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."

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.

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.

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. Includes a foreword by ALA President Julie Todaro.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As budgets for libraries continue to shrink, the key challenge facing the 21st century librarian is finding how to do more with less. Learning how to increase productivity within the constraints of a difficult economy, librarians can benefit from the insights of fellow professionals and others who have succeeded in making the most of what they have. Time and Project Management Strategies for Librarians features more than thirty essays that provide valuable tips for the professional who must cope with increasing demands upon their resources. Librarians will get tips on how to: identify the most important tasks for the library eliminate non-essential functions and processes increase reliance on volunteers, interns, and students optimize daily routines and schedule staff effectively increase productivity through the use of social media and email increase project and time management skills and personal productivity through setting and meeting goals With productivity tips for all librarians-from the newly hired to the most seasoned veteran-this volume will help libraries provide better service to their users and also show librarians how to give this service without losing their personal lives and their sanity.

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

Preservation of historical documents and library related materials is a growing problem in all library types and institutions. Fortunately, editors Carol Smallwood and Elaine Williams have pulled together the wisdom of practicing professionals to elucidate how to cope with the many problems that arise when preserving, managing, and digitizing important collections. Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials contains informative chapters on physical preservation, collection management, cooperation with organizations and communities, various formats, and special projects. Each part covers the preservation of specific materials, from newspapers and scrapbooks to photographs and oral histories. In addition, chapters cover repair and restoration of materials, while taking into consideration the current state of funding for agencies with an interest in history. Contributors also shed light on how the racial, economic, and political dynamics of the past affect how collections are gathered, maintained, and presented today. Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials offers plenty to inspire anyone facing backlogs of unprocessed papers or boxes of artifacts. Stories of the rescue efforts of a group of volunteers, or the discovery of a lost diary, show that the hard work of preservation is well worth it. Libraries, archives, and historical and genealogical societies all have their role to play in preserving important historical materials, as do patrons, sponsors, and volunteers; such institutions and individuals will find this book extremely helpful in their preservation efforts.

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.

How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian is a compilation of chapters by librarians offering advice to colleagues who must work alone or with very limited help. The contributors come from schools and colleges, special and corporate archives, public libraries, and seasoned LIS faculty across the United States and abroad who are familiar with the vigor, dedication, and creativity necessary for solo librarians. As noted in the Foreword, "In many ways, solo librarianship demands more communication and collaboration than librarians might experience in larger multi-employee libraries." Despite the fact that most of the authors are currently working alone in their library or archives, they do not work in a vacuum. These chapters aim to help librarians thrive in the demanding environment that exists for the solo librarian. Topics covered include time management, community involvement, public relations and marketing, professional development, internet-based ideas, administrative tasks, assessing and moving collections, and general overviews. How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian will be useful for all professionals and students in the field of librarianship.

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.

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.

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.