The Library PR Handbook: High-Impact Communications.

The Library PR Handbook: High-Impact Communications. Mark R. Gould, Ed. Chicago: ALA, 2010. 021.7 Libra2 ISBN 978-0-8389-1002-3

Highly recommended reading for anyone charged with the responsibility of summoning up community support and involvement in behalf of a school or community library. --The Midwest Book Review

Must read for librarians working in multi-type libraries. --Camila Alire, ALA President 2009-10

This just-in-time, user-friendly guide has something to help every librarian, from the newly-minted grad to seasoned veteran, meet today s complex communications challenges. --Rochelle Lefkowitz, founder, Pro Media Communications


The fast-paced and complex PR role is becoming increasingly important as libraries need to respond quickly to the changing media landscape and the country's demographic shifts. This handbook will get you on the right PR track with: ideas to harness a celebrity brand and create effective public service announcements; the how-tos of amplifying your message through partnerships; the means to develop affordable podcasts, savvy outreach programs, and special events; and tips for using gaming to build excitement. Written by high-profile experts in the PR field, "The Library PR Handbook" is the essential reader for those looking to spice up their library's message and get the word out.

The Successful Library Trustee Handbook. 2nd ed

Moore, Mary Y. The Successful Library Trustee Handbook. 2nd ed. Chicago: ALA, 2010. 021.820973 Moore 2nd ed. ISBN 978-0-8389-1003-0

(description of 1st ed)

Some boards of directors micromanage, while others protect their "turf" to the detriment of their customers. After decades of working with boards, library consultant Mary Moore has experienced enough understanding to provide authoritative guidance on what trustees can do to foster an effective organization. In this definitive guide and ALTA-approved training manual for members of library boards of trustees, Moore has created a user-friendly orientation manual for new trustees and refresher course for experienced board members. Designed to improve any board's effectiveness, The Successful Library Trustee Handbook offers proven advice about what it takes to make the board run smoothly - from meetings to evaluations. It addresses the critical questions every board member needs to understand: What does it mean to be on a library board of trustees? How does advocacy work and why is it important? Who makes library policy? Is there a more effective way to do strategic planning? Practical checklists, tables and what have you learned? review items will help anyone make the most of the experience of serving on a board. Trustees, administrators, consultants, trainers, and library students will welcome this hands-on "bring it along and mark it up" reference.

The Early Literacy Kit: A Handbook and Tip Cards

Diamant-Cohen, B. & Ghoting, S.N. (2010). The Early Literacy Kit: A Handbook and Tip Cards. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

This innovative and practical kit, put together by two well-known specialists in the field of early literacy, contains everything storytime presenters for children from birth to age five and their parents or caregivers need to spread the word about school readiness skills to adult caregivers. The kit includes

• An accessible handbook with a resource section
• 105 reusable tip cards with coordinated activities
• A concise summary of important early literacy research

Ideal for program planners, this convenient resource will help you teach caregivers the developing standards by which school readiness can be achieved. (item description)

The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels (book)

Goldsmith, F. (2010). The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

Graphic novels have found a place on library shelves but many librarians struggle to move this expanding body of intellectual, aesthetic, and entertaining literature into the mainstream of library materials. This guide includes

• A short course in graphic novels, along with reading lists and professional tools
• Tips on advising graphic novel readers on what to read next
• Suggestions for introducing graphic novels to those patrons unacquainted with them
• Advice on promoting your graphic novels collection

With energy and commitment born of professional experience and a deep love for graphic novels, Goldsmith provides the first guide to the genre aimed specifically at readers’ advisors, while presenting an abundance of resources useful to every librarian. (book description)

Twenty-First-Century Kids, Twenty-First-Century Librarians

Walter, V.A. (2010). Twenty-First-Century Kids, Twenty-First-Century Librarians. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

Inspired by a new generation of librarians and children, Walter reconsiders the legacy passed on by the matriarchs of children’s services and examines more recent trends and challenges growing out of changes in educational philosophy and information technology. This thoroughly researched book includes the current issues and trends of

• Outcome-based planning
• Early literacy
• Homework centers in libraries
• Children’s spaces

With extensive experience in children’s services as well as library instruction issues, Walter brings readers vital information on the current state of library services to children. (book description)

Standards for the 21st-Century Learner in Action

American Association of School Librarians. Standards for the 21st-Century Learner in Action. Chicago: AASL, 2009. Print. ISBN: 978-0-8389-8507-6

As you likely know, AASL recently updated their learning standards. Now there are 4 major standards, each with 4 strands. You can access them online, but for ideas about how to incorporate the standards into your library program, read this book. -- Jen

From ALA's description:
How are AASL's new learning standards, the Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, incorporated into the school library media program? This publication from AASL takes an in-depth look at the strands of the Standards for the 21st-Century Learner and the indicators within those strands. It also answers such critical questions as How do the strands—the skills, dispositions in action, responsibilities, and self-assessment strategies—relate to one another?

Benchmarks are provided along with examples that show how to put the learning standards into action. This is a practical book with examples of how to maximize the application of the learning standards at different grade levels. The colorful pages are full of graphics and charts that make for easy reference. A glossary is also provided to define key concepts found throughout the book.

This sound, practical book is guaranteed to aid school library media specialists and other educators in bringing 21st-century skills into the heart of the learning process.

Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs

American Association of School Librarians. Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs. Chicago: AASL, 2009. Print. ISBN: 978-0-8389-8519-9

Looking for some help as you develop your school library media program? Need something to share with administrators to help them understand the role of the school librarian? AASL's newest guidelines are your answer. -- Jen

From the preface on p. 5, written by Ann M. Martin, AASL President, 2008-2009:
As we approach the second decade of the twenty-first century, school library media programs continue to undergo momentous changes that have heightened the importance of technology and evidence-based learning. The focus has moved from the library as a confined place to one with fluid boundaries that is layered by diverse needs and influenced by an interactive global community. Guiding principles for school library media programs must focus on building a flexible learning environment with the goal of producing successful learners skilled in multiple literacies. Defining the future direction of school library media programs is the purpose of the newest set of guidelines from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), entitled Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs.

Information Literacy Assessment in K-12 Settings

Farmer, Lesley S. J., and James Henri. Information Literacy Assessment in K-12 Settings. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow, 2008. Print. ISBN: 0-8108-5695-6

From the book description:
As library educators help the academic community incorporate information literacy into the curriculum and instruct students so they become information literate, the role of assessment becomes key—and problematic. What should be assessed, how should it be examined, and is there even a valid and feasible set of assessment tools? This work helps library educators serving students from the pre-kindergarten level through high school address information literacy assessment issues systematically within their own settings. Global trends and cultural contexts are duly noted in exploring assessment processes and use, as well as in analyzing and categorizing existing assessment instruments. Farmer and Henri also investigate the factors affecting information literacy: instructional strategies, learning activities, collaborative practices, resources, learning environment, curriculum, and administrative support.

This book was positively reviewed in Booklist, and the reviewer noted that despite the scholarly approach, the book is very readable. -- Jen

Influencing Without Authority

Hawks, Melanie. Influencing Without Authority. Chicago: Association of College and Research Libraries. 2009. 158.4 Hawks ISBN 978-0-8389-8510-6

Family Literacy Storytimes (book)

Totten, K. (2009). Family literacy storytimes: Readymade storytimes suitable for the whole family. NY: Neal-Schuman

Family Literacy Storytimes gives you the insight and inspiration to plan literacy-rich, memorable storytimes that have the power to bring the whole family together. In a fun-filled environment, families new to the English language can begin family literacy before the child enters school. In Family Literacy Storytimes you will have all the tools you need to foster oral fluency in English while providing exposure to excellent children’s literature. Each of the 25 themed storytime plans includes an outline for a 30 minute program designed to help parents and children learn together. Each theme includes an annotated list of recently published picture books selected to help you teach the American Library Association (ALA) six pre-literacy skills. Using the many extended learning activities, games, original songs, parent handouts, craft patterns and storytelling aids, you can give parents the tools they need to be their child’s best teacher. Families experiencing success together in your library–what could be better than that? (book description)

Baby rhyming time (book)

Ernst, L.L. (2008). Baby rhyming time. NY: Neal-Schuman.

150 building-block activities from the author of Lapsit Services for the Very Young!

The renowned authority on library services for the very youngest patrons has done it again! Linda Ernst has created programming based on the most important findings in babies' brain development. This new resource is full of activities that stimulate infants' and toddlers' cognitive, physical, and emotional growth. In this versatile book and CD-ROM package, you'll find book ideas, rhymes, songs and music, props, and more that can be combined to form hundreds of hours of quality programming that will wow parents, educators, and caregivers. The CD-ROM contains lyrics, patterns, forms, and posters that can be adapted and easily reproduced. In addition, the book contains suggestions for scheduling, room arrangement, and parent education. Now your programming for babies and infants can strengthen their language acquisition and motor-skill development...and connect your library with families right from the start!

Pop Goes the Library (book)

Brookover, S. & Burns, E. (2008). Pop goes the library: Using pop culture to connect with your whole community. Medford, NJ: Information Today.

You loved the blog—now read the book! Whether you regularly follow entertainment and gossip news, or wondered “Corbin Who?” when you saw the recent ALA READ poster, Pop Goes the Library will help you connect with your users and energize your staff. Pop culture blogger-librarians Sophie Brookover and Elizabeth Burns define what pop culture is (and isn’t) and share insights, tips, techniques, and success stories from all types of libraries.

You’ll discover practical strategies and ideas for incorporating the pop culture passions of your users into collections, programs, and services, plus a range of marketing and outreach ideas, technology tools, and ready-to-go programs you can start using today. Here is an eye-opening book that’s as much fun to read as it is to apply! (book description)

A Catalyst for Change: LSTA Grants to States Program Activities and the Transformation of Library Services to the Public

Manjarrez, Carlos, L. Langa, K. Miller. A Catalyst for Change: LSTA Grants to States Program Activities and the Transformation of Library Services to the Public. Washington DC: Institute of Museum and Library Services, June 2009.

A Competency Index for the Library Field, compiled by WebJunction, edited by Betha Gutsche. Dublin, Ohio : WebJunction, 2009.

From WebJunction:

Call it an index, a guide, a dictionary, a menu of competencies. The purpose of this compilation of competency statements for library practice is to help libraries of all sizes and types build the foundation of competencies that will help them to develop staff skills and knowledge and ultimately to help meet the needs of the community.

Download the PDF and re-purpose it to your advantage. And please let us know what you think.

Take a look at other existing competency sets from around the library field.

Managing Electronic Government Information in Libraries

Managing Electronic Government Information in Libraries, Issues and Practices. Edited by Andrea M. Morrison. Chicago, American Library Association, 2008.

From the publisher:

Managing and providing access to the ever-expanding wealth of electronic government information now available presents a significant challenge for librarians, even those who are government documents specialists.

In two parts, this expert guide from ALA’s Government Documents Round Table (GODORT) provides the necessary resources librarians can use to connect patrons to specific information via government sites and electronic documents.

In part one, the contributing authors discuss historical contexts and contemporary issues of electronic government collections. In part two, they give practical guidance for implementing and improving services.

Deftly edited by Andrea Morrison, this book

• Navigates the local, state, federal, and international e-government landscape
• Provides in-depth description and examples for cataloging electronic government documents
• Suggests outreach methods for sharing resources internally and externally
• Recommends practical tips for keeping up with electronic government information

Libraries of all types will find this comprehensive book a very useful bridge to serving more patrons through electronic government collections. Offering sound advice for anyone who is or should be working with government documents, this book is especially useful for reference, map, digital, and technical services librarians.

Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries

Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries: Librarians and Educators in Second Life and other Multi-user Virtual Environments. Edited by Lori Bell and Rhonda B. Trueman. Medford, N.J. : Information Today, 2008.

From the publisher:

Eighty percent of Internet users are expected to engage in some form of virtual world activity by 2011 (Gartner Research Group), and librarians and educators are already there. This fascinating book—the brainchild of two pioneering virtual world librarians—is designed to help libraries and schools recognize the importance of multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) and consider ways of getting involved as they proliferate.

The editors and 24 contributors describe library, educational, and cultural projects they have undertaken. They recount their experiences working together to succeed in Second Life and other virtual worlds and explain how traditional library services such as reference, teaching, collections, discussion groups, and young adult programs can be applied in a virtual environment.

WARNING: Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries and the experiences it references may be habit forming. If you find yourself unable to escape from the virtual library environment, put down the book, disconnect your computer, and seek immediate real world attention!

Listen up! Podcasting for Schools and Libraries

Listen up! Podcasting for Schools and Libraries, by Linda W. Braun. Medford, N.J. : Information Today, 2007.

From the publisher:

Here is a timely — and time-saving — guide for teachers, librarians, and school media specialists who need to get quickly up-to-speed on podcasting. Educational technology specialist Linda Braun explains what podcasting is and why it is such a useful tool for schools and libraries. She covers both content and technical issues, sharing tips for finding and using podcasts and vodcasts, examples of innovative school and library projects, how-to advice for creating great podcasts, and guidance on getting the word out to students, staff, patrons, and other users. As a reader bonus, the author’s Web page features links to her recommended resources for school and library podcasters.

Whether you are new to the technology or an experienced podcaster in search of ideas and inspiration, you’ll find a unique source of support in Listen Up! Podcasting for Schools and Libraries.

The Accidental Librarian

The Accidental Librarian, by Pamela H. MacKellar. Medford, N.J. : Information Today, Inc., 2008.

From the publisher:

Are you doing the job of a librarian without the advantage of a library degree or professional experience? Do you wonder what you might have missed in formal library education, how highly trained librarians stay on top of their game, or what skills and qualities library directors look for? Have we got the book for you!

Pamela H. MacKellar—a 25-year library veteran who has mentored "accidental" librarians in all types of settings—covers library principles, practices, and tools of the trade. She offers tips, examples, and simple exercises to increase your understanding.

Whether you are seeking a thorough grounding in library fundamentals or simply looking for ways to serve more effectively in your current role, The Accidental Librarian is a great place to start.

2008 Oregon Virtual Reference Summit (DVD)

2008 Oregon Virtual Reference Summit, Salem, Oregon, May 9, 2008.

This three-disc DVD includes presentations from the following speakers:

• Disc 1. The Dewey-level shift [i.e. The innovation imperative] with R. David Lankes
• Disc 2: Remote users : what they want from library services when they are not @ the library with Laural Winter
  Not just pushing pages: teaching search in the virtual environment with Kate Gronemyer, Anne-Marie Deitering
  
• Disc 3: MCM IM: past, present and future Jenny Berg, Hillary Garrett

Managing Conflicts of Interest

Kurtz, Daniel L. and Paul, Sarah E. Managing Conflicts of Interest 2nd ed. Washington D.C.: BoardSource, 2006 658.422 Kurtz 2nd ed.
ISBN 1-58686-078-X

The third edition of Managing Conflicts of Interest is a thorough update with approximately 25 percent new material. This book seeks to demystify many of the legal rules relating to conflicts of interest that are applicable to nonprofit board members and executive staff, giving current and prospective board members the knowledge they need to serve with confidence. Because there are many legal definitions and nuances involved, the text seeks to create both a common understanding of conflicts of interest and a common vocabulary with which to discuss conflict issues. (book description)

Generating Buzz: Strategic Communications for Nonprofit Boards

Patterson, Sally J. Generating Buzz: Strategic Communications for Nonprofit Boards. Washington D.C.: BoardSource, 2006. 658.45 Patte ISBN 1-58686-082-8

The author expertly--at times uncannily so--describes the lost value inherent in the error of not leveraging the influence of board members for communication and the large reservoir of value that inheres in the choice of a CEO and board chairman intentionally to do so. Along the way, Patterson scatters helpful counsel regarding framing and branding the organization and its mission, not least so that board members have something good to create buzz about.

ALA-APA Salary Survey 2009

ALA-APA Salary Survey: Librarian – Public and Academic. Chicago: ALA, 2009. 331.2810232 ALA 2009 ISBN 0-8389-8518-1