Library Roles in Achieving Financial Literacy among its Patrons is a collection of articles from 25 librarians in different parts of the U.S. and Canada, each contributing 3,000-4,000 words: concise chapters with sidebars, bullets, and headers; there is an introduction. Contributors were selected for the creative potential in their topics, those that can be used in various types of libraries and that demonstrate a command of financial literacy and are able to communicate what they know to aiding users solve their financial information problems. The collection has three sections. The first provides an overview of financial literacy: what it means generally, what needs exist among library patrons, and what approaches have been tried to date. The second section deals with resources that are available in libraries, or should be made available. These include collections, skill sets in librarians, program opportunities and others. The third section is a series of case studies that demonstrate successes and best practices.

Carol Smallwood's The Complete Guide to Using Google in Libraries, Volume 1: Instruction, Administration, and Staff Productivity explores how Google's suite of tools, from Google Docs (now Google Drive), Google Scholar, Hangout, Forms, and others made freely available to the Internet Community can be used by libraries to expand the role of digital operations in the management of library materials, to communicate with their patrons and collaborators, to exploit the resources on the Web, and many others. The book has 29 chapters organized into sections that focus on ways that Google's suite of tools can be applied to address problems in a specific area of library concern. The section headings are: Library Instruction for Users; Collaboration within and among libraries; Library Administration; Collection Management; and Library Productivity. In each topical area, the chapters show how librarians are taking advantage of these tools to change the way that their library works. All of this without the burden of an additional bill to pay. Through these carefully selected case studies from real libraries, you will be able to learn about the surprising and powerful potential that exists through Google tools to improve library operations.

From the Forward by Michael Lesk: Google has now developed services far beyond text search. Google software will translate languages and support collaborative writing. The chapters in this book look at many Google services, from music to finance, and describe how they can be used by students and other library users. Going beyond information resources, there are now successful collaboration services available from Google and others. You can make conference calls with video and shared screens using Google Hangouts, Writing documents with small numbers of colleagues often involved delays while each author in sequence took over the writing and made edits. Today Google Docs enables multiple people to edit the same document at once. An ingenious use of color lets each participant watch in real time as the other participants edit, and keeps track of who is doing what. If the goal is to create a website rather than to write a report, Google Sites is now one of the most popular platforms. Google is also involved in social networking, with services such as Google+ Other tools view social developments over time and space. The Google Trends service, for example, will show you when and where people are searching for topics. Not surprisingly, searches for "swimwear" peak in June and searches for "snowmobile" peak in January. The Complete Guide to Using Google in Libraries, Volume 2: Research, User Applications, and Networking has 30 chapters divided into four parts: Research, User Applications, Networking, Searching. The contributors are practitioners who use the services they write about and they provide how-to advice that will help public, school, academic, and special librarians; library consultants, LIS faculty and students, and technology professionals.

Creative Management of Small Public Libraries in the 21st Century is an anthology on small public libraries as centers of communities serving populations under 25,000 that make up most of the public library systems in the United States. A wide selection of topics was sought from contributors with varied backgrounds reflecting the diversity of small public libraries. The thirty-two chapters are arranged: Staff; Programming; Management; Technology; Networking; Fundraising; User Services and provide tools to lead a local public library with relevant and successful services. This volume shares a common sense approach to providing a small (in staff size or budget) but mighty (in impact and outcome) public library service. The contributors demonstrate that by turning the service delivery team outward to the community with enthusiasm and positive energy, it is possible to achieve significant results. Many chapters summarize best practices that can serve as checklists for the novice library director or as a review for the more seasoned manager working through new responsibilities. Chapters are tactical, focusing on specific issues for managers such as performance evaluations, effective programming, or e-reader services. Time management is crucial in a small or rural public library as well as the challenges associated with managing Friends and volunteers. While most public libraries do not have the resources to satisfy customer expectations for instant gratification, ultra-convenience and state-of-the-art technologies, The authors of this book details strategies and methods for providing top-notch customer service while moving beyond customer service to the creation of meaningful customer relationships. This volume makes an important contribution to the literature by reminding us that public libraries transform communities of every size. In fact, never before has the role of the public library been a more critical thread in the fabric of community life.

Libraries, writers, and poets have long had a close working relationship. Rapid changes in technology has not changed the importance of this cooperation: book talks and readings are as popular as ever-and the ways librarians support local writers with workshops, festivals, widely varied community events, are presented in creative ways in the 29 chapters. The forty-seven contributors are from across the United States.

Library Volunteers Welcome! Strategies for Attracting, Retaining and Making the Most of Willing Helpers brings together 30 chapters from librarians and academics across the United States who've served as: board members for library organizations; heads of special collections; state library consultants; directors of state library associations; outreach coordinators; archivists; researchers; presenters at conferences; and other positions. Many are previous contributors to anthologies, professional journals, and have published their own books, several have won awards for their innovative programs and service, have degrees and work experience beyond librarianship, and volunteers within their communities. Volunteers are a crucial component of a library and finding the right people, keeping them, motivating them and pairing them with the right projects is challenging; this anthology is for librarians seeking to better their libraries.

Unlike previous volumes which focus on how to earn a living while writing in very specific areas, this anthology accurately describes a wide range of different avenues an aspiring author can pursue, either for profit or for personal fulfillment. Speaking directly to retirees, this book opens doors to many other areas worth pursuing; its chapters vary from the inspirational (the importance of linking to a community with similar interests, reconnecting to one s dreams, seeking inspirational sources) to the quotidian (everyday writing tips, and how to use one s experience to find subjects to write about). Writing after Retirement provides a variety of vantage points from published authors and paints a realistic portrayal of what it takes to get started in the industry. This book also includes preparation for the challenges that aspiring writers face, and practical guides for overcoming them. A range of issues are addressed: .Linking one s writing to current activities .The nuts and bolts of writing .Planning one s estate .New career paths .Writing opportunities .Practical advice on how to take that first step Whether writing for pleasure or for profit, the reader will find plenty to choose from in this collection."

Library outreach to young people and their families may not come naturally to everyone, but the good news is that this book provides a wide variety of ways to get started. With tightened library budgets becoming the norm, librarians run the risk of cutting back so much that they isolate themselves from their patrons and their communities. This doesn't have to happen. The outreach methods detailed here range from simple actions to detailed processes, providing helpful information for those new to library outreach and those with years of experience.

Chapters from practicing academic, public, school, special librarians, LIS faculty in the United States to share practical how-to chapters on managing stress as working librarians. Creative methods of diffusing stress were selected that were adaptive to various types of libraries and job descriptions: twenty-seven chapters written by one or two authors: one chapter of 2,500-3500 words or two shorter chapters equaling 2,500-3,500 were compiled from thirty-two contributors. The anthology is divided into: Part I: Defusing and Reducing Conflict at Work, Part II: Laughter and Fun in The Library-It Can Be Done, Part III: Making Healthy Choices to Manage Stress, Part IV: Programming Your Stress Away, Part V: Balancing Work and Personal Stress, Part VI: Time to Teach, Lead, Complete Tenure and Supervise, Part VII: Dealing with Stress Alone, Part VIII: Easing Stress on a Budget: Low Cost Ideas Librarians Can Do, Part IX: Job Juggling and Hunting for Librarians After Layoffs, Moving, and Retiring. With budget and staff cuts, increasingly diverse patrons, rapidly changing technology, librarians have stressful jobs and it is hoped this anthology helps meet the current gap in the literature on the topic.

In the current economic climate, most librarians recognize the critical importance of marketing as a means of self-preservation, largely accepting that the future of libraries requires marketing in order to increase library use and public perceptions of worth. However, few librarians have prior professional experience marketing products or services and the majority must balance marketing duties with many other job responsibilities. This anthology offers practical insight on marketing techniques specifically designed for libraries. Concise, how-to case studies from practicing public, school, academic, and special librarians provide proven strategies to improve brand management, campaign organization, community outreach, media interaction, social media, and event planning and implementation. Intended for the novice and the old hand, individuals and large staffs, this valuable guide provides librarians with the effective marketing tools necessary to help their libraries thrive in these challenging times.

Both new librarians and those changing directions in the field can benefit greatly from a relationship with a positive and supportive mentor. In this anthology, public, school, academic, and special librarians, as well as LIS faculty and consultants, offer expertise and wisdom for those wishing to become a mentor or a protege or those wishing to implement a mentoring program within their library or library association. Topics include philosophical reasons for choosing to enter a mentor relationship, practical tips on setting up a program, internships, practicums, job shadowing, virtual reference, opportunities for those new to the profession and those in mid career, and mentoring across disciplines. By sharing their personal successes as well as their failures in mentoring, the 35 contributors offer sound advice backed by years of experience, advice that will aid all librarians who seek guidance or wish to guide the future of the library profession.

Professionals in all areas of librarianship will find inspiration in the essays collected here-each of them innovative tips for increasing circulation, enhancing collections, and improving flexibility. With extensive experience in the nation's top libraries and media centers, the 73 contributors describe what really works based on their real-world experiences Organized by subject, the essays offer succinct and practical guidelines for dozens of tasks. Topics include preparing and delivering distinctive presentations; forming a successful grant proposal; hosting a traveling multimedia exhibition; organizing effective community partnerships; writing blogs; hosting authors; creating cybertorials; preserving local culture??????and many others.

In a tight economy women entrepreneurs are making progress in a field that has been traditionally (along with science, math, and engineering) one which women haven't been well represented-technology. Women, Work, and the Web: How the Web Creates Entrepreneurial Opportunities is by contributors from the United States and Canada sharing how the Internet has opened doors, leveled the playing field, and provided new opportunities. How the Internet has helped women with young children, caretakers of disabled family members, women with disabilities. How it has helped female veterans gain employment, put women into work boots, publish in a male dominated world, become editors, online instructors, and hold the First International Day of the Girl. The twenty-eight chapters are divided into five parts: *Fostering Change *Running a Business *Educational Applications *Personal Aspects *Publishing and Writing. It is exciting to see how the creative contributors of different ages, backgrounds, and goals, are using the Web to further their careers and the status of other women as they progress online.

As families are looking for better ways to educate their children, more and more of them are becoming interested and engaged in alternative ways of schooling that are different, separate, or opposite of the traditional classroom. Homeschooling has become ever more creative and varied as families create custom-tailored curricula, assignments, goals, and strategies that are best for each unique child. This presents a multitude of challenges and opportunities for information institutions, including public, academic, school, and special libraries. The need for librarians to help homeschool families become information and media literate is more important than ever. This collection of essays provides a range of approaches and strategies suggested by skilled professionals as well as veteran homeschool parents on how to best serve the diverse needs and learning experiences of homeschooled youth. It includes information on needs assessments for special needs students, gifted students, and African American students; advice on how to provide support for the families of homeschoolers; case studies; and information on new technologies that could benefit libraries and the homeschooler populations that they serve.

An engaging array of technology teaching programs, from the theoretical to the practical. Out of the box lessons, outreach successes and technology instruction programs applicable to patrons and staff at public, academic and school libraries.

Throughout literary history, female writers have faced challenges different from those of their male counterparts. This collection of 59 essays captures the wit and wisdom of published contemporary female poets, who reveal their victories and struggles with writing. Topics include the collective writing life, tips on teaching in numerous contexts, the publishing process, and general advice to aid the poet in her chosen vocation. Includes a foreword by noted poet, Molly Peacock.

In a changing world, with multiple and often conflicting voices, the library's important role as a location of safety and inclusion as well as the crusader for knowledge cannot be overstated. It can be easy to reflect differing perspectives in our collections and displays, but if we do not practice our values, we are lacking. As leaders in our communities, librarians have an obligation to educate and inform; we must be ready to lead and model the principles we support. The question that arises for many is: how? As an integral part of the community, libraries need to move beyond diverse collection development and social issues displays. Here, experienced librarians offer suggestions, guidance and inspiration to motivate librarians at all levels to consider the assumptions we may take for granted, seek out new creative paths, and work to support change in our organizations. Be it steps to create a book group for the intellectually disabled, partnering with social workers or advocacy for employees with disabilities from within, included in these chapters are both theoretical foundation and hands on practical ideas.

At a time when libraries are no longer leading proprietors of information, many library professionals find themselves rethinking their purpose. In this collection of new essays, contributors share their experiences and ideas for keeping libraries integral to changing communities. Innovative approaches and best practices are discussed for strategic planning, packaging, branding and marketing, funding issues, physical spaces, collection needs and trends, partnerships, programming and services, professional education, and staffing.

The foreword writer and librarian, D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, the Host of Genealogy Roadshow (PBS) and President, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society noted: "The increasing popularity of the topic require that any librarian who encounters genealogical customers remain on the forefront of new developments in the field." The thirty-four chapters are written by experts across the United States actively engaged in helping patrons with genealogy.

"Creativity is just connecting things," observed Steve Jobs. In today's diverse, ever-changing job market, creativity is more necessary than ever. In a profession offering a broad range of job opportunities, librarians are surrounded by myriad connections to be made. They are trained to recognize them. This insightful collection of new essays covers a wide spectrum of methods for cultivating creativity as a skill for career fulfillment and success. Topics include learning through role-playing games, libraries as publishers, setting up and using makerspaces, developing in-house support for early-career staff, creating travelling exhibits, creative problem solving, and organizing no-cost conferences.

Using a library's facilities to bring arts to the community is a wonderful marketing and outreach opportunity, a tangible way to show the public that libraries offer value, thus shoring up grassroots support. Editor Smallwood has combed the country finding examples of programs implemented by a variety of different types of libraries to enrich, educate, and entertain patrons through the arts. Her book shares such successful efforts as Poetry programs in the public library Gatherings for local authors at the community college Creative writing in middle schools Multicultural arts presentations at the university library Initiatives to fight illiteracy through the arts The amazing creativity and resourcefulness found in each example provide practical models which can be adapted to any library environment, inspiring librarians looking for unique programming ideas.