Building Science 101: A Primer for Librarians

Piotrowicz, Lynn M. and Scott Osgood. Building Science 101: A Primer for Librarians. Chicago: ALA, 2010. 022.31 Piotr ISBN 9780838910412

Take care of your library and it will take care of you! In this practical, concise volume the authors provide a tour of the library building from foundation to roof. In a time of rapidly inflating energy prices and tight public budgets, many libraries are faced with older physical facilities that are not up to modern standards of efficiency. Designed for libraries where construction of a whole new building is not feasible, this book offers step-by-step instructions for 1) improving energy use of existing structions 2) identifying ways to enhance building maintenance 3) investing resources for future savings.

Negotiating Licenses for Digital Resources

Durrant, Fiona. Negotiating Licenses for Digital Resources. London: Facet, 2006. 346.4207 Durra. ISBN 1856045862

With the increasing availability of digital resources, it is vital for those involved in purchasing them to get to grips with the complexities of contracts, costs and the relationships that exist between subscriber and publisher. "Negotiating Licences for Digital Resources" is a practical guide on how to get the best deal for online subscriptions. The processes outlined in this book can be applied to a wide range of electronic products, ranging from e-journals to multi-modular databases. There are practical tips and guidance on what to focus on during the course of the negotiation and, most importantly, what preparation is needed to ensure that you gather the necessary amount of information to achieve the best outcome. The text guides you logically through the stages of negotiation, from initial awareness of your organization's needs to making the contract more understandable, and offers advice on the skills and techniques of negotiation, whether in written or face-to-face scenarios. This book can act as a reference tool for experienced negotiators, or as a primer for those who have never before been involved in the process. It is essential reading for information professionals, knowledge managers, online resource buyers and procurement officers across all sectors, and will also be of interest to publishers, e-journal agents and vendors of online resources.

Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians

Martin, Millias J. Jr. and James R. Murdock. Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2007. 027.63 Marti ISBN 978-1555705664

This volume takes on the challenge of providing library services to LGBTQ teens. In a clearly laid-out format and a highly readable style, the guide focuses on helping queer teens within the larger umbrella of providing service to all teens. Part 1 covers library service to the LGBTQ population. Understanding the queer community and identifying LGBTQ teens' informational needs, offering effective service in a safe environment, handling readers'-advisory and reference interviews, doing collection development, integrating LGBTQ themes into general programming, and assesssing and responding to the rate of change and inclusion a community will tolerate are all covered in an accessible manner. Part 2 consists of an excellent annotated bibliography as well as sample booktalks and instructions for program design. An additional source bibliography and a fine index complete a superior tool for starting or enhancing library services to a formerly neglected subset of the teen population.

Developing and Maintaining Practical Archives: A How-To-Do-It Manual; a How-to-Do-It Manuals for Libraries, Second Edition

Hunter, Gregory S. Developing and Maintaining Practical Archives: A How-To-Do-It Manual; a How-to-Do-It Manuals for Libraries, Second Edition. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2009. 027 Hunte 2nd ed. ISBN 978-1555704674

If you have to do archives, this is a very good book. Eminently practical and readable, it discusses everything from undertaking a records survey to issues involved in electronic archives. An extensive bibliography presents many articles by leaders in the archival profession. Extremely useful are charts that organize important information succinctly?for example, characteristics of records with intrinsic value and a convenient table providing cubic foot equivalents for physical items. Anecdotal vignettes such as Alex Haley at the National Archives and Stanford University's purchase of Allen Ginsberg's manuscripts and "old electric bills" make for lively reading, sharpening what Richard Cox once called "the cutting edge of a dull profession." Hunter, an associate professor at the Palmer School of Library and Information Science, Long Island University, was the first president of the Academy of Certified Archivists and is a former chair of the Society of American Archivists' Committee on Education and Professional Development. Highly recommended for those just starting out and as a useful refresher for established archivists as well.

Conducting the Reference Interview; A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians 2nd edition

Ross, Catherine Sheldrick, Kirsti Nilsen and Marie L. Radford. Conducting the Reference Interview; A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians 2nd edition. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2009. 025.52 Ross 2nd ed. ISBN 978-1555706555

This second edition is completely updated, with an all-new section on virtual reference. The section on the readers’-advisory interview is now a full chapter. Marie Radford joins authors Ross and Kirsti Nilsen, bringing her expertise and research on virtual-reference services. All three authors have been involved in large and long-term research projects on reference and readers’-advisory interviews, virtual and face-to-face, and their work informs all chapters of this book. Scenarios based on real library transactions illustrate many important ideas, and most also include comments and discussion questions, making it easy to adapt them for classes or workshops. Sidebars appear on nearly every page, with “Did you know?” research facts, short exercises, and “Quick Tips.” This outstanding work is highly recommended for all libraries and is essential reading for all LIS educators and librarians involved in staff training.

Kovacs Guide to Electronic Library Collection Development: Essential Core Subject Collections, Selection Criteria, and Guidelines, Second Edition

Kovacs, Diane K. The Kovacs Guide to Electronic Library Collection Development: Essential Core Subject Collections, Selection Criteria, and Guidelines, Second Edition New York: Neal-Schuman, 2009. 025.284 KOVAC 2nd ed. ISBN 978-1555706647

First published in 2004, this second edition provides updated and enhanced information on “how to build, expand, improve, and maintain an e-library collection.” Chapters cover general collection guidelines and licensing basics; especially useful are individual sections citing specific Web sites for e-collection sources in ready reference, business, medicine, biology, engineering, physical and earth sciences, and the social sciences and humanities. Kovacs, who co-compiled a few editions of the invaluable print Directory of Electronic Journals, Newsletters, and Academic Discussion Lists, among other works, is a very diligent researcher, and her latest title again offers librarians much useful information.

Game On! Gaming at the Library

Gallaway, Beth. Game On! Gaming at the Library. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2009.025.284 Galla ISBN 978-1555705954
The video-gaming phenomenon has become ubiquitous. Enthusiastic participants range from toddlers to senior citizens, and in addition to being tons of fun, practical applications include literacy support, business training, and physical therapy. This no-nonsense manual offers a tremendous amount of useful information. Chapters are arranged according to levels, to mimic games, and begin with the basics—definitions, vocabulary, and backstory. Subsequent levels explore the benefits of embracing video games; resources (online, vendors, conventions, etc.); readers’ advisory and reference support for gamers; program ideas; forms and flyers; management tips; collection development; and future trends. Inserts, screen shots, sidebars, and other visuals accompany step-by-step directions, check-off lists, and other user-friendly features. A companion Web site ensures timeliness.

Essential Thesaurus Construction

Broughton, Vanda. Essential Thesaurus Construction. London: Facet, 2006. 025.49 Broug ISBN 978-1856045650
Many information professionals working in small units today fail to find the published tools for subject-based organization that are appropriate to their local needs, whether they are archivists, special librarians, information officers, or knowledge or content managers. This practical text examines the criteria relevant to the selection of a subject-management system, describes the characteristics of some common types of subject tool, and takes the novice step by step through the process of creating a system for a specialist environment. The methodology employed is a standard technique for the building of a thesaurus that incidentally creates a compatible classification or taxonomy, both of which may be used in a variety of ways for document or information management. Key areas covered are: Tools for subject access and retrieval; Examples of thesauri; the structure of a thesaurus; thesaural relationships; practical thesaurus construction; the vocabulary of the thesaurus; building the systematic structure; conversion to alphabetic format; forms of entry in the thesaurus; maintaining the thesaurus; thesaurus software; and the wider environment.

Motivating Students in Information Literacy Classes

Jacobson, Trudi E. and Lijuan Xu. Motivating Students in Information Literacy Classes. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2004. 028.7071 Jacob ISBN 978-1555704971
Students learn best when they are motivated by and interested in the subject. This unique manual shows librarians and instructors how to develop engaging courses that will compel students to become effective and successful users of information both in their academic careers and their professional lives. Part One gives librarians the keys to understanding motivation essentials and teaches them to make information literacy courses more motivating to students and the value of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Jacobson and Xu show how to utilize credit-bearing courses, course-related instruction, drop-in sessions, and first-year programs to create exciting and enticing instruction for students. They provide librarians with tips from instructors, notes from actual experience, innovative exercises and assignments, models of teaching behaviors, methods for increasing student participation, advice for assessment and grading, and considerations for Web-based instruction.

PLA Reader for Public Library Directors and Managers

Hughes, Kathleen M. ed. The PLA Reader for Public Library Directors and Managers. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2009 025.1974 PLA ISBN 978-1555706845
This compilation of articles from Public Libraries (the bimonthly magazine of ALA’s Public Library Association) and chapters from the association’s recent books will be useful at all levels and sizes of libraries. The material is arranged under categories reflecting the general landscape today: advocacy, ideas for better leadership, communication, open access, better reference service, and technology. With 32 essays, the anthology is an excellent starting point for the topics. Aimed at professionals, the book will also be useful to trustees.

Abstracts and Abstracting: A Genre and Set of Skills for the Twenty-First Century

Koltay, Tibor. Abstracts and Abstracting: A Genre and Set of Skills for the Twenty-First Century. Oxford, England: Chandros, 2010. 025.41 Kolta ISBN 978-1843345176
Abstracts are as useful and beneficial in today's digital environment as they were in the print-era. Here is a comprehensive new resource detailing the most important and up-to-date theories in abstracting, and effective, practical guidance on writing abstracts. Author Tibor Koltay discusses abstracts basic structures and functions plus important new approaches for informative and indicative abstracts. Koltay demonstrates current best practices and model implementation by including successful real world examples, and provides step-by-step guidelines for implementing essential abstracting rules of thumb.

Public Libraries Going Green

Miller, Kathryn. Public Libraries Going Green. Chicago: ALA, 2010. 022.314 Mille ISBN 978-0838910184
This is the first book to focus strictly on the library’s role in going green, helping
you with
• Collection development, disposal, and recycling issues
• Green equipment, technology, and facilities
• Programming ideas and supporting tables and
figures
• Ways to get the community involved in the process
Highly practical and bursting with ideas, this guide will serve as a quick reference source for going green
in your library.

Metadata

Zeng, Marcia Lei and Jian Qin. Metadata. NewYork: Neal-Schuman, 2008. 025.3 Zeng ISBN 978-1555706357
Internationally recognized metadata experts Zeng and Qin have created a comprehensive primer for advanced undergraduate, graduate, or continuing education courses in information organization, information technology, cataloging, digital libraries, electronic archives, and, of course, metadata. An outcome-based approach lets learners with different orientations adapt their new knowledge and skills to any domain. Uuseful features include sample problems with solutions, quizzes, hands-on tutorials, and a recommended reading list at the end of each chapter. A companion digital library on CD-ROM for instructors includes quizzes, answer keys, and additional exercises.

Information Literacy Instruction: Theory and Practice

Grassian, Esther S., and Joan R. Kaplowitz. Information Literacy Instruction: Theory and Practice. 2nd ed. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2009. ISBN: 9781555706661

This may come across as a textbook, but the useful information is very accessible. -- Jen

Contents:
Information literacy instruction : what is it? -- History of information literacy instruction -- The psychology of learning : the theory behind the practice -- Psychology of learning : putting theory into practice -- Library anxiety, mental models, and conceptual change -- Critical thinking and active learning -- Planning for information literacy instruction -- The instructional menu -- Basic copyright and design issues -- Designing instructional modes and materials -- Assessment : improving learning, improving teaching -- Learner-centered teaching : listen, engage, inspire -- Teaching in a diverse world : knowledge, respect, and inclusion -- Delivering information literacy instruction in various environments -- Using technology to support pedagogy -- Teaching online tools and resources -- Visions of the future : two perspectives

From the publisher:
Leaders in the field of information literacy, Esther S. Grassian and Joan R. Kaplowitz have revised, expanded, and updated their comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of library instruction. This second edition covers all aspects and modes of information literacy instruction, including history and psychology, as well as how to create and design teaching materials, how to use new technology to support pedagogy, and how to utilize new developments in the field since the publication of the previous edition. The recommended readings and exercises at the end of each chapter help put ideas and concepts into practice. The companion CD-ROM includes institutional and library mission statements related to information literacy, a table listing pros and cons of assessment tools, a brief overview of learning styles table, examples of minimalist documentation, a sample PowerPoint slide show, a sample class outline, a two-minute yoga exercise, suggestions for further reading and the complete book bibliography, both with live links to web pages.

More Hands-On Information Literacy Activities

Hunt, Fiona, and Jane Birks. More Hands-On Information Literacy Activities. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2008. ISBN: 9781555706487

Click to view the table of contents.

From the publisher:
Authors Fiona Hunt and Jane Birks have tackled the 21st century digital information environment to bring you a new collection of library and classroom activities that support both secondary and undergraduate college students’ information literacy skill development and better use of library tools and resources. All activities are suitable for an ESL environment. In the book’s 20 activities, you’ll find strategies that help students determine their information needs, access and evaluate information, and use and cite that information ethically. Adaptable and easy-to-use exercises focus on the use of keywords, brainstorming, library orientation, search strings, evaluation of information, citation tips, avoiding plagiarism and more. Includes a CD-ROM with all supporting handouts, worksheets, and answer keys. While today’s students may indeed be “Web-savvy,” they are not necessarily information literate. This book will help you teach the strategies and techniques of intelligent information use, engaging students in active, productive explorations of the library and its resources.

More... is a follow-up to the original edition, Hands-On Information Literacy Activities, by the same authors (2003), which we also have in our collection. -- Jen

Learning to Learn : A Guide to Becoming Information Literate in the 21st Century

Riedling, Ann Marlow. Learning to Learn : A Guide to Becoming Information Literate in the 21st Century. 2nd ed. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2006. ISBN: 9781555705565

I know this book is "already" four years old, but it comes highly recommended. -- Jen

Contents:
What does it mean to be information literate? -- I am ready to research : where do I start? -- How do I find the information I need? -- How can the library (and virtual library) help me? -- There is so much information on the internet : where do I begin? -- How do I know if what I read is true? -- What should I know about plagiarism and copyright? -- How do I give credit to the creator of the information I read? -- Now that I've finished the research, how do I write the paper?

From the publisher:
In today’s world, students and workers need to know much more than just how to “use” a computer or “surf” the Internet. As an educator, you assume the awesome responsibility of helping them master essential information literacy skills to succeed in the high-speed environment in which we live. This simple, step-by- step guide is the perfect tool to accomplish that task! It is designed to help students--from middle school through beginning college--move through the research process proficiently. Original exercises reinforce the discussion using the individual student’s unique ideas and interests. Students will learn the meaning of “information literacy,” and how to:

* Locate the “right” information
* Use traditional and online libraries
* Evaluate and identify authoritative sources
* Cite sources properly
* Turn research papers into something that displays their own ideas and ingenuity

An all-new chapter covers intellectual property, copyright, and plagiarism.

Best of History Web Sites

Daccord, Thomas. Best of History Web Sites. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2007. ISBN: 9781555706111

Click to see the table of contents.

From the publisher:
Educator and technology trainer Thomas Daccord has painstakingly selected and compiled this guide to the best history sites for use in high school, academic, and public libraries. The Best of History Web Sites is the quickest path to a rich variety of content, including multimedia presentations, subject gateways, lesson plans and activities, primary resources, interactive quizzes and games, virtual tours, maps and atlases, statistical collections, and more. Based on his award-winning Internet portal, this new resource describes over 800+ Web sites covering United States, ancient and medieval, and modern history. Each entry includes the complete URL and a detailed annotation. Unique to this resource are easy-to-identify categories that indicate the type of content featured on the site; grade level recommendations; and "Best Of" selections that identify the best e-texts, research and plagiarism sources, advanced placement study guides, virtual tours, and more. Two special introductory chapters help librarians and educators learn to locate and evaluate history Web sites and integrate them into the educational or library setting. Librarians and educators will find this an ideal starting place for designing lesson plans, helping students complete assignments, getting researchers started on specific subjects, creating pathfinders, or even answering history-related reference questions.

Smart Copyright Compliance for Schools: A How-To-Do-It Manual

Butler, Rebecca P. Smart Copyright Compliance for Schools: A How-To-Do-It Manual. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2009. ISBN: 9781555706463

This book helps you create policies and procedures to keep your school "right with copyright." It's a great resource to share with administrators. -- Jen

Contents:
Introduction to proactive copyright compliance -- The copyright policy -- The process -- Copyright procedures -- Training -- Auditing the copyright compliance process -- Feedback and conclusion

From the publisher:
Make sure your school district is legal!

Use this authoritative guide to set up and maintain a copyright compliance program. You’ll learn how to:

• Define copyright compliance and establish procedures
• Involve/meet with all stakeholders
• Write or update a copyright policy
• Conduct training sessions
• Develop auditing processes and procedures
• Maintain copyright compliance district-wide

Superintendents, school administrators, teachers, technology coordinators, aides, school boards, and especially library media specialists will find this resource invaluable.

The Innovative School Librarian: Thinking Outside the Box

Markless, Sharon, ed. The Innovative School Librarian: Thinking Outside the Box. London: Facet, 2009. ISBN: 9781856046534

From the publisher:
Be inspired to conquer the many challenges facing school library media specialists today. Editor Sharon Markless and contributors address all of the field’s most pertinent strategic issues, then contribute innovative, practical ideas for outstanding service. Readers get a unique and valuable perspective on how to communicate more effectively with those who control resources from the editor’s integration of views held by librarians as well as stake holders in the community. Comprehensive appendices include sample documents any school librarian can use, and a bevy of real-life success stories that combine inspiration, and innovation to help librarians build a positive and prosperous environment for their community. This is an essential, thought-provoking book for all school library media specialists, practitioners in schools library services, district officials, and students of librarianship. It also has plenty to interest public library managers and other stake holders in the community.

Fundamentals of School Library Media Management

Martin, Barbara Stein, and Marco Zannier. Fundamentals of School Library Media Management: A How-To-Do-It Manual. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2009. ISBN: 9781555706562

Contents:
Getting to know your work environment -- Setting goals -- Getting organized and managing time -- Communicating with stakeholders -- Locating and learning about important documents -- Staffing the library -- Working with your budget -- Circulating books and other materials -- Weeding and doing inventory -- Selecting books and other materials -- Ordering and processing books and other materials -- Organizing and arranging books -- Selecting databases and Web sites -- Creating your library's Web site (and more) -- Connecting library users to resources -- Learning the school's curriculum -- Collaborating with teachers -- Providing research instruction -- Offering special programming -- Evaluating and closing out the year -- Selected policy documents

From the publisher:
Uncover all of the critical information and guidance you'll need to adeptly manage any school library in this valuable new resource. Co-authors Barbara Stein Martin, an experienced professor of school librarianship, and accomplished school librarian Marco Zannier present a practical tool to help you fully understand and confidently master the extensive services and skills involved in this always-evolving profession.

Equally effective when read from cover to cover or used as a quick-reference handbook, you’ll first learn to build a strong professional foundation through a helpful explanation of the basics, like setting goals, organization and time management, communication with stakeholders and a list of important professional documents. Read on to succeed in each one of the three major roles you’ll adopt as a school librarian, including:

• Administrator, with instruction in budgeting, circulation and inventory
• Information Specialist, which covers material selection, ordering, processing and arranging, databases and web sites and references
• Teacher and Instructional Specialist, with guidance for teaching your school’s curriculum, research assistance, collaboration and programming

Examples of best practices for each role are accompanied by easy-to-follow diagrams and images, and a ready-to-reference directory of essential sources and suppliers is packed with forms, resource lists and URL links to use again and again.

The Complete Library Technology Planner: A Guidebook with Sample Technology Plans and RFPs on CD-ROM, by John M. Cohn and Ann L. Kelsey. New York : Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2010.

From the publisher:

Careful and systematic planning is essential to the success of your library’s technology implementation efforts. This complete, clear, and easy-to-follow guide takes a highly practical, hands-on approach to thoroughly prepare public, academic, school and special libraries to develop and implement a technology plan in the library.

Following a foreword from Executive Director of the American Library Association Keith Michael Fiels, authors John M. Cohn and Ann L. Kelsey provide a comprehensive introduction to the key concepts and elements in technology planning and the changing technological landscape affecting today’s libraries. There is clear advice to help you best define your plan’s scope, purpose and funding requirements, along with step-by-step guidance for developing an effective technology plan - from gathering data and identifying institutional needs, to determining priorities, identifying objectives, outlining costs, and writing the actual plan. A five-step model plan is included to provide readers with a start-to-finish example of the development process, and the authors also advise on how to implement the new plan and evaluate its success.

The accompanying CD-ROM includes over thirty-five time-saving, sample technology plans and RFPs. Each plan is specifically targeted to public, academic, school, or special libraries, and can be easily replicated or adapted for use in your own institution. An array of figures, checklists, and examples are included throughout the book to help reinforce important concepts, and a comprehensive webliography lists further related resources.

Wireless Networking

Wireless Networking: A How-to-do-it Manual for Librarians, by Louise E. Alcorn, Maryellen Mott Allen. New York : Neal-Schuman Publishers. 2006.

From the publisher:

Wireless networking has arrived in libraries and is here to stay! Here is the practical guide, written specifically for librarians, to assist you in your implementation or expansion. In these pages you will find essential background information and get the facts about why and how libraries should go wireless, including standards, transfer rates, equipment options and costs, planning and implementation, technical and project management concerns, and site surveys.

Common library issues such as compatibility with existing networks, marketing to your patrons, creating good policy, security options and troubleshooting are addressed. Throughout the book the authors share advice from real world librarians detailing their experiences with wireless. For your convenience, a wide variety of planning tools are included-checklists, cost tables, a glossary of terms and resources for further research.

Web Accessibility

Web Accessibility: Practical advice for the library and information professional. Edited by Jenny Craven. London : Facet Publishing, 2008.

From the publisher:

With ever greater provision of resources in electronic formats, formal recognition is increasingly being given to the growing awareness within the information profession that it is a moral duty as well as a legal requirement to take every feasible step to ensure that no one is excluded from access to goods and services, including web-based information and resources.

This timely book provides a practical introduction to web accessibility and usability specifically for information professionals, offering advice from a range of experts and experienced practitioners on the concerns relevant to library and information organizations. Contents include:

• tools used for widening access to the web
• Design for All - how web accessibility affects different people
• the importance of web accessibility
• accessibility advice and guidance
• accessibility evaluation and assessment
• issues for library and information services
• Design for All in the library and information science curriculum
• best practice examples of web accessibility
• web accessibility in the future.

Although its main focus is on UK legislation and other requirements, many of the featured guidelines and recommendations are of an international nature, so are transferable to other countries.

This approachable guide will enable information practitioners and students new to web accessibility to gain a good understanding of the issues involved in this vital area. The book can be used as a resource for developing staff training and awareness activities, or for developing course content. It will also be of value to website managers involved in web design and development who need to broaden a basic understanding of accessibility and usability issues.

Connecting Young Adults and Libraries (book and CDrom)

Gorman, M. & Suellentrop, T. (2009). Connection Young Adults and Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual (4th ed.). New York: Neal-Schuman.

YAttitude is back and better than ever in the 4th edition of the best-selling Connecting Young Adults and Libraries, created by former author, trainer, and inspirational speaker Patrick Jones. Co-authors Michele Gorman and Tricia Suellentrop have updated and revised this edition to address the latest trends and best practices in teen services, including programming, marketing and promotion, collection development, technology, outreach, library spaces for teens, and more.

This expanded edition includes exciting new research about the teen brain, the latest in technology and social networking, and an information-packed new chapter on information literacy. The accompanying CD-ROM includes updated core documents, sample forms, surveys, and other planning tools that can be personalized to best meet the needs of your public library or school library media center, including:
• Information Literacy Exercises
• Progressive Discipline Policy for Youth
• Sample Teen Volunteer, Intern, and Employee Applications
• Teen Comment Card Template
• Planning Form for Developing a New Teen Space
• Teen Focus Group Guide
• Form Letter for Soliciting Partners/Sponsors for Teen Programming
• Sample Booktalk Evaluation Form

Whether you are teen librarian, library generalist, or graduate student searching for new information about how to best serve teens in libraries, this is the book for you.