in Defusing the Angry Patron: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians, Second Edition. New technologies for service delivery have ushered in new venues for frustration. To help librarians know how to react in the face of patron anger, Rubin adds five new coping strategies to the 20 basic ones she introduced in the first edition. All of them have been updated them in light of key changes, including virtual reference service and the Web 2.0 phenomenon. A whole new chapter addresses anger in the digital landscape. This very practical how-to shows how effective staff training and intentional behaviors can positively affect patron behavior, minimize altercations, and ease the stress of public services staff. Library staff members looking for effective ways to prevent and handle anger-driven confrontations with their patrons will find Rubin's revised text an exceptionally useful, applicable, and enlightening guide.

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.

Increasingly, libraries are struggling to deal with a growing diversity in the cultural background of their patrons. Problems arising from this cultural diversity afflict all library types school, public and academic. Library Services for Multicultural Patrons is by and for all libraries that are striving to provide multicultural services to match the growing diversity in the cultural background of patrons. The book is designed to offer helpful tips and practical advice to academic, public, and school librarians who want to better serve the multicultural groups in their communities. The contributors to the book are themselves practicing librarians and they share creative ideas for welcoming multicultural patrons into libraries and strategies for serving them more effectively. Librarians will find in these chapters tried and true tips and techniques for marketing and promotion, improving reference services for speakers of English as a second language, and enhancing programming that they can easily implement in their own libraries and communities. The chapters are divided into the following categories for ease of access: 1) Getting Organized and Finding Partners, 2) Reaching Students, 3) Community Connections, 4) Applying Technology, 6) Outreach Initiatives, 6) Programming and Events, and 7) Reference Services. Librarians of all types will be pleased to discover easy-to-implement suggestions for collaborative efforts, many rich and diverse programming ideas, strategies for improving reference services and library instruction to speakers of English as a second language, marketing and promotional tips designed to welcome multicultural patrons into the library, and much more."

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

Successfully managing rare book collections requires very specific knowledge and skills. This handbook provides that essential information in a single volume. Rare Book Librarianship for the 21st Century is the first new rare books handbook of practice in 25 years. Authored by two special collections experts with extensive field experience, this book is also the first to discuss the role of digital technologies in managing a rare book collection. After a fascinating discussion of the history and current state of rare book libraries, this handbook provides a comprehensive account of the core skills and knowledge needed to be a successful rare book librarian. Topics include best practices for handling, housing, and conserving rare materials; collection development techniques; and user education and outreach. This book will serve as a handbook for practitioners in academic settings, large public libraries, and special libraries, and as a textbook for students in MLIS courses on rare book librarianship and curatorship. Provides a bibliography of reference resources for rare book librarians Includes sidebars with examples drawn from real-life experience

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

Written in clear, simple language, this book provides information that will help an aide or paraprofessional manage a school library. Setting up and managing a library media center is a complex task best handled by a certified and experienced librarian, but the fact of the matter is that many school districts have had to cut librarian positions and are attempting to fill the gaps with aides. School Library Management: Just the Basics describes the step-by-step process of setting up the management processes in a school library and outlines easy management concepts that will guide aides through challenges like setting up activity centers and establishing rules for behavior. With over three decades of experience in librarianship between them, the authors cover topics such as student incentives and rewards; scheduling and supervising computer usage; circulation procedures; training materials for volunteers; passes, book marks, and other patterns; and privacy issues. This book can also serve as an effective training guide for district librarians responsible for training aides who are running multiple centers. Illustrations by the authors An index enables easy searching

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

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

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.

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.

This comprehensive book takes the reader through the necessary steps to develop user buy-in and assistance in creating a learner-driven library program. The result? A unique, exemplary school library program that is eligible for national awards. Creating an award-winning school library program involves more than simply following the guidelines and standards available that describe what an exemplary program should accomplish. Effecting the changes necessary is often a process that presents multiple challenges along the way-especially when there is insufficient buy-in to the changes. This updated second edition of Seven Steps to An Award Winning School Library Program begins with a description of an existing model school library program and then describes steps that emphasize how to develop user buy-in and assistance in achieving the results of a learner-driven library program. In addition to providing descriptions of detailed actions to perform, advice on working with staff, and background information on change theory, this book also includes practical documents, diagrams, processes, workshop ideas, lesson plans, and tips when filling out applications for awards.