Library Technology Buying Strategies

Breeding, Marshall (ed). Library Technology Buying Strategies. Chicago : ALA Editions. 2016. ISBN: 978–0-8389–1467-0.

From the publisher:

The prospect of a new automation system can be daunting. When do the benefits of moving to something new surpass the deficits of keeping the status quo? Can the products on the market deliver what libraries need to survive and prosper? Are those based on open source more flexible than proprietary systems? What about those deployed in the cloud? These and dozens more questions arise when libraries enter a selection process. Knowing the options is key to arriving at the best answers for your own organization. Marshall Breeding, who has followed the ins and outs of library technology for more than 30 years, gathers together a roster of fellow experts in the field to offer new practioners, library decision makers, and budgeting staff a comprehensive survey of what’s out there. Providing substance beyond the buzzwords and hype, this guide quickly brings readers up to speed while providing practical advice on such topics as

• RFPs: what they are, how to write them and tips for getting bids;
• standards, interoperability, and trends in resource sharing;
• distinguishing between infrastructure-as-service, software-as-service, and platform-as-service when it comes to cloud computing;
• what you need to know to start planning for cloud computing;
• how library service platforms differ from the traditional ILS; and
• factors to consider when comparing e-book platforms

Armed with this book’s clear-sighted perspective, libraries will be empowered to make informed and responsible decisions concerning their technology infrastructure.

Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff (5th Edition)

Burke, John J. Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff (5th Edition). Chicago. Neal-Schuman, 2016. ISBN: 9780838913826

From the publisher:

In its new fifth edition, which has been completely updated and reorganized, this one-stop overview of all technologies used in libraries today is more comprehensive and compelling than ever. The perfect primer for LIS students, Burke’s guide should also be at the top of the list for any current or future library professional looking to stay at the forefront of technological advancement. It gives readers a sound and sensible way to consider, access, and use library technologies to better meet the needs of library users. Its incisive coverage includes:

• complete analysis of the librarian’s technological toolbox for teaching, security, databases, and more;
• expert advice on how to compare and evaluate competing technology solutions;
• mobile devices and technology, social media, streaming media, and privacy;
• makerspaces and other technology programing;
• updated content on open source catalog systems, discovery layers, and related elements of library management systems;
• a new section on learning management systems (LMS);
• websites, web-based services, and free information resources;
• improved guidance on usability;
• new technology predictions for the future, with tips on how to stay up to date with the latest developments; and
• a glossary of useful terms.

Informed by a large-scale survey of librarians across the spectrum of institution types, this guide will be a true technology companion to novices and seasoned LIS professionals alike.

Library Improvement through Data Analytics

 

Farmer, Lesley S. and Alan M. Safer. Library Improvement through Data Analytics. Neal-Schuman, 2016. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1425-0

Description
Use of data to make the case for library services is more important than ever. This book introduces the basics of the Six Sigma framework, a data-driven management system, as a model that can be applied to a variety of library settings. It covers basic statistical concepts, sources of data, application of appropriate analysis methods, and offers case studies to explore areas such as e-book collection development and reference.

Table of Contents

Part I    Overview

Chapter 1    Introduction
Chapter 2    Planning with Six Sigma

Part II        Six Sigma Steps

Chapter 3    Defining the Project
Chapter 4    Measure the Current Situation
Chapter 5    Analyze Existing Processes
Chapter 6    Improve or Introduce the Process
Chapter 7    Control the Process

Part III    A Statistics Primer

Chapter 8    Cleaning Data
Chapter 9    Getting Started with Statistics
Chapter 10    Matching Data Analytic Methods to Data
Chapter 11    Statistical and Survey Software for Libraries

Part IV    Case Studies

Chapter 12    Access and Retrieval: Case Study
Chapter 13    Benchmarking Library Standards: Case Study
Chapter 14    Data Sets: Case Study
Chapter 15    Digitization: Case Study
Chapter 16    Ebook Collection Development: Case Study
Chapter 17    Facilities: Case Study
Chapter 18    Information Audit: Case Study
Chapter 19    Instruction: Case Study
Chapter 20    Knowledge Management: Case Study
Chapter 21    Lending Devices: Case Study
Chapter 22    Marketing Virtual Reference Services: Case Study
Chapter 23    Optimizing Online Use: Case Study
Chapter 24    Reference Staffing Patterns: Case Study
Chapter 25    True Costs of Acquisitions: Case Study with Implications for Selection Practice

Once Upon a Cuento

Naidoo, Jaime Campbell & Scherrer, Katie. (2016). Once Upon a Cuento: Bilingual Storytimes in English and Spanish. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1411-3.

It is imperative that library programs reflect the rich diversity of the entire community. That includes Spanish-speaking children, who need opportunities to hear their home and school languages spoken, and to see their lives validated through engaging cuentos (stories) that reflect their cultural experiences. Additionally, when combined with other forms of targeted outreach, offering bilingual storytimes in English and Spanish is an effective strategy to attract Latino and Spanish-speaking families to your library. This all-in-one resource, written by two experienced specialists who understand the nuances of library services, collections, and outreach to this population, shows you how. Suitable for libraries just getting started as well as those with programs already in place, this guide

• discusses the importance of bilingual programming in the lives of Latino and Spanish-speaking children, addressing the unique educational and informational needs of bilingual children;
• provides 18 ready-to-use program plans for bilingual storytimes, suitable even for storytime leaders who don’t speak Spanish;
• includes several templates for designing bilingual storytimes, arranged by specific age groups;
• recommends numerous children’s books, songs, and professional resources to assist librarians as they plan their bilingual programs;
• explores the opportunity for digital media usage in storytimes for Latino and Spanish-speaking families, with examples of apps that can help meet the multiple literacy needs of bilingual children; and
• suggests ways to perform outreach to Spanish-speaking and Latino communities, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and community collaboration.

Enhanced with interviews and advice from experts affiliated with REFORMA (The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking), this book will become a trusted resource for children’s librarians, school library media specialists, outreach and programming librarians, ESL educators, teachers, and professionals in child-care agencies.

(book description)

Supercharged Storytimes

Campana, Kathleen; Mills, J. Elizabeth, and Ghoting, Saroj Nadkarni. (2016). Supercharged Storytimes: An Early Literacy Planning and Assessment Guide. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1380-2.

Based on the groundbreaking research of VIEWS2—the first systematic study of storytimes done to date—this book recommends simple interactive ways to emphasize early literacy techniques and encourage children to use and practice their pre-reading skills while preserving the delight inherent in storytime. And unlike many other storytime resources, the authors use the findings of VIEWS2 to offer guidance in performing assessment, as well as giving tips for planning and conducting storytimes. Put simply this book assists storytime presenters, children’s librarians, and others involved with early literacy by

• presenting ready-to-use planning tools based on early learning benchmarks with a clear focus on developmental stages;
• demonstrating how to foster early literacy development by inserting the VIEWS2 early literacy domains into the five practices from the second edition of Every Child Ready to Read® @ your Library®;
• interweaving testimonials from storytime practitioners throughout the text to provide real-world insight;
• showing how storytime presenters can connect with parents and caregivers to promote family engagement;
• providing guidelines, worksheets, and recommendations for storytime assessment, with particular attention to self-reflection and peer-to-peer community learning;
• highlighting professional development resources that encourage sharing and problem-solving within the larger community of children’s and youth librarians; and
• providing administrators with research-based evidence that supports current and future advocacy for early literacy in public library programming for children.

Using this book’s systematic approach, readers will be able to plan their storytimes with a clear idea of what to look for in the children they serve, and then continually improve how they meet the needs of their communities.

Check out this book’s Web Extra now!

(book description)

Engaging Babies in the Library

Knoll, Debra J. (2016). Engaging Babies in the Library: Putting Theory into Practice. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1434-2.

Public libraries across the nation continue to transform themselves into learning centers for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. There are many resources available to help librarians create baby-friendly play spaces and enhanced storytimes, but until now there has been gap in the literature addressing the developmental needs and changing behaviors of babies and toddlers.  Parents and caregivers can also present unique service challenges. Focusing squarely on the how of providing quality library service to babies and families, Knoll’s new book provides sensible, sensitive advice on meeting their physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Geared towards helping public libraries foster healthy growth and development for their littlest patrons, this book:

• explores multiple aspects in the developing life of a baby, discussing physical needs, emotional expressions, intellectual pursuits, and social development;
• highlights real-life examples from public libraries that relate to how these developmental processes present themselves while babies and families interact in the library;
• presents Baby Steps for each topical area, providing service tips and suggestions that can be easily or inexpensively put into practice;
• offers Big Steps, conversational points that invite librarians to think creatively about further investment, support, funding, and collaborative efforts; and
• includes carefully selected research findings and other information that can be used for planning, policymaking, and advocacy.

With Knoll’s guidance, children‘s librarians will be informed and inspired to rise to the challenge of providing quality service to babies, toddlers, and care providers.

 

(book description)

The Newbery and Caldecott Awards

Association for Library Service to Children. (2016). The Newbery & Caldecott Awards: A Guide to the Medal and Honor Books. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1448-9.

Updated with the 2016 award and honor books, this perennial favorite gathers together the books deemed most distinguished in American children’s literature and illustration since the inception of the renowned prizes. Librarians and teachers everywhere rely on this guidebook for quick reference and collection development and also as a resource for curriculum links and readers’ advisory. With an easy-to-use streamlined look and format, the 2016 guide features

• “Diversity and ALSC Book Award Evaluation,” a new essay by Allie Jane Bruce;
• explanations of criteria used to select the winners; and
• updated bibliographic citations and indexes for the award winners.

This resource for locating information about the best in children's books is valuable for every collection.

(book description)

Redesign Your Library Website

Wittmann, Stacy A., and Julianne T. Stam. Redesign Your Library Website. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2016.
ISBN: 978-1-4408-3856-9

Publisher
A comprehensive guide for all sizes of libraries, this book guides you through the entire process of effectively redesigning your library's website—from evaluating your current site and understanding user needs, to creating a budget, through to launching and maintaining your updated site.

For today's increasingly web-savvy patrons, your library's website is a critical aspect of your services and user experience. If it's time for a website makeover for your library, this book will take you through the process step-by-step, sharing lessons learned and pointing out pitfalls to avoid. The end result? You'll delight your patrons with easy-to-find information, wow your director with an easy-to-use content management system (CMS), and impress your board with a website that clearly communicates your library's value.

Written by two veterans of the process who have presented workshops on this topic, this book covers the entire process of library website redesign: from evaluating your current website, to making the decision of whether to hire a web developer or do it in-house, to usability testing. It also addresses budgeting, making content and design decisions, the launching process, marketing, and upkeep of your new site.

Features

• Presents an approachable, complete guide that covers all steps in the process of revamping a library website, turning a potentially daunting challenge into a doable project, even for those without technical backgrounds
• Describes various ways of handling specific steps for different sizes and types of libraries—from a "DIY" approach to cost-effective ways of hiring outside professionals
• Provides an invaluable resource for librarians and library staff members charged with the task of designing or redesigning their library's website as well as for web developers and designers who work with libraries

Tapping Into...School Librarians

Church, Audrey P. Tapping Into the Skills of 21st-Century School Librarians: A Concise Handbook for Administrators. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. ISBN: 978-1-47581890-1

Publisher's Description
Strong school librarians positively impact student learning, and principal support is key. This concise handbook provides an overview of the roles of the 21st-century school librarian—teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, instructional leader, and program administrator. A valuable and informative resource, it gives principals the information they need to know in order to utilize the library program and librarian to the fullest potential to contribute to the instructional program of the school.

Review
In a review on the National Association of Elementary School Principals website, a school administrator explains what she finds valuable in this book.

The Heart of Librarianship

The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change by Michael Stephens. ALA Editions, 2016. 978-0-8389-1454-0.

Publisher's Description

Adaptation to change that’s based on thoughtful planning and grounded in the mission of libraries: it’s a model that respected LIS thinker and educator Michael Stephens terms “hyperlinked librarianship.” And the result, for librarians in leadership positions as well as those working on the front lines, is flexible librarianship that’s able to stay closely aligned with the needs and wants of library users. In this collection of essays from his “Office Hours” columns in Library Journal, Stephens explores the issues and emerging trends that are transforming the profession.  Among the topics he discusses are:

• the importance of accessible, welcoming, and responsive library environments that invite open and equitable participation, and which factors are preventing many libraries from ramping up community engagement and user-focused services;
• challenges, developments, and emerging opportunities in the field, including new ways to reach users and harness curiosity;
• considerations for prospective librarians, from knowing what you want out of the profession to learning how to aim for it;
• why LIS curriculum and teaching styles need to evolve;
• mentoring and collaboration; and
• the concept of the library as classroom, a participatory space to experiment with new professional roles, new technologies, and new ways of interacting with patrons.

Bringing together ideas for practice, supporting evidence from recent research, and insights into what lies ahead, this book will inform and inspire librarians of all types. 

More Information

See the publisher's website for Table of Contents and author information.

Forging the Future of Special Collections

 

Hubbard, Melissa A., Robert H. Jackson, and Arnold Hirshon (eds.) Forging the Future of Special Collection. Neal-Schuman, 2016. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1386-4 

Description
Expanding upon the proceedings of the National Colloquium on Special Collections, this collection of essays by special collections librarians and rare book dealers and collectors offers insight into the changing world of special collections. Technology, partnerships, and the changing nature of how books are written are all covered in this look towards the future.

Table of Contents 

Preface, by Arnold Hirshon
Introduction, by Robert H. Jackson

Part I    Communities

Chapter 1    Reflections on the Meanings of Objects

E. Haven Hawley, Chair of the Special and Area Studies Collections Department at George A. Smathers Library at the University of Florida

Chapter 2    Affinities and Alliances: Thoughts on Acquisitions, Collection Development, and Donor Relations

Jim Kuhn, Joseph N. Lambert and Harold B. Schleifer Director of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation at the University of Rochester River Campus Libraries

Chapter 3    Where Does the Collector/Donor Community See Special Collections Today?

Jon A. Lindseth

Chapter 4    Collecting Communities: The Role of Special Collections Librarians and Archivists in Creating New Life for Community-Based Collections

Melissa A. Hubbard

Chapter 5    The Role of the Auction House

Selby Kiffer, Special Collections Library at the University of Michigan

Chapter 6    Forging into the Future: Facing Digital Realities and Forecasting Endeavors for Special Collections Librarianship

Athena N. Jackson

Part II        The Enduring Object

Chapter 7    Lawrence Clark Powell Revisited: The Functions of Rare Books Today

Joel Silver, Director of the Lilly Library, Indiana University Bloomington

Chapter 8    Special Collections Libraries and the Uses of the Past (Apologies to Herbert Muller)

Paul Ruxin

Chapter 9    Everything Old Is New Again: Transformation in Special Collections

Alice Schreyer, Vice President for Collections and Library Services at the Newberry Library

Chapter 10    Special Collections and the Booksellers of Today

Tom Congalton

Chapter 11    Acknowledging the Past

Daniel De Simone, Eric Weinmann Librarian at the Folger Shakespeare Library

Chapter 12    Literary Archives: How They Have Changed and How They Are Changing

Ken Lopez

Chapter 13    Objects of Study: Special Collections in an Age of Digital Scholarship

Stephen Enniss, Director of the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas

Part III    From Periphery to Center

Chapter 14    Considering the Present: Special Collections are the Meal, Not the Dessert

Jay Satterfield, head of Dartmouth College’s Rauner Special Collections Library

Chapter 15    Teaching with Special Collections

Christoph Irmscher, Provost Professor of English at Indiana University Bloomington

Chapter 16    From Siberia to Shangri-La

Sarah Thomas, Vice President for the Harvard Library and the Roy E. Larsen Librarian of Harvard College

Chapter 17    The Once and Future Special Collections

Mark Dimunation, Chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress