Friday, May 29, 2009

Developing a Compensation Plan for Your Library

Singer, Paula M. and Francisco, Laura L. Developing a Compensation Plan for Your Library. 2nd Edition. Chicago: ALA, 2009. 023.9 Singe 2nd ed. isbn 978-0-8389-0985-0

From Library JournalFilling a void in the library management literature, this readable manual by a consultant with experience in helping large and small library systems design and facilitate compensation plans ably guides administrators through the steps involved, from the decision to undertake a compensation study through implementation and administration of a compensation program. In addition to serving as a how-to, the book includes thoughtful discussions of the philosophy of compensation plans; issues and trends in compensation; and the importance of tailoring any plan to the particular library and its mission, environment, and culture. As the author tells us in the introduction, "The design and implementation of compensation and pay plans are as much an art as a science." Both art and science are respected here. Highly recommended for anyone responsible for human resources in libraries. Lyn Hopper, Chestatee Regional Lib., Dawsonville, GA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Marketing Today's Academic Library: a Bold New Approach to Communicating With Students

Mathews, Brian. Marketing Today's Academic Library: a Bold New Approach to Communicating With Students. Chicago: ALA, 2009. 021.7 Mathe isbn 978-0-8389-0984-3

In "Marketing Today's Academic Library", Brian Mathews uses his vast experience to speak directly to the academic library practitioner about matching services with user needs. This book proposes new visions and ideas, challenging the traditional way of thinking and providing a framework to target users more precisely. Most library marketing intended for undergraduates promotes the collection, reference and instructional service, and occasional events such as guest speakers or exhibits. The guiding principle of "Marketing Today's Academic Library" is that marketing should focus on the lifestyle of the user, showcasing how the library fits within the daily life of the student. Mathews' personal and compelling presentation will assist readers in: challenging and rethinking their marketing strategies; demonstrating their value through applied relevance; and, focusing on the needs of the student and their expectations. Written in a concise and engaging manner that speaks to popular anxiety points about new marketing techniques, this book is filled with tips and strategies that academic librarians can use to communicate with students, surpassing their expectations of their library experience.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Books Challenged or Banned in 2007-2008 (brochure)

Doyle, R.P. (2008). Books challenged or banned in 2007-2008. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

This bibliography
represents books challenged, restricted, removed, or banned in 2007-2008 as reported in the Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom from May 2007 through May 2008. (brochure description)

You can download this brochure from the American Library Association or check it out from the Oregon State Library.

Critical Approaches to Young Adult Literature (book)

Latrobe, K.H. & Drury, J. (2009). Critical approaches to young adult literature. New York: Neal-Schuman.

With today’s digital natives, educators face new challenges in guiding young adults to discovery of the critical thinking and enjoyment that comes from lifelong literacy not to mention simply reading simply for pleasure. For anyone seeking to hone their skills as a guide to YA reading, Latrobe and Drury give you a theoretical basis for your programming with cogent explanations of eight critical theories of literature:

• New Criticism/Formal Criticism
• Psychological Criticism
• Sociological Criticism: Relationships in Context
• Historical Criticism
• Gender Criticism: Opposite Sexes or Neighboring Sexes?
• Archetypal/Mythological Criticism
• Popular Culture and Criticism
• Reader-Response: A Unique Literary Event

Critical Approaches to Young Adult Literature is for librarians in school and public libraries (plus their colleagues across the curriculum) who strive for collections and programming that elicit thoughtful responses and build higher-level literacy skills across grades 6–12. The authors explore all facets of creating a vibrant YA reading community such as inquiry-based learning, promoting and motivating reading, collection management, understanding multiple intelligences, accepting diverse beliefs, and acting as a change agent to name a few. Latrobe and Drury also provide basic questions designed to involve young people, activities to encourage critical responses and bibliographies of YA books with annotations. (book description)

Easy information sources for ESL, adult learners, & new readers (book)

Riechel, R. (2009). Easy information sources for ESL, adult learners, & new readers. New York: Neal-Schuman,

Librarians in every community find challenges in serving adult patrons who struggle to read. Adult book collections are too daunting…and many children’s books are simply
too childlike. This bibliography identifies and describes more than 250 nonfiction books from the children’s department that will support and engage your adults with special needs.

Organized into 15 popular subject areas, and based on recommendations from respected public library adult and children’s librarians, school librarians, and children’s authors, the books included in this annotated bibliography are based on specific criteria, including:

· Coverage of popular, but complex topics, using clear language,
and highly readable presentations
· Accurate, well-researched texts
· Appealing, informative illustrations to enhance text
· A minimum of “childish” features

The majority of works recommended are recent with publishing dates after 1998 and they can be recommended with confidence because they do not “talk down” to adult readers or embarrass those who may be new readers. This new work is both a handy “book finding” tool and a terrific resource helping your library fulfill an important community outreach mission. (book description)

The Newbery and Caldecott Awards 2009 (book)

Association for Library Service to Children. (2009). The Newbery & Caldecott Awards: A guide to the medal and honor books (2009 ed.). Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

The latest edition of the Newbery and Caldecott Awards guide covers the most distinguished American children’s literature and illustration. Librarians and teachers everywhere have come to rely on this annual guide for quick reference, collection and curriculum development, and readers’ advisory. With a fresh look and format, locating information on the award-winning books is easier than ever before.

The new format of Newbery and Caldecott Awards: A Guide to the Medal and Honor Books, 2009 Edition is accompanied by Kathleen T. Horning’s new essay, “Newbery and Caldecott Medal Books: Revised, Revamped, and Revitalized,” which explores the topic of new editions and bibliographic citations for updated works. The 2009 edition also includes notes indicating those Caldecott Medal winners and Honor Books that have been revised and republished with new art.

Along with these new features, the vital favorites from past editions still remain. In addition to the comprehensive awards listings, Bette J. Peltola’s essay explains terms and definitions associated with both awards while Christine Behrmann discusses information on media used in the award-winning books.

With this book’s glimpse at criteria used to select the award, an annotated summary of winners and honors back to the celebrated prizes’ beginnings, and a fresh new format, this comprehensive resource is better than ever. (book description)