Establishing an awards program for self-published authors offers libraries new ways to bolster their relevance and expand upon their roles as curators and "keepers of story." This guide shows you how. For many reasons, up until now librarians have ignored the nearly half-million self-published books available for purchase. This book details how to find and promote librarian-curated, self-published books, covering every step in the process-from assembling a committee and recruiting judges to soliciting submissions, handling the nominated authors, judging the entries, and promoting the contest and contest winner. Written by the founding members of the Soon-to-be-Famous Illinois Author Project, the first librarian-curated award for self-published works, this book shows you how to use the process outlined by these library marketing professionals to run a successful author awards program. You can also apply their proven methods and tools to evaluate self-published books written by local authors that you are considering adding to your collections. Offers practical, step-by-step guidelines for librarians wishing to launch a librarian-curated, self-publishing author award program Inspires librarians to explore a new area of service and maintain their libraries' relevance Describes how to position librarians in a new leadership role with curation, eBooks, and self publishing to better engage their communities

A comprehensive guide for all sizes of libraries, this book guides you through the entire process of effectively redesigning your library's website-from evaluating your current site and understanding user needs, to creating a budget, through to launching and maintaining your updated site. For today's increasingly web-savvy patrons, your library's website is a critical aspect of your services and user experience. If it's time for a website makeover for your library, this book will take you through the process step-by-step, sharing lessons learned and pointing out pitfalls to avoid. The end result? You'll delight your patrons with easy-to-find information, wow your director with an easy-to-use content management system (CMS), and impress your board with a website that clearly communicates your library's value. Written by two veterans of the process who have presented workshops on this topic, this book covers the entire process of library website redesign: from evaluating your current website, to making the decision of whether to hire a web developer or do it in-house, to usability testing. It also addresses budgeting, making content and design decisions, the launching process, marketing, and upkeep of your new site. Presents an approachable, complete guide that covers all steps in the process of revamping a library website, turning a potentially daunting challenge into a doable project, even for those without technical backgrounds Describes various ways of handling specific steps for different sizes and types of libraries-from a "DIY" approach to cost-effective ways of hiring outside professionals Provides an invaluable resource for librarians and library staff members charged with the task of designing or redesigning their library's website as well as for web developers and designers who work with libraries