Common Core standards, OER, STEM, and collection development-where to begin? This book investigates these critical topics together to give you the power to transform your collection and practice and put your school library at the center of STEM. Curricula that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) areas of study aren't just important for furthering competency and careers in these fields; STEM helps ensure that future generations include inventive and critical thinkers. Digital resources offer a current, exciting direction to involve school librarians with their STEM teachers. With its specific focus on open digital multimedia learning resources, this book will enable school librarians to take advantage of this opportunity and evaluate, build, and maintain their STEM collections. The book comprises three sections: an overview of policy initiatives; a thorough exploration of STEM education policy, digital materials, and collection considerations; and detailed explanations of strategies for collection development and promotion. You'll learn how to perform a collection analysis to determine the age and extent of your STEM collections and make priorities for enriching them with appropriate digital multimedia resources as well as how to classify resources using Dewey and Sears and with regard to the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards. Authored by a former school administrator and school librarian with 15 years' experience working on K-12 STEM initiatives Enables school librarians to understand the nature and importance of STEM as well as the value of including high-quality, free STEM digital multimedia in library collections Presents effective strategies for promoting collections to ultimate beneficiaries including learners, educators, parents, community members, and, importantly, other school librarians Gives school librarians specific criteria and sources with which to build STEM collections that meet national standards for science, health, technology, engineering, and mathematics as well as to select resources that cross curriculum areas

This is an ideal resource for joining the maker movement, no matter the size of your public library or resource level. Libraries of all sizes and resource levels are finding ways to support community innovation and creativity through maker programming-and successful programs don't require dedicating an entire area of the library to makerspace activities or sophisticated technologies such as 3D printers. Make It Here: Inciting Creativity and Innovation in Your Library provides a complete, step-by-step guide for starting a makerspace program at your library and follows through with instructions for operation and building on your success. This book takes you step-by-step through starting your maker program-from finding the right "makerspace mix," making a plan, and working with staff to establishing funding and support, launching your makerspace, and evaluating and refining your programs. The authors provide guidance based on their personal experiences in creating and developing maker programs in their libraries as well as feedback and lessons learned from library makers across the country. You'll see how easy it can be to bring their ideas to life in ways that will empower your community, and be encouraged to be bold and think outside of the box when imagining the possibilities. Explains why the maker movement and libraries are a perfect match Includes makerspace ideas and programs for all ages, not just teens Written by authors with personal experience creating maker programming in a short amount of time with a limited budget Supplies ideas and anecdotes from makerspaces and innovators across the United States that will inspire staff at all levels

Defining both the Common Core Standards and the school librarian's role in their implementation, this book offers ready-to-use lesson plans and other tools for grades K-5 and identifies opportunities for collaborative teaching. As elementary schools in nearly all 50 states are faced with meeting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), school librarians need to understand the challenges and have lesson plans ready to help. This resource introduces the CCSS in English and mathematics to K-5 librarians and aides, helping them to understand the concepts, analyzing the impact on the school library, and providing lesson plans, resources, and other tools for implementation in integrated instruction with other curricula and collaborative teaching with other elementary teachers. Based upon the authors' own experiences in adopting the CCSS in their school, the included exemplar lesson plans and ideas are designed to support school librarians as they begin to collaborate with teachers in using the Common Core Standards in their daily classroom instruction. The book also discusses the opportunities for advocacy that result from the librarian's instrumental role in implementing the CCSS, both as a staff developer and a collaborative partner teacher. Defines the Common Core State Standards in English and mathematics Draws parallels to American Association of School Librarians (AASL) standards Discusses the impact of the CCSS on specific aspects of library administration, such as policies and collection management Examines how CCSS affects classroom and collaborative instruction in the library Identifies opportunities for the librarian to help in staff development in the CCSS

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

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

eResearch presents new challenges in managing data. This book explains to librarians and other information specialists what eResearch is, how it impacts library services and collections, and how to contribute to eResearch activities at their parent institutions. Today's librarians need to be technology-savvy information experts who understand how to manage datasets. Demystifying eResearch: A Primer for Librarians prepares librarians for careers that involve eResearch, clearly defining what it is and how it impacts library services and collections, explaining key terms and concepts, and explaining the importance of the field. You will come to understand exactly how the use of networked computing technologies enhances and supports collaboration and innovative methods particularly in scientific research, learn about eResearch library initiatives and best practices, and recognize the professional development opportunities that eResearch offers. This book takes the broad approach to the complex topic of eResearch and how it pertains to the library community, providing an introduction that will be accessible to readers without a background in electronic research. The author presents a conceptual overview of eResearch with real-world examples of electronic research activities to quickly increase your familiarity with eResearch and awareness of the current state of eResearch librarianship. Provides librarians and other information professionals with a clear understanding of what eResearch is and how it impacts library mission, services, and collections Defines and explains key eResearch terms and concepts Describes eResearch library initiatives and identifies best practices Identifies potential eResearch activities areas such as providing assistance with data management plans, depositing data, collecting and disseminating data sets, collaborating with faculty on eResearch projects, performing research consultations, and creating train-the-trainer programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the first book to seriously examine the future of libraries in a climate reality-based context, Henk convincingly argues that building a carbon-neutral future for libraries is not only essential but eminently practical. Using the "three E's" of sustainability (ecology, economy, equity) as a foundation, she traces the development of sustainability from its origins in the 1970s to the present, laying out a path librarians can take at their own institutions to begin the process of building a carbon-neutral library. Rooted in the latest science but firmly focused on concrete action, her book Makes the case for sustainable libraries, tying the values that define the profession to the necessity of rethinking library operations and services in light of climate change Guides readers through the first steps, with advice on starting the conversation, conducting outreach to stakeholders, and forming a sustainability committee Includes a Sustainability Assessment and a sample sustainability plan that libraries can tailor for use at their own institution Looks at the challenges of technology and corporate power in the library, addressing the power imbalance between large corporations and libraries and suggesting alternatives to the status quo Discusses how libraries can combine strong advocacy with powerful activism to propel the library world into a socially just, safely powered world Offers a bibliography of additional resources Written by an activist who is also a working librarian, the book's balance between scientific research and step-by-step action will prove stimulating for library planners, administrators, LIS students, and anyone with an interest in climate change, sustainability, and libraries.

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

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

Prepared in collaboration with the Medical Library Association, this completely updated, revised, and expanded edition lists classic and up-to-the-minute print and electronic resources in the health sciences, helping librarians find the answers that library users seek. Included are electronic versions of traditionally print reference sources, trustworthy electronic-only resources, and resources that library users can access from home or on the go through freely available websites or via library licenses. In this benchmark guide, the authors Include new chapters on health information seeking, point-of-care sources, and global health sources Focus on works that can be considered foundational or essential, in both print and electronic formats Address questions librarians need to consider in developing and maintaining their reference collections When it comes to questions involving the health sciences, this valuable resource will point both library staff and the users they serve in the right direction.

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

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

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.

Focusing on new reference sources published since 2008 and reference titles that have retained their relevance, this new edition brings O Gorman's complete and authoritative guide to the best reference sources for small and medium-sized academic and public libraries fully up to date. About 40 percent of the content is new to this edition. Containing sources selected and annotated by a team of public and academic librarians, the works included have been chosen for value and expertise in specific subject areas. Equally useful for both library patrons and staff, this resource Covers more than a dozen key subject areas, including General Reference; Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics; Psychology and Psychiatry; Social Sciences and Sociology; Business and Careers; Political Science and Law; Education; Words and Languages; Science and Technology; History; and Performing Arts Encompasses database products, CD-ROMs, websites, and other electronic resources in addition to print materials Includes thorough annotations for each source, with information on author/editor, publisher, cost, format, Dewey and LC classification numbers, and more Library patrons will find this an invaluable resource for current everyday topics. Librarians will appreciate it as both a reference and collection development tool, knowing it's backed by ALA's long tradition of excellence in reference selection.

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