Activism and the School Librarian

Levitov, D. D. (Ed.). (2012). Activism and the School Librarian: Tools for Advocacy and Support. Santa Barbara , CA: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN: 978-1-61069-187-1

Publisher's Description 

This book provides practical strategies and step-by-step plans for developing advocacy initiatives for school libraries.

School libraries provide an essential service to the community, but without proper funding few libraries stand a chance to maintain the resources they offer—or to survive at all. School librarians can play an instrumental role in the survival of their programs. This how-to book provides school librarians with effective advocacy and activism strategies for promoting and improving their library programs.

Activism and the School Librarian: Tools for Advocacy and Survival offers straightforward, practical approaches for creating advocacy programs. This guidebook examines the characteristics for becoming an advocate, explores the meaning of advocacy/activism as an effort that is ongoing and proactive, and provides the steps required for initiating a successful program. The contributors address the various types of advocacy and activism, including legislative advocacy at the local, state, and national levels; school and district level programs; and community-based initiatives. The book includes expert advice from successful advocates and provides helpful reproducible tools.

Features

• Practical advice from expert advocates
• Step-by-step guidance for developing an advocacy program
• A comprehensive glossary of terms
• An examination of the proactive role of school librarians in successful advocacy initiatives

Highlights

• Covers various types of advocacy, including legislative, school-based, and community-driven strategies
• Includes helpful reproducible tools
• Reveals personal characteristics of successful advocates
• Contains resource lists for additional reading

Seven Steps

Martin, A. M. (2012). Seven Steps to an Award-Winning School Library Program (2nd ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN: 978-1-59884-766-6

Publisher's Description 

This comprehensive book takes the reader through the necessary steps to develop user buy-in and assistance in creating a learner-driven library program. The result? A unique, exemplary school library program that is eligible for national awards.

Creating an award-winning school library program involves more than simply following the guidelines and standards available that describe what an exemplary program should accomplish. Effecting the changes necessary is often a process that presents multiple challenges along the way—especially when there is insufficient buy-in to the changes.

 

This updated second edition of Seven Steps to An Award Winning School Library Program begins with a description of an existing model school library program and then describes steps that emphasize how to develop user buy-in and assistance in achieving the results of a learner-driven library program. In addition to providing descriptions of detailed actions to perform, advice on working with staff, and background information on change theory, this book also includes practical documents, diagrams, processes, workshop ideas, lesson plans, and tips when filling out applications for awards.

Highlights 

• Provides a framework in which the reader uses the national library program standards to meet local user needs
• Serves as an excellent resource for library management and administrative courses
• Presents a living model that helps readers understand the ways the national guidelines and principles for exemplary library programs need to be incorporated
• Identifies essential actions which will produce librarians who are active leaders

Leading the Common Core Initiative

Harvey II, C. A., & Mills, L. L. (2015). Leading the Common Core Initiative: A Guide for K-5 School Librarians. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN: 978-1-61069-491-9

Publisher's Description
Defining both the Common Core Standards and the school librarian's role in their implementation, this book offers ready-to-use lesson plans and other tools for grades K–5 and identifies opportunities for collaborative teaching.

As elementary schools in nearly all 50 states are faced with meeting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), school librarians need to understand the challenges and have lesson plans ready to help. This resource introduces the CCSS in English and mathematics to K–5 librarians and aides, helping them to understand the concepts, analyzing the impact on the school library, and providing lesson plans, resources, and other tools for implementation in integrated instruction with other curricula and collaborative teaching with other elementary teachers. Based upon the authors' own experiences in adopting the CCSS in their school, the included exemplar lesson plans and ideas are designed to support school librarians as they begin to collaborate with teachers in using the Common Core Standards in their daily classroom instruction. The book also discusses the opportunities for advocacy that result from the librarian's instrumental role in implementing the CCSS, both as a staff developer and a collaborative partner teacher.

Features

• Defines the Common Core State Standards in English and mathematics
• Draws parallels to American Association of School Librarians (AASL) standards
• Discusses the impact of the CCSS on specific aspects of library administration, such as policies and collection management
• Examines how CCSS affects classroom and collaborative instruction in the library
• Identifies opportunities for the librarian to help in staff development in the CCSS

Table of contents

Collaborating for Inquiry

Wallace, V. L., & Husid, W. N. (2011). Collaborating for Inquiry-Based Learning: School Librarians and Teachers Partner for Student Achievement. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.
ISBN: 978-1-59884-850-2

Publisher's Description
Student learning is enhanced when teachers and librarians work collaboratively. This cutting-edge guide offers a model for collaboration that incorporates information literacy and technology standards to engage students and move them to higher-order thinking skills and greater achievement.

Collaborating for Inquiry-Based Learning: School Librarians and Teachers Partner for Student Achievement is a step-by-step guide to collaborative lesson planning that promotes inquiry learning among students of various ages and abilities. With the best practices and the models outlined in this book, teachers and librarians can combine their expertise to create highly motivating and engaging units that meet standards and emphasize skills needed for the 21st century.

The book is directed at collaborative research projects that take advantage of the individual strengths of classroom teachers and school librarians. The recommended model can be used to create inquiry-based units that incorporate prior knowledge; higher-order thinking skills; essential questions; information-search skills; research models; authentic assessments (needs, formative, and summative); rubrics; and reflection. Ideal for both novices and experienced practitioners, the guide also addresses student variables (diversity, multiple intelligences, learning styles, cognitive abilities); state standards; increased information literacy; and integration of Web 2.0 tools.

Features

• More than two dozen ready-to-use tables, charts, rubrics, and sample lesson plans
• A research process explored through a variety of research models
• Sample collaborative units that illustrate key concepts, strategies, and implementation
• Comparison charts and grids showing AASL and ISTE standards
• A glossary of key pedagogical terms and their relationship to inquiry-based learning
• A bibliography of professional, practical print and online resources on inquiry-based learning and collaboration

 Highlights

• Shows how to create collaborative units that address state standards, increase information literacy, and integrate Web 2.0 resources 
• Enables classroom teachers and school librarians to differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs, multiple intelligences, and learning styles of their students, while encouraging the development of critical thinking skills
• Incorporates best practices culled from learning theory, brain research, research on student learning, and formative and summative assessment
• Identifies the best Web 2.0 applications and resources for creating constructivist student presentations and products as the culmination of collaborative, inquiry-based units

Reference...for Info Lit Skills

Lanning, S. (2014). Reference and Instructional Services for Information Literacy Skills in School Libraries (3rd ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN: 978-1-61069-671-5

Publisher's Description
Students need to be able to distinguish good information from bad. This book gives you the tools to transmit those essential skills to your students.

Being an effective school librarian requires acting as an active instructional partner, an advocate for information literacy and information resources, and a reference librarian. Now in its third edition, this concise book provides you with a solid foundation in providing reference services to students as well as teachers. It details all aspects of providing essential reference services in the context of the AASL Standards, the Common Core State Standards, and the evolving role of today's school librarian.

Author Scott Lanning emphasizes service and instruction while addressing topics such as inquiry, critical thinking, building core reference skills, electronic and Web resources, leadership skills, and virtual reference services. The book begins with chapters that discuss information and the information-seeking process. The following sections cover the provision of reference services, methods for teaching information literacy, the use of electronic resources in general, and the creation of library resources that support reference and instruction. The text concludes with an assessment of the value of reference and instruction services to the school and beyond.

Features

• Covers theories of information behavior, models of information literacy, and provision of reference services in various mediums
• Emphasizes reference and instructional services and examines the impact of the Common Core State Standards on reference services in schools
• Explains how to conduct the reference interview

Table of contents

Teaching the Scientific Literature Review

Schmidt, R. K., Smyth, M. M., & Kowalski, V. K. (2014). Teaching the Scientific Literature Review: Collaborative Lessons for Guided Inquiry (2nd ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.
ISBN: 978-1-61069-739-2

Publisher's Description
An essential resource for teachers and librarians who work with students in the later high school years through college and graduate school levels, this book explains and simplifies the scholarly task of researching and writing a scientific literature review.

This thoroughly updated and revised follow-up to the popular text Lessons for a Scientific Literature Review: Guiding the Inquiry is designed for pre-collegiate and early collegiate educators in the sciences, high school and college librarians, curriculum directors and common core supervisors, school district leaders, and principals. The book provides step-by-step guidance on instructing students how to perform the necessary research and successfully integrate newly acquired information into a high-quality final product.

In addition, you'll find an emphasis on using quantitative science research reports as well as white papers discussing more theoretical science topics, a student timeline for assignments, and a handout specifically for students working on writing a scientific literature review. More than 20 workshops/lessons that are aligned to standards dealing with digital literacy, information handling, research, and textual interpretations and representation are provided. The book allows you to easily adapt it for use of investigation of subjects in the humanities, and for the teaching of an extended essay.

Features

• Teaches the Information Search Process (ISP) of Carol Kuhlthau through carefully designed workshops that guide students through the inquiry process
• Encourages inquiry into science-based subjects by directing students towards a topic of personal interest linked to those studied in their science class
• Aligns instruction on researching and writing a scientific literature review with the Common Core State Standards
• Covers use of databases, general press articles, peer-reviewed studies, white papers, and creating tables, charts, and graphs

Beyond the Textbook

Bernadowski, C., Del Greco, R., & Kolencik, P. (2013). Beyond the Textbook: Using Trade Books and Databases to Teach Our Nation's History, Grades 7–12. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN: 978-1-61069-037-9

Publisher's Description
This collection of standards-based lessons will guide middle and high school teachers while teaching the nation's history in a user-friendly, ready-made fashion.

During a time of standards-based instruction, Beyond the Textbook: Using Trade Books and Databases to Teach Our Nation's History, Grades 7–12 will fill the gap in today's middle and high school classrooms to simultaneously engage students in effective literacy skill exercises and teach our nation's history. Authored by three experienced former public school teachers, these ready-made lesson plans for classroom teachers and school librarians make planning easy for implementation in a social studies, history, or English classroom.

The book covers topics from Native Americans to the Louisiana Purchase, offering evidence-based reading strategies throughout that can hold adolescents' attention and develop their vocabulary and comprehension. Each chapter will include bibliographic information; suggested grade level; Information Literacy and National Social Studies Standards; before, during, and after reading strategies; database integration for classroom use; and suggested readalikes. Users will find the standards and evidenced-based research perfectly applicable in today's classrooms.

Highlights

• Incorporates research-based instruction within standards-based lessons that utilize historical fiction trade books to teach American history
• Includes ready-to-teach lessons educators can immediately put to use
• Highlights predetermined vocabulary study words
• Supplies ready-to-use assessment tools

Using Primary Sources

Bahde, A., Smedberg, H., & Taormina, M. (Eds.). (2014). Using Primary Sources: Hands-On Instructional Exercises. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN: 978-1-61069-434-6

Publisher's Description

...Special collections librarians and archivists in academic settings are often confronted with the challenge of teaching classes outside their personal area of expertise, with very little notice or guidance—as the authors of this book can attest. Using Primary Sources: Hands-On Instructional Exercises features 30 adaptable, hands-on exercises that special collections librarians, archivists, museum professionals, and teaching faculty can use in a multitude of instructional situations with K–12, undergraduate, graduate, and library school students.

The exercises teach lessons in both archival intelligence—such as building skills in using finding aids and locating primary sources—and artifactual literacy, such as building skills in interpretation and analysis of primary sources. Each exercise includes sections for audience, subject area, and materials used so that instructors can find customizable, easy-to-follow "recipes" to use regardless of personal experience and expertise. In addition, this consultable reference resource includes a bibliography of readings related to instruction in special collections, archives, and museum environments.

Features

• Presents adaptable, time-saving, and practical exercises for different audiences, disciplines, and types of collection materials
• Advances pedagogical practice in special collections and archives beyond "show-and-tell" to mirror the current methods of practitioners in information literacy, which will serve efforts toward primary source literacy and assessment
• Provides straightforward, time-saving exercises that provide enough detail to offer specific guidance to instructors but allow for flexibility and adaptability

Table of contents

Graphic Inquiry

Lamb, A., & Callison, D. (2012). Graphic Inquiry. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN: 978-1-59158-745-3

Publisher's Description

This full-color book provides a practical approach to incorporating graphic inquiry across the curriculum for school library media specialists, technology coordinators, and classroom teachers.

...Designed to bridge theory and actual practice, Graphic Inquiry contains applications for new and practicing educators and librarians that can truly bring classroom learning into the 21st century. This visually rich book provides numerous, standards-based inquiry activities and projects that incorporate traditional materials as well as emerging social and collaborative technologies.

...Although research is cited and references are provided, lengthy text passages are avoided in favor of practical, visual examples rooted in best practice and presented in graphic format. Readers will view this book as a quick reference to timely, realistic activities and approaches as compared to a traditional textbook.

Table of contents

Story Smart

 

Haven, K. (2014). Story Smart: Using the Science of Story to Persuade, Influence, Inspire, and Teach. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN: 978-1-61069-811-5

Publisher's Description

This one-of-a-kind book explores the neuroscience behind persuasion and influence to reveal the role that storytelling plays in inspiring, enlightening, and educating an audience.

Storytelling has been used for centuries as a means to sway public opinion, influence behavior, and inspire change. Yet according to recent research, 98 percent of stories shared are ineffective, and one-third of all narratives are actually counterproductive to delivering the meaning intended by the teller. Author Kendall Haven contends that you can craft messages that will resonate effectively with your audience by learning and utilizing the science of story.

Based on breakthroughs in the fields of neural and cognitive sciences, this book demonstrates how stories can exert influence and persuade audiences. Through step-by-step guidance, you will learn how to construct communications for impact, meaning, and accuracy. This practical guide is organized into four sequential parts: the neuroscience of words; the set of tools provided to each user; the influence of narratives in changing beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors; and the techniques needed for building powerful, influential, and effective (PIE) stories. This book will help you master the tools and critical skills of effective story-based communication.

Features

• Shows how to use the power of story to get your message across in any medium or venue
• Explores the convergence of the neural science of story with the art of communication to reveal the power of words
• Provides tips, techniques, and strategies for structuring your stories for the most impact
• Reveals the common communication pitfalls to avoid

The State Library also has the related book, Story Proof: The Science Behind the Startling Power of Story.

Creativity and Children's Literature (book)

Saccardi, Marianne. (2014). Creativity and Children's Literature: New Ways to Encourage Divergent Thinking. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-1-61069-355-4.

The children in classrooms today will soon become adult members of society: they will need to apply divergent thinking skills to be effective in all aspects of their lives, regardless of their specific occupation. How well your students meet complicated challenges and take advantage of the opportunities before them decades down the road will depend largely upon the kind of thinking they are trained and encouraged to do today. This book provides a game plan for busy librarians and teachers to develop their students' abilities to arrive at new ideas by utilizing children's books at hand.

Following an introduction in which the author defines divergent thinking, discusses its characteristics, and establishes its vital importance, chapters dedicated to types of literature for children such as fantasy, poetry, and non-fiction present specific titles and relevant activities geared to fostering divergent thinking in young minds. Parents will find the recommendations of the kinds of books to read with their children and explanations of how to engage their children in conversations that will help their creative thinking skills extremely beneficial. The book also includes a case study of a fourth-grade class that applied the principles of divergent thinking to imagine innovative designs and come up with new ideas while studying a social studies/science unit on ecology.

(book description)

The Maker Cookbook (book)

Wall, Cindy R. and Pawloski, Lynn M. (2014). The Maker Cookbook: Recipes for Children's and 'Tween Library Programs. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-1-31069-661-6.

The Maker Movement is sweeping the nation because it is creative and educational—and a lot of fun. Nonetheless, some librarians have hesitated to incorporate the movement into their programming because their libraries do not have dedicated makerspaces. If that describes you, then take heart. Written by librarians for librarians, this "cookbook" proves that every library is already a MakerPlace and provides you with recipes to make your library come alive with creativity.

Easy-to-use, step-by-step guidance helps you create engaging K–8 programs in science and technology, arts and crafts, and home skills that are perfect for the library setting. The menu of ideas is broken into four types of programming. "Appetizers" add a taste of the Maker movement to existing library programs. "Entrees" present full programs for a lengthy one-day event or a short series. "Side Dishes" are programs you can use if you have limited staff, budget, space, or any combination of those. "Desserts" are low-tech programs, suitable for young children. Each "recipe" includes extensions, variations, and curriculum tie-ins that give you even more ways to present the program ideas, whether to a different audience or as part of other related activities. Programs that involve creating a "Balloon Zip Line," a "Zen Garden," or a "Maker Marketplace" will delight library users and generate activity and excitement in your library.

(book description)

Crash Course in Children's Services 2nd Ed. (book)

Peck, Penny. (2014). Crash Course in Children's Services, 2nd Edition. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-1-61069-781-1.

A basic explanation of children's services for persons working in small libraries with limited staff. Tips include conducting reference interviews, handling homework centers, building collections, and planning storytimes. Sources of help are provided with age-appropriate themes and activities. Working with parents and teachers can be a major assignment for the children's librarian. Programming information includes how to conduct tours for school groups and summer reading programs. How to partner with others to share ideas for summer programs is suggested. Providing book discussion groups for students is one method to keep them reading. Issues in providing children's services are detailed.

Children need public library services. Even in small rural libraries managed by small staffs, children's services are critical. This handbook gives practical advice on performing essential duties in the Children's Room of the public library. The tone is how to with little theory, but providing the fundamentals of day-to-day services. Tips are given on reference service including the reference interview, a simple overview of child development, and tips for assisting parents and teachers. Hints are given for managing children who are in the library to do homework or to wait until they are collected by a parent or caregiver. A chapter is given on how to help children find recreational reading, how to market the library, and useful Web sites.

 (book description)

The Essential Lapsit Guide (book)

Ernst, Linda L. (2015). The Essential Lapsit Guide. Chicago, IL: Neal-Schuman. 978-1-55570-761-3.

Not just a sourcebook or a reference, but a complete multimedia guide, this innovative, comprehensive resource will help you stimulate the minds of your youngest patrons with rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books, and other creative activities. The engaging materials and methods in this book are equally useful for experienced children’s librarians looking for new ideas and new librarians starting to build their own program for the very young. Through researching the latest in early learner and developmental theories, Ernst

• Carefully details the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of children 12 to 24 months
• Guides you through using Lapsit programming to perform effective outreach to all segments of your community
• Shows how to build and maintain effective partnerships with caregivers, child-care providers, early childhood educators, and others
• Offers tips for seeking funding for early childhood services

A detailed Web Extra provides further ideas and instructional techniques not featured in the book. Included are a bibliography of chapter resources, a list of rhyme lyrics that appear in the book, full-page sample handouts and templates, and 47 video clips featuring rhymes and activities that encourage audience interaction, performed by the author.

(book description)

The Coretta Scott King Awards (books)

McCollough, Carole J. & Poniatowski Phelps, Adelaide. (2015). The Coretta Scott King Awards 1970-2014. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-3610-8.

Marking the 45^th anniversary of the prestigious awards that honor the best in children’s and young adult literature representing the African-American experience, the fifth edition of this unique guide remains an excellent tool for collection development,  readers’ advisory, and classroom use. More than just a bibliography, this resource includes

• A selection of  biographical profiles introducing the creative artists and illustrators behind the award-winning books

• Excerpts and color plates from many of the titles

• A subject index, ideal for curriculum planning

Educators, librarians, and others who work with children will find this one of-a-kind guide invaluable.

Check out this title's Web Extra!

Stone, Alva T, ed. The LCSH Century: One Hundred Years with the Library of Congress Subject Headings System. New York: Routledge, 2013. 025.49 LCSH  ISBN 978-0789011695

The LCSH Century traces the 100-year history of the Library of Congress Subject Headings, from its beginning with the implementation of a dictionary catalog in 1898 to the present day. You will explore the most significant changes in LCSH policies and practices, including a summary of other contributions celebrating the centennial of the world's most popular library subject heading language.

. The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Historical Fiction

Baker, Jennifer S. The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Historical Fiction. Chicago: American Library Association, 2015. 026.8088381 Baker   ISBN 978-0838911655

Whether set in ancient Egypt, Feudal Japan, the Victorian Age, or Civil War-era America, historical fiction places readers squarely at the center of fascinating times and places, making it one of the most popular genres in contemporary publishing. The definitive resource for librarians and other book professionals, this guide

• Provides an overview of historical fiction s roots, highlighting foundational classics, as well as covering the latest and most popular authors and titles
• Explores the genre in terms of its scope, style, and appeal
• Includes lists of recommendations, with a compendium of print and web-based resources
• Offers marketing tips for getting the word out to readers

Emphasizing an appreciation of historical fiction in its many forms and focusing on what fans enjoy, this guide provides a fresh take on a durable genre.

 

Libraries and the Affordable Care Act: Helping the Community Understand Health-care Options

Goldsmith, Francisca. Libraries and the Affordable Care Act: Helping the Community Understand Health-care Options. ALA Editions, 2015. ISBN:  978-0-8389-1288-1

Description
Libraries that are still trying to find an appropriate role in their community for supporting Affordable Care Act enrollment activities may benefit from reviewing this book. Written specifically for library staff, it offers best practices, advice, and examples of library responses from the first open enrollment period (October 2013-March 2014). The authorncourages a pragmatic approach through the inclusion of “to do” lists at the end of each chapter and provides strategies and tools for building community healthcare awareness.

Table of Contents
A detailed table of contents is available at the publisher's site: http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=11191

Library Consortia: Models for Collaboration and Sustainability

Horton, Valerie and Greg Pronevitz. Library Consortia: Models for Collaboration and Sustainability. ALA Editions, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1218-8

Description
Written by experienced consortia managers, this book covers the history, current landscape, management approaches, critical trends, and key services that define today’s library consortia. General trends and 16 case studies are included in the comprehensive review of the state of library consortia.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Library Consortia Overview

Chapter 2: The Consortial Landscape

Chapter 3: Managing Consortia

Chapter 4: Consortia Services

Chapter 5: Discovery, E-content Delivery, and Resource Sharing

Chapter 6: Physical Delivery: Future and Present

Case Study 1: Online Instruction

Case Study 2: The Enki Experiment: Library E-book Consortia System
Case Study 3: Statewide E-book Projects for Multitype Libraries in Massachusetts
Case Study 4: Article Licensing Information Availability Service (ALIAS)
Case Study 5: Embracing Wide Deals (Interconsortial Licensing)
Case Study 6: Open SUNY Textbook Program
Case Study 7: Interstate Library Delivery

Case Study 8: Open-Source Integrated Library Systems: A Consortial Implementation of Evergreen

Case Study 9: Open-Source Software and Consortium Governance Structure

Case Study 10: Vendor-Based Shared Integrated Library Systems

Case Study 11: Enhancing Access to History: Collaborative Digital Initiatives

Case Study 12: Shared Physical Depository: The Five College Library Depository

Case Study 13: 2CUL: A Case Study in Research Library Shared Staffing

Case Study 14: Human Resources Management: Contractual Staffing at a Library Consortium

Case Study 15: BiblioTemps: A Temporary Employment Service for Libraries in Massachusetts

Case Study 16: Consortial Fiscal Sponsorship

New on the Job

Weisburg, H. K., & Toor, R. (2015). New on the Job: A School Librarian's Guide to Success (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1264-5

Publisher's Description

As if transitioning from library school or a different type of library job into the role of a school librarian wasn’t challenging enough, just factor in today’s straitened funding environment for the position itself. Librarians new on the job need expert advice on what to expect and how thrive, and since its publication in 2006 this guide has served as an invaluable resource for the new school librarian. From job search strategies and discovering work philosophy to the nitty-gritty details of creating acceptable use policies, this revised and updated edition, which includes a new foreword from Sarah Kelly Johns, shares the joys and perils of the profession along with a wealth of practical advice from decades of experience in school library programs. With this guide as a roadmap, new school librarians can

• Tackle the job search with confidence, with tips on everything from polishing a résumé  and acing a job interview to ways of handling any potentially negative Google results and other digital footprints

• Learn the secrets to successfully collaborate with teachers

• Navigate new roles and responsibilities through orientation and organization

• Create dynamic interactions with students to deepen their learning experiences

• Master the art of communicating with the principal, IT experts, and vendors

• Become familiar with school library technology, including e-book collections, online databases, and library management systems

• Receive field-tested guidance on daily matters – from budgeting and purchasing to advocacy and programming

The AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and Common Core State Standards are also thoroughly discussed. New school librarians as well as those already in the profession can set the tone for rewarding career with this one-stop, hands-on guide.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Introduction

1. Your Philosophy
2. Getting the Job
3. Finding Your Way
4. Getting Yourself Organized
5. Reaching Your Students
6. Reaching Your Teachers
7. A Matter of Principles
8. Advocacy and You
9. Planning
10. Technology and You
11. Ethics, Standards, and You
12. Looking Back, Looking Forward

Appendixes

Glossary

Index

Intro to Ref and Info Services in Today's School Library

Farmer, L. S. (2014). Introduction to Reference and Information Services in Today's School Library. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN: 978-0-8108-8718-3

Publisher's Description
In Introduction to Reference and Information Services in Today's School Library, one of America’s premier school library educators covers the A-Z of both reference and information services for today’s library.

Everything from teaching students how to use sources to both in-person and virtual reference service is covered. A key feature of the text is an annotated bibliography of core print and electronic sources for elementary, middle, and high school collections.

Yes, reference and information services are vital library functions in the digital age. Even students who appear to be tech savvy have trouble finding the right information efficiently - and knowing what to do with it. This book examines information needs and behaviors, and provides strategies for assessing and meeting the informational needs of the school community. The book also addresses the conditions for optimum service: physical access (including virtual access), effective interaction and collaboration, instructional design, and systematic planning. Newer issues such as embedded librarianship, curation, collective intelligence, and web 2.0 intellectual property are also addressed. This book introduces the entering professional, and updates practitioners, to current standards and useful strategies.

Table of contents is online.

The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Blends

McArdle, M. M. (2014). The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Blends . Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1256-0

Publisher's Description
Genre fiction has always been a complex mixture of themes and elements. The increasing popularity of “genre blends,” or fiction that straddles the traditional labels, means greater pleasure for readers but a greater challenge for readers’ advisory. In this informative and entertaining book McArdle gets library staff up to speed on these engaging titles, showing how such crossover fiction appeals to fanbases of multiple genres. Complete with booklists, summaries, read-alikes, and thorough indexes, this guide

• Covers suspense, fantasy, historical fiction, horror, mystery, romance, and science fiction, as well as non-genre titles that don’t neatly fit into any categories
• Offers guidance for shelving, displaying, and marketing genre blends
• Shows how to make the most of online discovery tools in cataloging these titles
• Includes “Blend MVPs,” a section spotlighting several popular authors who regularly move between genres, and a useful bibliography of additional resources

Providing a unique look at how common genres are often combined, this guide will open up new worlds of fiction to readers’ advisors and those whom they serve.

Table of Contents

Series Introduction

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Adrenaline Blends: Blends on the Edge of Your Seat
2. Fantasy Blends: Blends with Magic
3. Historical Fiction Blends: Blends from the Past
4. Horror Blends: Blends that Give You Goosebumps
5. Mystery Blends: Blends with a Puzzle
6. Romance Blends: Blends that Are Looking for True Love
7. Science Fiction Blends: Blends that Ask “What If?”
8. Whole Collection Blends: Looking Beyond the Fiction Stacks for Blends
9. Readers’ Advisory for Blends

Appendixes

A. Literary Fiction Blends

B. Genre Blending MVPs

Bibliography

Index

A Guided Inquiry Approach to High School Research

Schmidt, R. K. (2013). A Guided Inquiry Approach to High School Research. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.
ISBN: 978-1-61069-287-8

Publisher's Description

A Guided Inquiry Approach to High School Research is derived from a formal research protocol and provides proven techniques and supporting materials that facilitate the process for permitting students to choose their own topic, easily grasping how to search for information, and successfully completing a seemingly daunting research assignment—a process that makes understandings deep and integrative. The included detailed project lessons, student handouts, and rubrics and assessment tools are the result of many years of classroom testing and refinement.

Features

• Introduces the Information Search Process to students

• Supplies step-by-step lesson plans that educators can utilize to guide students with their chosen inquiry

• Examines the task of the teaching team in guiding students in their inquiry and to provide them with the skills to find, process, and synthesize new information on their own

Implementing Web-Scale Discovery Services: A Practical Guide for Librarians

Thompson, Jolinda. Implementing Web-Scale Discovery Services: A Practical Guide for Librarians. Rowman & Littlefield, 2014. ISBN: 978-0-8108-9126-5

Description
This book offers a great introduction to web-scale discovery services, including easy to understand descriptions of their structure and scope. It offers an easy to follow guide for librarians seeking to evaluate, purchase, and implement a web-scale discovery service. It presents the information in check lists, decision trees, and quotes from early adopters, and includes information on how to customize these systems to meet each library’s specific needs. It also provides a basic overview of four products: 

• EBSCO Discovery Service
• Primo, Ex Libris
• Summon, ProQuest
• WorldCat Discovery Service, OCLC 

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Evolution of Web-Scale Discovery in Libraries
Chapter 2: A Closer Look at Web-Scale Discovery Options
Chapter 3: Making the Best Content Match for Your Library
Chapter 4: Evaluating the Discovery Layer
Chapter 5: Other Important Web-Scale Discovery Service Features and Functions
Chapter 6: Selecting and Purchasing a Web-Scale Discovery Service
Chapter 7: Configuring System Content Integration and Customization for Local Needs
Chapter 8: Configuring and Branding the Discovery Layer
Chapter 9: Introducing the Service to Users
Chapter 10: Usability Testing of Web-Scale Discovery Services
Chapter 11: Maintaining a Web-Scale Discovery Service
Chapter 12: The Future of Web-Scale Discovery

Creating a Streaming Video Collection for Your Library

 

Duncan, Cheryl J. and Erika Day Peterson. Creating a Streaming Video Collection for Your Library. Rowman & Littlefield, 2014. ISBN: 978-0-8108-9318-4

Description
This book will serve as a key reference and source of best practices for libraries adding streaming video titles to their collections or for any library that is already offering streaming video. Since this is a relatively new area of collection development, this book will help libraries and video vendors establish consistent guidelines, licensing models and workflows.

Table of Contents 

Chapter 1 Selection
Section 1.1 Individual Titles
Section 1.2 Subscription Packages and Purchased Collections
Section 1.3 Independent Film Distributors and Major Studios
Chapter 2 Licensing
Section 2.1 Right to Digitize Content
Section 2.2 Acquiring a Streamed File
Section 2.3 Hosted Content
Section 2.4 Consortia
Section 2.5 Receipt & Payment
Chapter 3 Non-Licensed Content
Section 3.1 Videos on the Web
Section 3.2 Copyright, Fair Use, and the TEACH Act
Section 3.3 International Copyright Laws and National Treatment
Chapter 4 Access
Section 4.1 Vendor Platform Implementation
Section 4.2 Digitization and Streaming
Section 4.3 Content Systems and Discovery Tools
Section 4.4 Accessibility
Chapter 5 The Media Server
Section 5.1 Streaming Digital Media Files
Section 5.2 Factors to Consider
Section 5.3 Hosted Solutions
Section 5.4 Setting Up a Local Server
Chapter 6 Metadata
Section 6.1 MARC (AACR2 and RDA)
Section 6.2 Dublin Core
Section 6.3 METS
Section 6.4 MODS
Section 6.5 MPEG-7
Section 6.6 MPEG-21
Section 6.7 PBCore
Section 6.8 VRA Core
Chapter 7 Administration
Section 7.1 ERM
Section 7.2 Class Use and Course Reserves
Chapter 8 Support
Chapter 9 Evaluation
Section 9.1 Use Statistics
Section 9.2 User Feedback
Section 9.3 Vendor Assessment
Chapter 10 Future
Additional Resources
Appendix A Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix B Sample License
Appendix C FAQ for Patrons
Appendix D Suggested ERM Fields
Appendix E Checklist for Troubleshooting
Appendix F Vendor List

RDA: Resource Description and Access Print--2014 Revision

RDA: Resource Description and Access Print--2014 Revision. ALA, 2014. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1293-5.  

Description
Includes updates through April 2014. A full description can be found at the publisher's web site:
http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=11193

RDA and Cartographic Resources

Andrew, Paige G., Susan M. Moore, Mary Larsgaard. RDA and Cartographic Resources. ALA Editions, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1131-0

Description
Designed for both practicing map catalogers and catalogers new to cartographic resources, this volume will be a one-stop resource for all catalogers of cartographic materials looking to understand the differences between cataloging using AACR2 and cataloging using RDA.

Table of Contents

1. The Past is Prologue
2. RDA and FRBR Entities as Applied to Cartographic Resources: An Overview
3. Comparing Standards: Continuing, Different, and Added Practices
4. Navigating RDA to Describe Cartographic Resource Elements
5. Cartographic Resources Cataloging: Moving Forward

Postscript

Appendixes

• Image of Damietta Sheet from the Egpyt 1:100,000 Series
• Map Record Example Showing FRBR Relationship Entities
• RDA Checklist for Descriptive Elements
• Examples of Correct Scale and Coordinates Notation in the 255 Field with Matching Examples in the 034 Field under AACR2 and RDA
• 33X Content, Media, and Carrier Terms Examples Based on Different Kinds of Cartographic Resources
• Digital Resources Notes: Comparing RDA Number with MARC Field Number
• Sample Records for Different Cartographic Resources Types

 

Howard, Marshall. Let’s Have Lunch Together: How to Reach Out and Build More Powerful Relationships. U.S.A.: King’s Road Press, 2005. 813.6 Howar  ISBN 978-0977395408

This learning novel reveals the secrets and how-to's that turn boards and supporters into legions of powerful mission partners. Imagine having more influential, well-connected volunteers on your fundraising team. Imagine generating millions without spending a ton of extra time, money or making big changes. Follow the story of Oscar, an Executive Director who tries everything to move his organization to the next level. Oscar could easily raise a lot more money and get more of what he wants. He's smart, works hard and is deeply ommitted. There's one thing stopping him: Oscar can't build strong relationships with enough of the right people He thought he knew all about relationships - until things took a downturn. He needed answers quickly and discovered the secrets to more powerful partnerships. Now, his organization and his life are on the upswing.

 

Reviewers say

“This little book is full of golden nuggets that make a big difference, exceptionally beneficial for the seasoned veteran and the novice fundraiser. In a few hours, read this fast-paced story and learn the how-to's of power relationships. Most fun I have ever had being trained, captured my heart, then my mind.” Tim Reese, Executive Director, Cal-Nev Community Action Partnership.  

“Made me re-think the way I do things, gave me the how-to's. It is required reading in our fundraising courses.” Dr. Matthew Jendian, Ph.D., Amer. Humanics, CSU Fresno

 

 

Extensible Processing for Archives and Special Collections: Reducing Processing Backlogs.

Santamaria, Daniel A. Extensible Processing for Archives and Special Collections: Reducing Processing Backlogs. Neal-Schuman, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1257-7

Description
The author suggests an approach for dealing with archival collections that have not yet been processed or having finding aids. Extensible processing allows collection managers to first establish a baseline level of access to all holdings, then conduct additional processing based on user demand and ongoing assessment.The book lays out the basic principles, discusses archival standards, and provides a sample workflow that can be adapted to any environment.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Backlog Problem and Archival Processing

Chapter 2: Beyond MPLP: Principles of Extensible Processing

Chapter 3: General Processing Workflow: Working With Collections

Chapter 4: Attacking Your Backlog: Using Collections Assessment Surveys as Part of a Backlog Reduction Project

Chapter 5: Expanding Accessioning and Working with New Collections

Chapter 6: Descriptive Standards and Facilitating Access to Description

Chapter 7: Digitization and Facilitating Access to Content

Chapter 8: Supervision, Management, and Planning

Chapter 9: “But What About…”: Answering Frequent Questions and Concerns about Extensible Processing

Conclusion

Appendices

A: Case Studies 1 and 2: Institutional Backlog Reduction Projects

B: Case Studies 3 and 4: Individual Collections with Privacy Concerns

C: Case Studies 5 and 6: Accessioning and Digitization in the Context of an Extensible Processing Progra

D: Case Studies 7 and 8: Consortial Survey and Assessment Projects

E: Finding Aid Examples

F: Processing Work Plan Examples and Template

G: Deed of Gift Example

H: Take Down Policy Example

I: Related Conference Presentations and Papers

Essential Classification

Broughton, Vanda. Essential Classification. New York: Neal-Schuman, Inc., 2004.  025.47 Broug2.  ISBN 978-1555705077

This book introduces novice catalogers to the practice of subject cataloging. Dealing with the fundamental questions of the purpose of classification and the needs and expectations of end users, the reader is introduced to the ways document content can be assessed and expressed for translation into the language of specific indexing and classification systems. The characteristics of the major schemes of classification and their suitability for different needs are discussed. The emphasis of all chapters is on the practical application of classification schemes, with coverage on: needs, purpose, and rightness of classification, document analysis and description, controlled indexing languages, concept and word based retrieval, structure and varieties of classification, management considerations, and more. This book is essential for all library school students and practicing librarians.

Books Under Fire (book)

Pat R. Scales. (2015). Books Under Fire: A Hit List of Banned and Challenged Children's Books. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1109-9

Many things have changed since ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) was founded in 1967, but not everything: the most beloved and popular children’s books are still among the most frequent targets of censorship and outright bans. Limiting access to controversial titles such as Captain Underpants, The Dirty Cowboy, Blubber, or Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark or leaving them out of a library’s collection altogether is not the answer to challenges. In this important book, Scales gives librarians the information and guidance they need to defend challenged books with an informed response while ensuring access to young book lovers. Spotlighting dozens of “hot button” titles written for young children through teens, this book

• Gives a profile of each book that covers its plot, characters, published reviews, awards and prizes, and author resources
• Recounts past challenges and how they were faced, providing valuable lessons for handling future situations, plus a list of other books challenged for similar reasons 
• Provides discussion ideas for planning programming around banned books, whether in reading groups, classrooms, or other settings
• Includes an appendix of additional resources for librarians who find themselves enmeshed in a challenge

With this guide at hand, library managers, children’s and YA librarians, and other library staff will be prepared to champion intellectual freedom for young people.

(book description)

Intellectual Freedom for Teens (book)

Kristin Fletcher-Spear and Kelly Tyler. (2014). Intellectual Freedom for Teens: A Practical Guide for Young Adult and School Librarians. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1200-3

Year after year a majority of the titles on ALA’s Banned Books list, which compiles titles threatened with censorship, are either YA books or adult books that are frequently read by teens. It’s important for YA librarians to understand the types of challenges occurring in libraries around the nation and to be ready to deal with such challenges when they occur. The Young Adult Library Services (YALSA) has tailored this book specifically for these situations, providing much-needed guidance on the highly charged topic of intellectual freedom for teens. Among the issues addressed are

• How to prepare yourself and your staff for potential challenges by developing a thoughtful selection policy and response plan
• Resources for help when a challenge occurs
• The art of crafting a defense for a challenged book, and pointers for effectively disseminating your response through the press and social media
• The latest on intellectual freedom in the digital realm, including an examination of library technology

Using examples of censorship battles in both school and public libraries to illustrate possible scenarios, this guidebook gives YA librarians the foreknowledge and support to ensure intellectual freedom for teens.

(book description)

Digitization and Digital Archiving: A Practical Guide for Librarians

Leggett, Elizabeth R. Digitization and Digital Archiving: A Practical Guide for Librarians. Rowman & Littlefield, 2014. ISBN: 978-0-8108-9207-1

Description
Part of the Practical Guides for Librarians series, this book is a comprehensive guide to the process of digital storage and archiving. Assuming only basic computer knowledge, this guide walks the reader through everything he or she needs to know to start or maintain a digital archiving project. It answers basic questions such as:

• What should be stored?
• Where and how should it be stored?
• How exactly is information stored in a computer?
• Does it really make a difference if one uses a jpg or a tiff file? 

 
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Why Use Digital Preservation?
Chapter 2. How Do Computers Store Information?
Chapter 3. Storing Images
Chapter 4. Storing Text
Chapter 5. Storing Audio and Video
Chapter 6. CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray
Chapter 7. Magnetic Tape
Chapter 8. Hard Drives
Chapter 9. Flash Memory
Chapter 10. Cloud Computing
Chapter 11. Equipment for Digitizing and Editing Archival Materials
Chapter 12. Metadata and Accessing Information
Chapter 13. Copyright Law
Chapter 14. Problems With Digital Preservation
Chapter 15. Putting It All Together

Putting the Users First: 30 Strategies for Transforming Library Services

McDonald, Courtney Greene. Putting the Users First: 30 Strategies for Transforming Library Services. Association of College and Research Libraries, 2014. ISBN: 978-083898732-2

Description
From your library’s website to the signage by the elevators, everything contributes to the overall user experience of our patrons. This author takes a practical approach to implementing user-centered concepts in libraries. This book will give you 30 hands-on strategies and practical suggestions to enable you to begin transforming your library, library services, and even your personal practice to be more responsive, effective and user-centered today.

Table of Contents

1. Admit 
2. Define                 
3. Observe
4. Notice
5. Serve
6. Obsess
7. Sift
8. Ask
9. Curate
10. Escape
11. Evaluate
12. Pretend
13. Prioritize
14. Stop
15. Connect
16. Care
17. Listen
18. Translate
19. Polish
20. Test
21. Fail—Cheerfully!
22. Raid
23. Anticipate
24. Smile
25. Defuse
26. Sketch
27. Engage
28. Play
29. Converse
30. Leap