This collection of thoughtful essays discusses library trends and best practices in creating dynamic, effective, and enjoyable spaces for young adults. Young adult librarians face a wide of array of issues when planning spaces for teen patrons. At the same time, the "digital divide" has shrunk for many Americans in the past decade, and libraries are expected to keep up by providing more open access to mobile technologies, digital books, and online information-certainly a formidable challenge. Make Room for Teens!: Reflections on Developing Teen Spaces in Libraries serves as a thought-provoking tool for librarians who seeking guidance in creating, maintaining, and updating young adult spaces in their libraries. The essays contained within this book discuss the topic in clear language that is free from jargon, emphasizing illustrative (and sometimes humorous) anecdotes, experiential learning, and best practices. Rather than a "how-to" guide, the book provides a comprehensive thought exercise for librarians looking to better understand and create spaces for young adults and teenagers. Subjects addressed include important issues like common space, collection development, and the ways in which teens "own" a space, giving librarians an invaluable understanding of what a library space really "says" to young adults. Contains a helpful index to the topics discussed in the text

Based on a tested model for community analysis, this book offers a guide to the management of client-centered transformative information services that can be applied in any type of library or information agency. Knowing a community enables library and information professionals to prioritize the community's information needs and design appropriate services for them. Assessing Information Needs: Managing Transformative Library Services was written to provide the rationale for community analysis, a model for gathering community data, and a process for analyzing data and applying it to the management of an information agency. The book explains why information professionals should customize services, as well as the "how to" of collecting data. A model for gathering community information is described, applied, and demonstrated through a case study. The book then shows how such information is interpreted and used to plan information services that are transformative for individuals and groups in the case-study community, providing lessons that readers can use with their own institutions. Rooted in a philosophy of customer service, the method presented here is perfect for public, school, academic, and special libraries or other types of information agencies. A case study of a community analysis for a county library system, illustrating how the model can be applied 13 tables presenting information collected from the case study Several graphic models, presented and described References at the end of each chapter A bibliography at the end of the book

The first book published about independent school libraries since 1985, this work offers both the independent school library community and the broader school library community a wealth of insights into excellence in library practice. Independent School Libraries: Perspectives on Excellence offers readers insights into best practices in library services for school communities, using examples drawn from independent schools of various sizes, descriptions, and locations across the United States. Two overview essays introduce a statistical analysis of independent schools. Each of the remaining essays provides perspective on a different aspect of library practice, including staffing, advocacy, assessment, technology, collaboration, programs beyond the curriculum, intellectual freedom and privacy, budgeting, accreditation, disaster planning, and more. Because independent school librarians work across divisions and without a mandate to adhere to state or national standards, they have the freedom to explore and refine best practice in a school library setting. Fortunately, the ideas and methods they have developed, many of which are on display here, can be applied in any school library.

This holistic guide explains how school librarians and teachers can successfully integrate relevant health concepts and life skills throughout the curriculum for students K through 12. In the United States, convenience food and soft drink-based diets, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, and obesity have become common in youth culture. The importance of health education merits integration throughout school curricula; unfortunately, research shows that many teachers do not feel prepared to teach health issues within their subject areas. This book will encourage all librarians and teachers—no matter their specific area of instruction—to include health lessons in their teaching. Health Information in a Changing World: Practical Approaches for Teachers, Schools, and School Librarians provides a complete action plan for librarians and teachers who want to provide better health information to students and their caregivers. It contains an extensive discussion of teaching health within curriculum areas such as literature, history and biography, art, science and mathematics, industrial technology, and agriculture. Tips on accessing and evaluating health information in print and electronic media are presented, as well as practical suggestions for effective instructional methods, including ideas on conducting demonstrations, field trips, speaker programs, and online distance education. New findings regarding teaching effectiveness assessment are also presented.

How can you successfully lead your library through the changes taking place in today's transitional information environment? What skills must you develop or hone in order to build a confident, comfortable, and capable staff in your institution? In their highly practical new ""How-To-Do-It Manual"", authors Robert D. Stuart, the former Dean Emeritus of Simmons College's Graduate School of Library and Information Science and Maureen Sullivan, a leadership expert with over thirty years experience delivering consulting and training services to libraries and other information services, will help you identify the essential concepts and goals behind great leadership, and effectively implement each one into your library's organizational structure. ""Developing Library Leaders"" covers key strategies and processes for coaching, team building, and mentoring library staff. Following a foreword from James G. Neal, the authors clearly define the major roles and responsibilities of a library leader and offer valuable techniques for persuading and influencing others, building and leading teams and groups, and managing projects. There is step-by-step guidance for developing crucial coaching and mentoring skills, as well as tips for succession planning and facilitating long-term development. Throughout the book, Stueart and Sullivan provide ample models, outlines, examples, and charts for further guidance and to reinforce the practical use of key strategies. The generations-old adage that 'leaders are born not bred' is a myth; it is now commonly accepted that leadership is a skill that can be developed. Stueart and Sullivan show current and future library directors and managers how to develop their institutions' most valuable asset - their staff - and better prepare them to lead.

Best Books for Young Adults is back and better than ever! The new third edition continues to be the most comprehensive and effective reference for great seeding for young adults, including 40 years of best YA books plus
- Background on the history, committee procedures, and current issues facing the BBYA Committee
- A recap of the current trends in teen literature as reflected in the past decease of BBYA lists
- Twenty-seven themed and annotated reproducible booklist, perfect for readers' advisory with teens, parents, teachers--even for collection development
- Indexed annotated lists extending back to 1966
Teen service librarians in public and school libraries, along with parents and middle and high school English teachers, will welcome this fully updated third edition, featuring a thought-provoking foreword from Betty Carter. YA service luminary and editor of the first two editions of BBYA.

Among public institutions, the library has great potential for helping the poor and disenfranchised. For many, the library is the only refuge for information, literacy, entertainment, language skills, employment help, free computer use and even safety and shelter. Experts Glen and Leslie Holt, with decades of service to inner city communities between them, challenge librarians to do more for poor people. While recognizing the financial crunch libraries are under, the authors offer concrete advice about programs and support for this unique group, showing you how to . Train staff to meet the unique needs of the poor, including youth.Cooperate with other agencies in order to form partnerships and collaborations that enrich library services to the poor and homeless.Find help, financial and other, for your library.This ground-breaking work demonstrates how five Key Action Areas adopted by the ALA Council (Diversity, Equity of Access, Education and Continuous Learning, Intellectual Freedom, and 21st Century Literacy) apply especially to this disadvantaged population, and motivates librarians to use creative solutions to meet their needs.

Simple, straightforward guidance for the practitioner who wants to use assistive technologies to extend library access. Keep it Simple: A Guide to Assistive Technologies provides a basic tutorial on common assistive computer applications and commonly available, inexpensive hardware and software to help librarians incorporate such aids into the library's current infrastructure. Focusing on applications commonly available on Microsoft Office and other low-cost technologies, this book offers guidance for the practitioner that can help every library move toward universal access. Librarians will find advice on planning accessible services, selecting appropriate assistive technologies, marketing disability services and assistive technology, and training staff in disability services issues and the use of assistive technology. Individual chapters cover print, hearing, speech, and mobility disabilities, offering resources and tutorials for each of these disability categories. Tutorials on technologies for individuals with disabilities arranged by disability category 47 Microsoft Accessibility Options screenshots Extensive bibliographies for each disability category and for universal access, training, and marketing A glossary of assistive technology terms Extensive resources for each disability category

A compilation of over 50 reading project ideas, including implementation ideas and examples, helping to promote lifelong reading habits while meeting the social and interactive needs of today's youth. Social Readers: Promoting Reading in the 21st Century is about making reading meaningful to the Web 2.0 generation through active engagement and socially interactive projects. Organized into four broad categories-entertainment, active participation, control and choice, and technology-the book offers more than 50 specific project ideas for promoting reading in the classroom, school, library media center, or public library. Each project includes a description, cost estimate, planning time needed, suggested supplies, and instructions for running the project successfully. Topics such as sharing, involvement, book promotions, social networking, and developing informed readers are also covered. A preface and introduction provide an overview of the needs and preferences of the current generation of students, a discussion of the necessity for socializing reading, and insights into how to use the book effectively. Bottom line: Social Readers will help librarians and educators change their practices to accommodate the ever-evolving needs of today's students. Step-by-step suggestions for more than 50 projects Over 120 illustrations An appendix of reading themes that can be adopted for an event, club, program, poster, or campaign A bibliography of resource references

Supplementing your local collection through resource sharing is a smart way to ensure your library has the resources to satisfy the needs of your users. Marshall Breeding's new Library Technology Report explores technologies and strategies for sharing resources, helping you streamline workflows and improve resource-sharing services. Covering key strategies like interlibrary loan, consortial borrowing, document delivery, and shared collections, you'll also learn about such trends and services as: OCLC WorldCat Resource Sharing, and other systems that facilitate cooperative, reciprocal lending System-to-system communications that allow integrated systems to interact with resource-sharing environments Technical components that reliably automate patron requests, routing to suppliers with tools for tracking, reporting, and staff intervention as needed Specialised applications that simplify document delivery, such as Ariel, Odyssey, or OCLC s Article Exchange How the NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol (NCIP) can enable borrowing among consortial libraries using separate integrated library systems The Orbis Cascade Alliance consortium, examined using a case study

Everything librarians need to know to get the most out of booktalking with their teen readers. Booktalking with Teens prepares and inspires librarians to get the most out of booktalking by probing teen reading experiences, illustrating step-by-step booktalk writing instructions, building booktalk programs, and coaching booktalk performance. The book begins by exploring the emotional and intellectual experiences teens report when they read, then examines the many themes, genres, and topics of teen fiction, graphic novels, classics, and nonfiction. The second section focuses on writing booktalks and the third on selecting booktalks for different audiences. Performance topics include preparation for performance, delivery techniques, and interacting with teens. Finally, you will discover how to align your booktalk program with the vision and goals of your library and school district and how to use the expertise, energy, and excitement of booktalking to empower the library staff and raise the library's visibility and value in the community. Shows how booktalks are written, from the inside out, by deconstructing and analyzing a variety of the author's booktalks Includes a handout that can be used for a school visit, showing library promotional information, an annotated bibliography of booktalks, and website and contact information

Urban Teens in the Library is the perfect solution for the concerns and uncertainty many librarians face when supporting this group of patrons and students. From a team of experts who have researched the information habits and preferences of urban teens to build better and more effective school and public library programs, this book will show readers: the importance of moving beyond stereotypes and revamping library services; the value of street lit and social networking; and, how a library website can meet the information needs of teens. This groundbreaking book is relevant to all librarians working with urban teens and looking for ways to reach out to them.

Reviews are an important resource for readers' advisory and collection development. They are also a helpful promotional tool, introducing patrons to what is new on the shelf. This resource includes: tips for writing strong, relevant reviews; different ways reviews can be used to promote your library; and, a chapter by Joyce Saricks covering the how-tos of reviewing audiobooks. Whether the ultimate goal is writing for a library website, book club, or monthly handout, or freelancing for a newspaper, magazine, or professional journal, readers will find plenty of ideas and insight here.

The world of the school librarian has changed significantly over the past ten years with the proliferation of technology into all phases of education; this book attempts to address these issues. What does a school librarian need to know about technology? Technology for the School Librarian: Theory and Practice is an introduction to all aspects of technology in the school library and provides a starting point for further study of this wide-ranging-and critically important-field. The only book that addresses both the theoretical and the practical aspects of the subject, Technology for the School Librarian is organized into 13 chapters describing the most vital topics in technology for school librarians. Within these chapters, school librarians (whether practicing or prospective) will be introduced to the practical aspects of technology in the school library and presented with a theoretical framework that will allow them to continue their research and learning. Case studies facilitate understanding, as do the study questions included with each chapter. Lists features that should be included in a school library web page Provides a chronology tracing the development of technology in school libraries Offers an illustration of network topologies Includes questions for research/further study in each chapter

The Library of Alexandria was one of the greatest cultural adornments of the late ancient world, containing thousands of scrolls of Greek, Hebrew and Mesopotamian literature and art and artifacts of ancient Egypt. This book demonstrates that Alexandria became--through the contemporary reputation of its library--a point of confluence for Greek, Roman, Jewish and Syrian culture that drew scholars and statesmen from throughout the ancient world. It also explores the histories of Alexander the Great and of Alexandria itself, the greatest city of the ancient world. This new paperback edition offers general readers an accessible introduction to the history of this magnificent yet still mysterious institution from the time of its foundation up to its tragic destruction.

Master the huge array of quality children's books from the past and the present with this must-have resource from children's librarian Elizabeth Bird. With her strong passion for children's books and the profession, Bird will help you: build and manage your children's collection; strike a balance between award winners and classics; arrange your space to best showcase and display books; review the basics of storytime, storytelling, and booktalking; and, add the 100 children's books that belong in every library. ""Children's Literature Gems"" is about managing and caring for a part of the library devoted to children who love good books and is a must for every children's librarian - new or experienced!

Graphic novels are not just for kids - in fact the average age of the comic reader is estimated to be between 25 and 35! This hip new resource - from the acclaimed author of ""The Librarian's Guide to Graphic Novels for Children and Tweens"" David Serchay - is an in-depth guide to understanding, building, and managing an optimal collection of graphic novels that is targeted to please the format's many dedicated adult fans. The book provides a helpful overview of the increasingly important role that graphic novels play in collection development. Serchay covers both American and foreign works, and provides invaluable insight into their growing use in university and higher education settings, as well as their historical content, use in targeted library programs, and of course, their ties to popular media and entertainment. There is also instruction for deciding exactly which novels to purchase, how best to manage your collection, and tips for displaying and promoting books to your patrons. Plus, you'll find guidance for dealing with common issues that may arise, like knowing which graphic novels might be inappropriate for younger readers, as well as an invaluable list of recommended purchases, further reading and electronic resources.

This groundbreaking book about developing the professional dispositions of school librarians uses three fictionalized librarians to serve as authentic models addressing familiar topics and situations. Tales Out of the School Library: Developing Professional Dispositions is a book that empowers anyone working in the school library to redefine their practice to meet the needs of young learners today. It covers familiar, everyday topics of the most concern to practitioners—assessment, literacy and reading, diversity, intellectual freedom, communication, collaboration, and more. But it is the approach that makes this book unique. Each chapter of Tales Out of the School Library begins with a story from one of three fictional, yet recognizably authentic library media specialists—composites of real professionals, each with distinctive personalities, strengths, and challenges. These tales of elementary, middle, and high school librarians play out over the course of a school year, and serve as the focal point for discussions of essential aspects of teaching, communication, and leadership. Follow-up questions, an annotated bibliography, connections to AASL's Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, and discussion questions further add to the value of this innovative volume.

Comprehensive, easy to use, and overflowing with fresh ideas, ""Preschool Favorites"" has everything needed to create storytimes: just add the kids! Each of the 35 fun themes includes a wealth of book suggestions, fingerplays (the ""glue"" that holds storytime together!), short poems, flannelboard stories (complete with patterns), music suggestions (and discography), and very simple crafts. Pull together these storytime ingredients to: plan and execute complete storytime programs inspired by the 35 comprehensive and inviting chapters; save time with the practical outlines, proven advice, and flannelboard patterns; keep children involved with a variety of different activities within the storytime; and, identify the most recent kid-friendly read-aloud books already in the collection.From pizza and penguins to mud and moose to hopping bunnies and kangaroos, this is a refreshing primer for making storytime special in every library that serves young children. With these kid-tested storytime themes, children's librarians and staff will have everything they need to be inspired and carry through the easy planning to create engaging programs for their young, preschooler audiences.

A collection of articles from School Library Monthly highlighting practical ways library media specialists can help their schools implement the AASL's Standards for 21st-Century Learners. Ever since the initial release of the AASL's Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, School Library Monthly magazine has consistently focused on providing librarians with the information and strategies they need to help students achieve those standards. Now from the pages of that magazine comes a collection that no school library or librarian should be without. 21st-Century Learning in School Libraries: Putting the AASL Standards To Work brings together the ideas and methods of leading school librarians and educators across the nation, all focused on meeting the new standards. The book begins with a survey of 21st-century learning documents and an examination of how learning has changed for today's student. It offers a wide range of articles—over 90 in all—in a series of chapters on key themes, a vision for successful school libraries, inquiry, collaboration, assessment, reading, and pedagogical strategies. Each chapter has an introduction, discussion questions, and promotional and advocacy strategies.

Meet your library patrons where they increasingly live and work-online. This guide introduces you to the exciting possibilities online programs offer, and shows you how to set up online programs in your library-whether one-time stand-alone or half-day, full-day, or multi-day workshops and conferences. Public programs-from lectures, demonstrations, and interviews to book discussions and story hours can be delivered in real time (live) primarily over the web, utilizing a variety of interactive communication tools, including voice-over-IP, text chatting, and co-browsing. Furthermore, online programming can be used for district-wide staff training. The author explains how to integrate pre-recorded components of a program into a live, online public program; shows how to extend the reach and appeal of online public programs with podcasting and audiorecordings; and explains how to use voice-over-IP and video-over-IP to enhance online programs. In addition to outlining the costs of staring and operating a public online program, Peters also provides cost recovery methods and scenarios. Online public programs can extend your library's reach into the service population, grab the attention of some early adopters and opinion leaders in the community you serve, and convey to patrons and other libraries that your library is moving boldly into the digital future. Plus, many people are more likely to attend an online library program than an in-library public program. And because online programs are easily recorded and redistributed on demand, your library gets more bang for each buck it invests in its public programming outreach. Distance education programs in higher education, corporate and governmental training efforts, and other sectors of society have become commonplace, but this is the first guide to focus on how libraries (public, academic, school, and special) and library-related organizations (associations, consortia, etc.) can and are developing exciting online programs for library users and librarians.

This important volume by noted Australian learning theorist, Christine Bruce, provides a unique perspective on helping students become successful learners in fluid and fast moving information environments. In answering the question 'What should we teach and how, so that our students will use information successfully, creatively, and responsibly in their journey as lifelong learners?' Bruce has created a powerful and extensive examination of how information and disciplinary learning can coexist. Dr. Bruce emphasizes simultaneous attention to discipline learning and effective information use. The framework for what Bruce terms 'informed learning' will enable professors, teachers, librarians, researchers, and researcher-librarians to work together in a responsive way to help students use information to learn.

Ever watched the teens and tweens in your library sneak in an online game in the middle of their research or study session? Have students come into the media center to log-in and check on their Neopets? Have concerned parents approached you to find out more about video game ratings? Even if your library hasn't formally begun collecting, circulating, or programming with video games, you are no doubt aware of their popularity and proliferation. Now, ""Game On!"" has all of the answers and approaches you need to make effective, successful choices about video gaming in your library. Topics included are: video game basics - history, formats, and genres; benefits (developmental assets/technological skill/educational value) and controversies (ratings/graphics/content); selection, collection, and circulation of titles; equipment and vendors; programming ideas; policy and management; storage, display, and marketing; and more. Gallaway includes a core collection of games and systems that will appeal to users of all ages. Forms, bibliographies, and a gamer's glossary will get you gaming like a pro in no time.

This study is based on research on secondary textbook and school library provision in Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Togo, as well as existing recent country reports on textbook provision and an extensive desk research. Considerable variation exist in Sub-Saharan African textbook requirements needed to meet secondary curriculum specifications just as significant differences exist between and within countries in regard to the average price of recommended textbooks. Some countries have no approved textbooks list. This study aims to discuss the textbook situation in Sub-Saharan Africa with a special focus on secondary textbook availability, cost and financing, distribution and publishing, as well as, the status of school libraries. Its objective is to analyze the issues in secondary textbook and school library provision and to provide some options and strategies for improvement. This study was prepared as part of the Secondary Education and Training in Africa (SEIA) initiative which aims to assist countries to develop sustainable strategies for expansion and qualify improvements in secondary education and training.

Whether teaching research skills to college freshman, Internet skills to seniors, or staff development sessions to employees, librarians are repeatedly called on to deliver instruction in their library settings. Many librarians have never learned the basics of instructional design, much less how to effectively deliver information in a short time span, and they typically only have a short period of time - ""one shot"" - to deliver information. Now librarian and instructional design expert Jerilyn Veldof demystifies the process for her library colleagues. From needs assessment through design and implementation to final evaluations, this practical guide takes librarians step by step through the workshop process. Using these proven instructional design principles, librarians can: assess learners and what they need; train multiple library instructors to maintain; consistency in teaching and outcomes; replicate content for regularly scheduled workshops; develop a standard of presentation (including handouts) to maximize learning; and, evaluate results to ensure learners are getting what they need. These principles of instructional design are for every librarian who delivers instruction in any form. Use the step-by-step checklist and ADDIE principles (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) to have a powerful impact on your audiences. With a focus on practical applications, Veldof shows instruction librarians how to make every minute count.