Poetry is enjoying a surge of popularity, with a new talented generation of children's poets leading the pack. Poetry reading for children has come a long way since the dry recitation of the classics from yesteryear. Today, thanks to poetry jams and slams, interactive poetry web sites, and engaging National Poetry Month activities, children think of poetry as lively and fun. Today's poetry presentations are geared to make children laugh, think, interact with their world...even put a new spin on their classwork. Poetry expert Vardell shows how librarians, teachers, and others can introduce children, ages 5 to 12, to the world of poetry in a way that's meaningful, participatory, and fun. Presenting a wide assortment of possibilities, this made-for-browsing reference features: advice on pairing poems with other genres across the school curriculum; 10 major strategies for enabling active audience participation; original essays and poems written by top children's poets; poetry building exercises and other activities to engage children; and, lists of poetry resources including major children's poetry awards, favorite classical poems, international poems, and much more. From choosing a poem and developing presentations that will keep the audience captivated, to using promotional displays and materials, ""Poetry Aloud Here!"" takes the reader through all the steps of introducing poetry for children. Full of tips, advice, and lists of ideas and resources, it's an indispensable guide for school library specialists, teachers, and YA librarians.

Promote today's best and most popular YA books with help from this practical guide. Focusing on titles published after 2000, Schall provides you with background information, ready-to-use (or adapt) booktalks, read-aloud selections, learning activities, and related reads for approximately 100 fiction and nonfiction books with broad teen appeal. Organized by genres and themes, it has something for every teen reader. Whether you are a public or school librarian, teacher, or teen group leader, you'll find this collection helpful in motivating teens to read, building their appreciation of books, and in extending learning opportunities beyond the reading experience. Grades 6-12.

Contrary to the trend to do away with arts education as an unnecessary expense in schools trying to boost student test scores, this book promotes and explains the value of integrated arts instruction in furthering the accomplishment of curricular objectives and fostering student achievement. Accomplished library media specialist and arts instructor Kristin Fontichiaro discusses how drama, shadow puppetry, and podcasting can be used as tools to meet curriculum objectives in the K-8 media center. By concentrating on the process of creating a piece of drama or puppetry or a podcast, as opposed to the goal of performance, and by infusing the arts with curriculum objectives in story or research, these techniques can intensify a child's learning and provide context for classroom curriculum objectives. A discussion of the affective and academic benefits of this process-based work as well as sample lessons are included. Photographs and examples of student work illustrate the oechniques. Grades K-8.

Author events are a great way to build excitement and interest in books and reading. Now you can successfully plan and host author visits. This guide covers every step from why you should hold author events and how your organization can benefit to such logistics as selecting an author, choosing the type of event and venue, publicity, set-up, escorting, crowd control, and managing the autograph line. Filled with practicial tips, proven techniques, and anecdotes, this book will inspire you and get you through your author events with flying colors. Author events are a great way to build excitement and interest in books and reading. With this guide in hand, you can easily and successfully plan and host author visits. The primer covers every step. It begins by explaining why you should hold author events and how your organization can benefit. It then goes on to such logistics as selecting an author, choosing the type of event and venue, publicity, setup, escorting, crowd control, and managing the autograph line. Filled with practical tips, proven techniques, and engaging anecdotes, this book will inspire you and get you through your author events with flying colors.

Libraries, as a component of cultural space, have been ubiquitous to almost every society during almost every time period. However, as places of cultural and symbolic and intellectual meaning, they have varied greatly. To capture both aspects, this collection of 14 original papers covers library spaces old and new, real and imagined, large and small, public and private. Contributions range from a consideration of the Garrison library in the British Empire, to the Carnegie library as a social institution, to the imagined library in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The result is a fascinating look at the library as a physical, social, and intellectual place within the hearts and minds of its clientele and the public at large.

This stand alone workbook is intended for individuals with an interest in developing professional-looking websites without having to learn HTML language. Using a typical Microsoft Windows environment with cut and paste templates and examples, the book helps users learn and understand some of the benefits and limitations of commercially available software. It will be a handy reference for busy librarians who need to refresh their memories when they make additions, deletions, or add new material to their websites. It may also be used as a handout when presenting a workshop on Web design. If your library has little, if any, technical support, and you have little, if any programming background, this stand-alone workbook will help you create a simple yet professional-looking website. Using a typical Microsoft Windows environment with cut and paste templates and examples, you will learn to understand some of the benefits and limitations of using commercially available software tools. (http://www.redroselibrary.com/)

Notable teen experts and stellar practitioners from across the country explain why library service to adolescents in this age range is so important, and how you can enhance your collection and services to accommodate and win over this important group. Topics range from understanding adolescent informational needs and building and promoting a winning collection, to creating programs with tween appeal. Contributors include Sheila B. Anderson, James Rosinia, Deb Taylor, Robyn Lupa, and Kristine Mahood. Brimming with valuable insights and fresh ideas, as well as nuts and bolts directions, this is a must read for all librarians who work with young adolescents. If someone is described as a young adult, what image comes to mind? In fact, a young adult can be a twelve-year-old middle-schooler or a high school graduate. Libraries have traditionally offered a variety programs and services for YAs, and although more emphasis has been given to serving teens in recent years, little has been done to distinguish between groups within the category, and meet the specific developmental needs of this broad range of library users. This collection complements Anderson's previous collection, Serving Older Teens, by focusing on the needs of tweens and young teens, ages 11-14. This is the age range when many young people stop using the library and lose interest in reading. Notable teen experts and stellar practitioners from across the country explain why service to adolescents in this age range is so important, and how you can enhance your collection and services to accommodate and win over this important group. Topics range from understanding adolescent informational needs and building and promoting a winning collection, to creating programs with tween appeal. Contributors include Sheila Anderson, James Rosinia, Deb Taylor, Robyn Lupa, Brenda Hager and Kristine Mahood. Brimming with valuable insights and fresh ideas, as well as nuts and bolts directions, this is a must read for all librarians who work with young adolescents.

Storytelling can be easy, fun, and above all doable, especially with the simple, easy-to-follow directions given by these two master storytellers. This book provides everything you need to become a master storyteller yourself. Simple examples and summary directions for exercises and games reinforce and demonstrate key concepts. Step-by-step plans help you choose a story, and learn it in preparation for presentation to an audience. Audience management, practice activities, and the authors' motivation exercises are offered as are techniques to guide you through any of the possible major telling problems. Storytelling extras (props to puppets including costumes) and lists of grade-appropriate, time- and teller-tested stories are provided. This basic guide by experienced storytellers provides all that is needed to encourage any novice storyteller to take the plunge. Lists of never-fail stories and simple techniques for managing an audience go a long way to dissolve the angst. Practice activities and motivation exercises as well as tips for overcoming the major problems and catastrophes that might be encountered pave the way for a smooth first storytelling experience.

To achieve the distinction of National Board Certification, school library media specialists face daunting challenges requiring hard work, teaching knowledge, collaborative skills, organizational ability, and courage. Put a friendly mentor in your corner! This study guide coaches school library media specialists through exam specifics. Author, librarian and educator Gail Dickinson has been on the front lines since the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) introduced library media standards in 2000. Her work has helped bring the rigorous certification process into perspective, answer questions, and allay concerns of those going for certification or considering it. Whether you are considering National Board certification, in the process of achieving certification, or want to stay current on the best practices in teaching, this book is for you. In this hands-on resource, Dickinson breaks down a complex and intimidating process into friendly, bite-sized pieces, and: shows how to get started, be organized, and stay on track with checklists, tips, and exercises; outlines proven approaches to collaborative instruction, literature appreciation, and integrating technology; and highlights practical ways to document accomplishments, a critical requirement. Whether used as a workshop guide, for reference or self-study, this accessible guide prepares current candidates (and those in the process) to face the Board assessment experience. It's filled with inspiring examples and advice from people who have been through it and can cheer you on to success.

Looking for some fresh program ideas for your teen patrons? Want to change those bored expressions on teen faces to eager smiles? This guide offers a stimulating selection of program ideas that will appeal to teens between the ages of 12 and 18 throughout the year! Recognizing that there is no such thing as a typical teenager, the programs represent a broad range of interests, from arts and crafts workshops to educational programs to purely recreational activities--from serious to serious fun. Programs for all seasons include "Goth Gathering," "Intolerance Forum," "Night at the Oscars," "Library Fear Factor," "Find Your Future," and "Cyber-Safety." Everything you need to get started is here--from the nitty gritty details like supply lists and approximate costs to practical, step-by-step instructions. Collection connections and ideas for promotion enhance the guide. And there are also suggestions for those times "when time is short and money is tight." A wonderful combination of inspiration and practicality, and of start-to-finish guidance for successful teen programming. Grades 6-12.

Weeding is the unglamorous side of the ""library selection"" coin, yet for vibrant, quality collections, it is critically important. To make weeding part of a library's ongoing procedures, it's best to do it in manageable doses. Now, school and children's librarians nationwide can reap the benefit of Florida's popular ""Weed of the Month"" program. This user-friendly guide: explains the ins and outs, including why weeding is such an important task; outlines the steps to get started; breaks weeding criteria down by over 70 topics and Dewey numbers so the task isn't overwhelming; clarifies how to use automation tools in weeding; and, suggests newer titles as replacements to upgrade collections.

Get teens excited about reading by using your own love of books along with a good dose of market savvy. This simple, upbeat guide is packed with practical guidelines and a wealth of exciting ideas for promoting books and reading through everything you do-from collection building, designing the space, and creating a Web site, to booktalking, readers' advisory, and special events. A practical, step-by-step approach. Promoting books and reading is one of your most important roles, but reaching teens and inspiring them to read can be a challenge, especially now, when teens have so many other commitments and interests. This guide will inspire you to build your book knowledge and combine it with marketing savvy to bring teens together with books and reading. Drawing upon recent research on teens and libraries, the author offers practical guidelines and a wealth of exciting ideas for environmental reading promotions (collection building, designing the space, creating publicity materials and developing the web site), as well as interactive promotions (communication with teens, readers advisory, booktalking, partnering with other organizations, and book-related activities and events). Based on the author's experience and the experience of others who work with teens, the book provides librarians and other educators with a simple, handy, and upbeat guide. Grades 6-12.

This title gives concrete practical examples of how to align school library programs and instructional practice with the six key concepts of brain-compatible learning: increasing input to the brain; increasing experiential data; multiple source feedback; reducing threat; involving students in learning decision making; and interdisciplinary unit planning. This title, Brain Friendly School Libraries, gives concrete practical examples of how to align school library programs and instructional practice with the six key concepts of brain-compatible learning: increasing input to the brain; increasing experiential data; multiple source feedback; reducing threat; involving students in learning decision making; and interdisciplinary unit planning. It includes chapters that summarize the current brain research and current thinking about its implication for instructional practice in the school library media center as well as discusses the work of Ellen Langer (mindful learning), Geoffrey and Renette Caine, Bob Sylwester and other major proponents of teaching with the brain in mind.

The development and promotion of appropriate services for students with disabilities has been an integral part of the academic library since the 1990s. There remains, however, a dearth of literature-in marketing, library and information science, and other disciplines-that applies quality assessment instruments to existing programs. With this in mind, Hernon and Calvert present two versions of a data collection instrument, designed to compare the expectations of special students with their perceptions of how well a given service met their needs. Descriptions of successful initiatives at a variety of academic libraries are also included. Adaptive technologies. Anti-discrimination laws. Equity and compliance issues. In-house policies (and politics). All of these support, in one form or another, the development and promotion of appropriate services for students with physical, learning, or, increasingly, psychological disabilities. But what of service quality? To date, there is a dearth of literature-in marketing, library and information science, and other disciplines-that applies quality assessment instruments to programs for special student populations. Not until now has anyone compared the expectations of such students with their perceptions of how well a given service meets their needs. Peter Hernon, Philip Calvert, and their colleagues-Kathleen Rogers, Todd K. Herriott, and Ava Gibson-discuss the circumstances affecting services for the disabled, and provide two versions of a data collection instrument, loosely based on SERVQUAL, that individual institutions can modify to reflect their particular needs and situations. International in scope, it incorporates the perspective of university attorneys and compliance officers, as well as descriptions of successful initiatives by senior library administrators in the U.S. (Larry Hardesty, Rush G. Miller, Sarah Hamrick, and Jennifer Lann) and New Zealand (Helen Renwick, Philip Jane, and John Redmayne.) Improving the Quality of Library Services for Students with Disabilities will assist libraries and other service components of academic institutions to adopt a proactive position, as well as challenge staff assumptions of service expectations and information needs.

It's easy to make assumptions about teens--high school, dating, Mom and Dad in the background, a house, a few siblings, and a beloved pet. But many of today's teens don't fit this all-American image. Designing teen library services based on preconceptions leaves many teens out--from home-schooled and gifted teens to pregnant teens, immigrants, juvenile delinquents, homeless teens, and many others. Anderson, a YALSA Serving the Underserved (SUS) Trainer, shatters the stereotypes, showing you how to customize your library service to fit the needs of diverse teens. After explaining why it's important to reach out to these kids, and contrasting the myths about teens with the realities, Anderson details the diverse groups that make up the category of "teen," and the many situations and experiences that define their library needs. She provides step-by-step plans for connecting with these young adults--from creating a positive atmosphere through policies and staff training to building a collection, designing library services and programs, and providing outreach. Interspersed with anecdotes, pertinent statistics, and useful information, this practical work will change the way you think about and work with teens. Grades 6-12.

An assortment of lively, fast-paced, fun-filled children's programmes. Promote reading and literacy with this wonderful assortment of lively, fast-paced, fun-filled children's programmes specifically designed for children aged 4 to 8. Librarians, teachers and children will delight in such programme themes as Creepy Crawlles, Forest Friends, Frosty Frolics, and After School Adventures. It's a wonderful mix of multisensory activities that appeal to a variety of literacy levels and learning styles - rhymes and songs, awesome activities, crafty crafts, and great games. Unlike other programming guides, this one uses a developmental approach with literature-based activities fitted to specific learning needs. More than an idea book, it includes all the nuts and bolts for initiating a children's programme - from foundations and guidelines for understanding various stages of learning to everything necessary to get started - book lists, step-by-step instructions, reproducible patterns and illustrations, even tips on publicity and PR. this book gives fresh programming ideas that fosters lifelong literacy and love of reading. Ages 4-8. This book is full of lively programmes for children's reading and programmes arranged into fun and accessible categories. It is designed for children ages 4-8.

Since publication of the first edition of "Web-Based Instruction", many significant advances in Web-based instruction have occurred. New technologies and tools have emerged, different ways of accessing the Internet are available, and virtual reference trends are redefining some library users' idea of the "library", and information literacy skills are recognized as essential to students' success. Furthermore, after writing the first edition, the author received feedback from readers on areas they'd like to see expanded. For example, public, K-12, and special libraries indicated they'd like more on Web-based instruction in their areas. Also, more discussion on pedagogy and learning styles was recommended. Expanding on the popular, practical how-to Web guide for public, academic, school and special libraries, technology expert Smith has thoroughly updated the discussion to include new tools and trends, including browsers, access methods, hardware, and software programs. She also supplies tips to secure project funding, and provides strategic information for different libraries types, including K-12, public, academic, and corporate libraries. This completely revised edition also: includes a new section on learning theory applied to Web-based instruction; translates Web-speak and defines the lingo, with expanded glossary and acronym list; illustrates new procedures with fresh screen shots and URLs from top library Web programs; addresses the limitations and benefits of Web-based instruction with clear criteria for decision-making; takes a comprehensive step-by-step approach to developing, implementing, and assessing Web-based instruction programs; and identifies the authoring tools and resources required to be effective. A proven winner, this thoroughly updated hands-on manual is a must-have for owners of the first edition. Librarians facing the challenge of creating a Web-based project will find easy-to-understand guidance to create an educational and interactive Web site - from start to finish.

Do you have anything else like this?"" In public libraries, reference librarians are often called on to make recommendations to readers, sometimes in genres that they don't personally read. Learning how to frame a discussion and articulate the appeal of a book, author, or genre marks the essence of a successful readers' advisor. Readers' advisory is defined as, ""patron-oriented library service for adult fiction readers,"" according to Saricks, a noted expert on the subject. In the completely revised third edition of Readers' Advisory Service for Public Libraries, Saricks updates this critically acclaimed how-to guide, making it more helpful than ever. As reference librarians seek support in guiding adult readers, they've come to trust this authoritative resource. It has been expanded and improved with: Easy ways to create ""read alike"" lists, identifying what else is ""like"" a favorite book; Practical guidelines for conducting the advisory interview so it's a comfortable exchange; Confidence-boosting tactics for drawing on reviews to make recommendations; Methods for incorporating nonfiction into the discussion; More resources and online tools; Using the proven strategies in this newly updated, back-to-basics overview, librarians providing readers' advisory services will find the answers they need to help customers make appropriate choices.

What kid wouldn't love literary explorations of the stinky, creepy, and dirty? Throw in rats, witches, aliens, and underwear, and it's irresistible. Yet few story times are designed for elementary school children, who are intent on separating themselves from younger siblings. Why aren't there more events for these kids? It's not a lack of great material insists librarian-humorist Reid, who builds upon his earlier ALA bestseller. Something Funny Happened at the Library (ALA Editions, 2003) to offer 18 new wacky and offbeat programs, including the winning topics of the giggly and gross. Each plan opens with a thumbnail overview, then draws on unusual combinations of poetry, picture books, chapter book excerpts and short stories. The mix varies by theme, but all the programs touch the concerns (interests and humor (Think: Captain Underpants), for this age group. Audience involvement includes wordplay, reader's theater, dramatics, writing, music, sports, or crafts. Reid also illustrates how to tweak programs to appeal to younger (or older) audiences. Plans for fun story programs encompass: Catching some Zzzz's; A1 Stories; Big and Bad in four separate flavors; Cool school, alien school and don't wanna go to school! Designed to inspire public children's librarians, school media staff, classroom teachers, and anyone who wants to help literature come alive for kids in grades K-4, Cool Story Programs is a proven, adaptable resource, and a must-have for libraries serving kids.

Shows how to help technologically disadvantaged teens to overcome barriers and become tech-savvy The digital divide is a disturbing reality, and teens increasingly fall into distinct categories of technological haves and have-nots, whether or not computers are available to them in the schools. This trend undermines the futures of our youth and jeopardizes the vitality of society. Today's librarians are in a unique position to help bridge the gap. This guide helps librarians to identify the tech-nots - technologically disadvantaged teens - in a community or school and to reach out and build information literacy in underserved teen populations. The author goes beyond recommending computers for every teen, and demonstrates how to overcome teen misperceptions and disinterest in computers. After examining the problem and the populations most affected, the author discusses how to build awareness and motivation, train staff, create space and time, build the collection, develop partnerships with other agencies and organizations, offer services, and overcome barriers with specific populations. new ways for libraries to connect with at-risk teens today. * Part of the Libraries Unlimited Professional Guides for Young Adult Librarians Series * Highlights the problem of the 'digital divide among teenagers, and suggests strategies for overcoming it

This book consists of tried and tested collaborative lesson plans for teacher librarians to use when planning lessons with classroom teachers to use with students in the primary grades. These lessons integrate research skills instruction with curriculum standards in science and social studies. Lessons are developed using standard reference materials such as biography, atlas, encyclopedia, and the almanac. Each lesson contains all patterns, worksheets, and plans necessary to immediately implement the lesson. This book consists of tried and tested collaborative lesson plans for teacher librarians to use when planning lessons with classroom teachers to use with students in the primary grades. These lessons integrate research skills instruction with curriculum standards in science and social studies. Lessons are developed using standard reference materials such as biography, atlas, encyclopedia, and the almanac. Each lesson contains all patterns, worksheets and plans necessary to immediately implement the lesson. Grades K-3.

This volume, one in the Undergraduate Companion series, focuses on American and British writers for children and young adults and is addressed to students in both English and Education classes. It provides both print and free online sources. Most undergraduates do not possess the research skills necessary to evaluate Web sites. This volume will address their needs by providing pathfinders to works by, about, and related to key writers of children's and young adult fiction. Included are entries for 185 British and American writers and writing teams, most from the 20th century. Young adult and adult. Grades 9 and up.

This book is designed for courses that prepare college and university students for undergraduate or graduate degrees in school library media. It is also written as a helpful instructional manual or guidebook for practicing school library media specialists. The overall goal of this textbook is to teach library media specialists "what information literacy looks like--in general, in the school, in the classroom, in your mind, in life, and in motion." Helpful scenarios and extensive annotated resources are included.

Do religious teens in your community think your library has "nothing for me"? Shouldn't your library be actively embracing all of the diverse populations in your community? For many the teen years are times of intense spiritual and religious growth. Public libraries, charged with serving all facets of their communities, must reach out to all people, including religious youth. If that prospect seems daunting, this book can help. It provides you with a vision and a plan for enhancing your library service to religious teens with pertinent information that helps you understand the different belief systems and traditions of various religious groups and practical guidance for developing services and collections to serve their needs. Chapters cover the major religious groups in the United States today: Protestant, Evangelical, Catholic, Latter-day Saints, Orthodox Christianity, Seventh-day Adventist, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu. In each chapter, a snapshot summary introduces you to the basic aspects of the religion, such as origins, beliefs, and practices. A discussion of the history and core beliefs and values follows. After describing common misconceptions and stereotypes, the authors detail the formative experiences of teens in these groups, and discuss what types of services they need in the library. Advice on building your collection is accompanied by helpful booklists; and ideas for services and programs supplement the resource. Lists of pertinent publishers and helpful Web sites make this an invaluable guide.