Library Services for Immigrants and New Americans

Koerber, Jennifer. Library Services for Immigrants and New Americans: Celebration and Integration. 

Libraries Unlimited, 2018. ISBN: 978-1-4408-5877-2

Description
This book focuses on the practical steps of creating and promoting programs, discussing both traditional (ESOL and citizenship classes) and transformative (legal aid and workforce development) programs and services in terms of size, type, and local political climate (e.g., sanctuary cities) at a variety of public libraries as well as in select school libraries.

Table of Contents 

1. Immigrants and refugees in the United States (and libraries)
2. Accessible libraries : in person and online
3. Language literacy and education
4. Citizenship
5. Workforce development
6. Cultural programs
7. Building community
8. Expanding services.

Full STEAM Ahead

Pandora, Cherie P., and Fredrick Kathy. Full STEAM Ahead: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics in Library Programs and Collections. Libraries Unlimited, 2017.
ISBN: 978-1-4408-5340-1

Publisher's Description
Written by librarians who have experience with integrating technology into all subject areas and working with teens and young adults, this book is a toolkit for youth and young adult librarians—school and public—who wish to incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) into their programs and collections but aren't sure where to begin.

Most educators are well aware of the reasons for emphasizing STEAM—topics that fall within the broad headings of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—in the curriculum, regardless of grade level. But how do librarians who work with ‘tweens in middle school, high school, and public libraries—fit into the picture and play their roles to underscore their relevance in making STEAM initiatives successful?

This book answers those key questions, providing program guidelines and resources for each of the STEAM areas. Readers will learn how to collaborate in STEAM efforts by providing information on resources, activities, standards, conferences, museums, programs, and professional organizations. Emphasis is placed on encouraging girls and minorities to take part in and get excited about STEAM.

In addition, the book examines how makerspaces can enhance this initiative; how to connect your programs to educational standards; where to find funding; how to effectively promote your resources and programs, including how school and public librarians can collaborate to maximize their efforts; how to find and provide professional development; and how to evaluate your program to make further improvements and boost effectiveness. Whether you are on the cusp of launching a STEAM initiative, or looking for ways to grow and enhance your program, this book will be an invaluable resource.

Features

• Provides school and public librarians with the resources and clear guidance they need to implement STEAM programs and collections at their libraries
• Places librarians in a key position—based on knowledge and ability—with STEAM initiatives in their school and community
• Connects STEAM programming to national standards
• Explains how to secure funding and find partners to collaborate in STEAM

Table of contents

50+ Fandom Programs

Alessio, A. J., LaMantia, K., & Vinci, E. (2017). 50+ Fandom Programs: Planning Festivals and Events for Tweens, Teens, and Adults. Chicago, IL : ALA Editions.

 This book of ready-to-go programs and events will help public libraries give fans who are passionate about genres, characters, games, and book series plenty of reasons to return to the library again and again. Fandom programming can require planning across departments, tie-ins to collections and community partnerships, and targeted marketing. But the fun content cooked up by the three best-selling authors in this guide makes it easy to stay organized every step of way, with events broken down into components that streamline planning and facilitates coordination. Adaptable for a wide range of ages, this resource

• covers all the basics of how to host a fandom event, including prep time, length of program, number of patrons, budget, and supplies needed;
• suggests an age range (tweens, teens, millennials, older adults) for each program while also offering ways to tailor it to different groups;
• presents such imaginative and engaging programming ideas as 50 Shades of Hot Books, Old School Video Games, Women in Comics, Creating Steampunk Outfits, Superhero School, and many more;
• provides ideas for perennial fan favorites like Harry Potter, horror stories, and sports; and
• gives tips on how to stay current with what’s popular and ways to incorporate popular activities like cosplay, trivia, and movie-oke.

Filled with projects and ideas that can be used with a variety of fandoms and interests, this programming book will ensure both quick planning and great turnout.

(book description)

Teen Services Today

Joiner, S. K., & Swanzy, G. (2017). Teen Services Today: A practical Guide for Librarians. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.

Two authors with more than 20 years of combined experience share their practical experience serving teens in public libraries. Teen Services Today highlights best practices, including resources and references, to quickly implement programs and services to young adults.

Although teen services covers ages 12 to 18, a world of developmental changes and interest levels exist within those six short years. Teens offer a range of opportunities for public libraries, not simply as patrons, but also as advocates and volunteers.

Special features of the book include:

• Basic information on the fundamental services and programs for teens
• Reasons for providing services to teens
• Examples of successful teen programs, complete with lists of needed supplies and potential costs, that can generally be performed by one or two staff members
• Checklists and forms

Teen Services Today: A Practical Guide for Librarians gives all library staff the tools they need to work with teens. Whether you are the teen librarian, the clerk who’s been assigned to ‘do something’ about teens or the branch manager who sees an underserved population, this book will provide you with the building blocks to create successful relationships with the teens who use your library.

(book description)

Summer Matters: Making All Learning Count

McChesney, E. M., & Wunar, B. W. (2017). Summer Matters: Making All Learning Count. Chicago, IL : ALA Editions.

 Summer reading for children is a long standing and cherished tradition in public libraries across America, but today’s kids need to master new skills and competencies. Today’s summer programming needs to move beyond reading to engage children with hands-on activities, thus keeping their brains active even when school’s out. Here, a team of librarians and educators from the Chicago Public Library (CPL) and Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry present a guide based on their award-winning, STEAM-inspired approach. They outline practical steps for libraries and cultural institutions to partner in creating a sustainable summer learning program that’s both fun and educational. This book

• explains what STEAM is and why it’s important for libraries;
• provides evidence-based research on summer slide, the achievement gap, and 21st century learning skills;
• walks readers through building a cultural partnership, collaborating efficiently, and sustaining the relationship into the future;
• offers tips for managing institutional change;
• provides guidance for developing a new vision for summer at the library, with pointers on adding learning tracks to existing programs and addressing design challenges;
• details how CPL evaluates and assesses their program; and
• includes templates for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), mission statement, logic model, and sample Summer Learning Challenge evaluations.

Loaded with innovative program ideas, this resource will ensure that learning continues even while school is out.

(book description)

Meeting Community Needs: A Practical Guide for Librarians

Meeting Community Needs: A Practical Guide for Librarians by Pamela H. MacKellar. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. 978-0-8108-9134-0.

Publisher's Description

Librarians must know how to provide essential programs and services that make a difference for the people they serve if libraries are going to survive. It is no longer realistic for librarians to rely on the idea that “people love libraries, so they will fund them” in this economic climate. Librarians must be able to prove that their programs and services are making a difference if they want to compete for funding in their municipalities, schools, corporations, colleges, institutions and organizations.

Meeting Community Needs: A Practical Guide for Librarians presents a process that librarians of all kinds can use to provide effective programs and services. This requires being in close touch with your community, whether it is a city, town, or village; college or university; public or private school; or corporation, hospital, or business. Understanding what information people need, how they access it, how they use it, how it benefits them, and how they share it is paramount. The process in this book covers community assessment, designing programs and services to meet needs, implementing and evaluating programs and services, and funding options.

Providing library programs and services for your entire population - not just library users - is more important than ever. Librarians working in libraries of all types must provide programs and services that meet community needs if libraries are to stay relevant and survive in the long run. Librarians must be able to measure their success and demonstrate the library’s worth with verifiable proof if they are going to be competitive for available funds in the future. Meeting Community Needs will make you take a serious look at how well your library programs and services are meeting your community’s needs, and it will show you the way to success.

More Information
See the publisher's website for table of contents, author information, and reviews.

The Makerspace Librarian's Sourcebook

Kroski, E. (2017). The Makerspace Librarian's Sourcebook. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.978-0-8389-1504-2.

Note from Katie: This books is a good resource for anyone who does technology programming (STEAM), even if they do not have a dedicated makerspace. It provides background information on Legos, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and more so is relevant for all ages and types of libraries.

Publisher's description:

Library makerspaces continue to thrive, drawing new patrons in and engaging them as never before. This hands-on sourcebook edited by technology expert Kroski includes everything libraries need to know about the major topics, tools, and technologies relevant to makerspaces today. Packed with cutting edge instruction and advice from the field's most tech-savvy innovators, this collection

• leads librarians through how to start their own makerspace from the ground up, covering strategic planning, funding sources, starter equipment lists, space design, and safety guidelines;
• discusses the transformative teaching and learning opportunities that makerspaces offer, with tips on how to empower and encourage a diverse maker culture within the library;
• delves into 11 of the most essential technologies and tools most commonly found in makerspaces, ranging from 3D printers, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and wearable electronics to CNC, Legos, drones, and circuitry kits; and
• includes an assortment of project ideas that are ready to implement.

As useful for those just entering the “what if” stage as it is for those with makerspaces already up and running, this book will help libraries engage the community in their makerspaces.

Book Programs & Author Events

Hooper, Brad. (2016). The Librarian's Guide to Book Programs and Author Events. Chicago, IL: ALA editions. 978-0-8389-1384-0.

From hosting authors to planning and coordinating book activities such as book signings and book clubs, libraries are perfect venues for readers to interact directly with authors and their books. And mounting literary programming can be easier than you might think. In this guide Booklist’s Brad Hooper inspires, encourages, and advises librarians in providing a wide range of programming that targets their communities of book lovers. Incorporating interviews from librarians in the field who share insider tips, this resource

• includes step-by-step guidance adaptable to any type of audience, from children and teens to millennials and older adults;
• shows how to plan author readings, coordinate book signings, and put together and moderate an author panel;
• offers marketing and outreach pointers, including interviewing authors for local radio, library podcasts, or webinars;
• lays out the nuts-and-bolts of organizing and hosting book clubs, with suggestions for facilitating book group discussions;
• presents ideas for creating displays of “staff favorites” and other ways to get staff involved and engaged; and
• explores programs for community-wide book events, such as “One Book, One City.”

(Book Description)

Adults Just Wanna Have Fun

Barbakoff, A. (2016). Adults Just Wanna Have Fun: Programs for Emerging Adults. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.

There are a wealth of resources out there geared towards serving the needs of toddlers, school age children, young adults, and senior citizens. But something's missing. Library users in their 20s and 30s constitute one of the most underserved populations for public libraries, and there's a scarcity of guidance on how to target them. Barbakoff’s fun and practical programming book helps to fill that gap. A 2013 Library Journal Mover & Shaker who was also named one of Flavorwire’s “10 of the Coolest Librarians Alive,” she shows how to draw emerging adults to the library using a mixture of play and engagement and then keep them coming back for more. Packed with ideas that are real-world tested and approved, this guide  

• examines the unique needs and expectations of millennials, many of whom are already avid readers and have the potential to become a core part of the public library user base;
• presents easily adaptable programs that are fun for a variety of groups, from “Bad Art Night” and “DIY Hot Cocoa Mix” to “Library Speed Dating” and “Homemade Spa Products”;
• features a range of events that move the library outside and into the community, such as hosting a book club in a bar, combining books and bikes, partnering with a commercial kitchen for a cookbook group, and a book-to-action program that uses book discussions as springboards to hands-on service projects;
• offers advice for garnering funding and support by showing how to connect programming to the library’s fundamental values; and
• provides tips for prep, setup, and teardown, plus pointers on marketing and outreach.

By taking the initiative to offer programming that appeals to emerging adults, public libraries help to make them life-long library users. It’s an investment that will reap benefits for years to come, and this book shows how to make it happen.

Check out this title's Web Extra!

(book description)

Transmedia Storytelling

Hovious, Amanda S. Transmedia Storytelling: The Librarian's Guide. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2015.
ISBN: 978-1-4408-3848-4

Definition 
"Transmedia storytelling takes the traditional art of storytelling to a whole new level, delivering a fictional story across multiple media platforms -- whether physical, digital, or both -- to create a truly immersive storytelling experience" (p. 3).

Publisher's Description
This practical and thorough guide offers clear explanations of what transmedia storytelling is and shows how it can be integrated into library programming that fosters multimodal literacy with K–12 learners.

When fictional worlds are brought to life in multiple media—via books and comics or through films, animated shorts, television, audio recordings, and games—it is called "transmedia storytelling." Transmedia storytelling offers children's and teen librarians at public libraries, K–12 school librarians, and educators an effective method for bringing story to youth—a perfect fit for today's media-saturated environment. This book demonstrates how to create new pathways to the future of stories and storytelling.

The book serves as a guide to integrating transmedia storytelling into library programs and services. It defines transmedia storytelling, identifies the key connections between it and 21st-century learning, discusses the role of librarians and libraries in supporting and promoting transmedia storytelling, and provides concrete examples of transmedia programs. The suggested programs—ranging from transmedia storytimes for early literacy learners to maker programs for young adults—can be implemented with different levels of technology capabilities and within numerous library settings. In addition, the book offers practical advice on technology planning for libraries that plan to incorporate transmedia storytelling.

Features

• Offers the first practical guide to transmedia storytelling that gives librarians new ways to create excitement in the library, engage learners, and foster multiple literacies
• Provides complete, step-by-step guidelines for transmedia-rich library programs
• Introduces new areas of research and best practices in technology integration wholly applicable to libraries
• Covers topics such as new literacies, participatory storytelling, learning through gamification, maker programs, using digital badges to motivate young learners, and more

Collaborating for Real Literacy

Pitcher, Sharon M., and Bonnie W. Mackey. Collaborating for Real Literacy: Librarian, Teacher, Literary Coach, and Principal. 2nd ed. Santa Barbara, CA: Linworth, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-61069-241-0

Publisher's Description
Advances in literacy require collaboration between all of a school's stakeholders. This book harnesses the latest research and takes into consideration CCSS to show how to make that collaboration a reality.

Authentic literacy practice is crucial to preparing all students to be successful both in the workplace and college in the 21st century. Insisting that this literacy achievement will only happen when librarians, teachers, literacy coaches, and administrators work together in their schools, Collaborating for Real Literacy addresses the role of each instructional leader individually and examines the importance of the group collectively in bolstering the literacy of all students. Practical ways to support the teaching of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are infused throughout every chapter.

In this second edition of the book, core chapters on scaffolding, literacy centers, family literacy, English-language learners, comprehension, assessment, writing, and discussion have been updated based on current research and CCSS. Each of these chapters now offers suggestions for literacy coaches. Also new are recommendations for grades K–5 and 6–12, demonstrating specific ways to apply instructional ideas to different age levels and providing materials that can be used for the instruction. Additionally, three new chapters have been added with real literacy instructional ideas for content area reading and Response to Intervention (support for struggling readers).

Features

• Emphasizes adolescent literacy and literacy coaching, currently the two most significant topics in literacy instruction
• Summarizes current literacy research, including research and practices for adolescent literacy
• Provides detailed examples and applications of theoretical principles of reading instruction
• Presents practical information on infusing technology throughout literacy instruction
• Encourages utilizing conversations in the classroom and describes methods for implementation

Dragons in the Stacks

Steven A. Torres-Roman and Cason E. Snow. (2014). Dragons in the Stacks: A Teen Librarian's Guide to Tabletop Role-Playing by  Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-1-61069-261-8.

A one-stop, complete guide to tabletop role-playing games for novice librarians as well as seasoned players.

Tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) are a perfect fit for library teen services. They not only hold great appeal for teen patrons, but also help build important skills ranging from math and literacy to leadership and dramatics. Role-playing games are cost-effective too. Dragons in the Stacks explains why RPGs are so effective at holding teenagers' attention, identifies their specific benefits, outlines how to select and maintain a RPG collection, and demonstrates how they can enhance teen services and be used in teen programs. Detailed reviews of role-playing games are included as well, with pointers on their strengths, weaknesses, and library applications. Coauthored by an experienced young adult librarian and an adult services librarian, this is the definitive guide to RPGs in the library, and the only one currently available.

Features

• Discusses collection development, cataloging, and programs for teens 
• Supplies detailed reviews of scores of popular and less well-known role-playing games 
• Outlines a variety of affordable, effective programs for teens that involve role-playing tabletop games

(book description)

A Year of Programs for Millennials

Alessio, A.J.; Lamantia, K.; & Vinci, E. (2015). A Year of Programs for Millennials and More. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1332-1.

Needless to say, programming for teens can be a dubious fit for library users in their 20s; and what appeals to Baby Boomers isn't necessarily ideal for those in their 30s and 40s. Millennials deserve their own programs. This handy guide specifically targets those on the cusp of the born-digital generation and their peers, offering up a year’s worth of programming suitable for both public and academic libraries. Organized by monthly clubs or monthly themed events, a format that makes planning and execution a snap, this resource

• Provides an overview of what those in their 20s, 30, and 40s want from libraries and how best to reach them
• Gives tips for extending popular teen programs to older teens and those in their 20s
• Presents start-to-finish programs sure to be a big draw, such as a “pub trivia” night, recipe scrapbooking meetup, retro craft club, old school gaming sessions, writer’s workshops, and community college networking events
• Shows how to program on a tight budget by making the most of the library’s existing collection and resources
• Offers tips on marketing, outreach, and followup

The fun and popular programs contained in this guide will help libraries become social and cultural cornerstones for the millennials in their communities.

(book description)

Librarian's Guide to Passive Programming

Wichman, Emily T. (2012). Librarian's Guide to Passive Programming: Easy and Affordable Activities for All Ages. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-1-59884-895-3.

Librarian's Guide to Passive Programming: Easy and Affordable Activities for All Ages presents plans for 32 passive programs designed to capture the attention of library patrons. Each chapter—which contains programs grouped thematically—details the steps necessary to reproduce the programs, and includes supporting handouts, activities, and photographs. This helpful guide also examines what passive programming is, why passive programming is relevant, and offers strategies across all aspects of its implementation—from developing program ideas to evaluating program success.

Features:

• Step-by-step instructions for more than 30 individual programs
• Lists of supplies and resources needed for program implementation
• Alternative approaches for how to adapt the program for in-house or online use
• Strategies for developing, marketing, and evaluating passive programs

Highlights:

• Includes activities for promoting patrons' interest in—and use of—the library
• Details the steps necessary to reproduce the programs
• Provides tips for developing program ideas
• Reveals ways to stretch programming dollars and staff resources

(book description)

The big Book of Glues, Brews, and Goos

Marks, Diana F. (2015). The Big Book of Glues, Brews, and Goos: 500+ Kid-Tested Recipes and Formulas for Hands-On Learning. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-1-61069-771-2.

Here's a book to help students create cross-disciplinary projects by using materials they make themselves. From clays and dough, to compounds and crystals, to healthy treats and snacks, children can access the formulas and recipes to make them all! This updated resource combines everything from the former two volumes into one comprehensive edition and features even more recipes, additional relevant content, and expanded connections between activities and curriculum.

Every activity provides you with easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions. Each tried-and-true, safe concoction uses easily obtainable ingredients and provides suggestions for determining why and when each formula can be used. The book contains recommendations for linking projects to curriculum to help make each activity relevant and educational. Organized into 33 chapters, projects include making musical instruments, growing and using plants, conducting science experiments, and preparing food for ourselves and other creatures.

• Offers detailed instructions for making fun projects like simple telephones, face paint, a homemade compass, and snow globes
• Features projects from other cultures and other periods
• Provides step-by-step instructions, along with tips for easier project implementation
• Contains recipes for snacks from across the globe, including Indian chapatis, corn tortillas, Navajo fry bread, and Welsh griddle cakes

 (book description)

Storytelling: Art and Technique

Greene, E., & Del Negro, J. M. (2010). Storytelling: Art and Technique (4th ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.
ISBN: 978-1-59158-600-5

Publisher's Description
Thoroughly revised and updated, the fourth edition of the classic Storytelling: Art and Technique is an essential guide for beginning and experienced storytellers alike.

Ten years ago, Book Report called the third edition of Storytelling: Art and Technique, "invaluable ... a volume no librarian will want to be without." This fourth edition of the classic storytelling “how to” is even better—with 30 percent new material, additional chapters, new stories, and updated bibliographies.

This edition provides both a history of storytelling in libraries and accessible instruction for bringing storytelling to contemporary listeners. It details the selection, preparation, and presentation of stories, as well as planning and administration of a storytelling program. Full texts of 13 stories for various ages and occasions are included, as is an extensive list of resources. Bonus essays offer a fascinating international perspective through a survey of storytelling in Ireland and the British Isles and a look at storytelling in contemporary China. Complete with everything one needs to know to launch a successful storytelling program, this is the perfect book for librarians, teachers, parents—and professional storytellers, too.

Features

• Includes complete texts of 13 stories with source, culture, telling time, audience, and a comment for each

• Examples of a cue card, movement warm-ups for storytellers, a seating arrangement for a storytime, a storyboard, publicity posters, and more

• Offers resources for the storyteller, including professional books and articles, websites, storytelling books by genre, stories to tell to different age groups, read-alouds, and recordings

• Presents an overview of storytelling in libraries in the United States from its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day

• Details how to select and present stories and how to program and administrate a successful storytelling program

• Includes an international perspective, with essays about storytelling in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and in China

• Offers the full text of 13 stories, ranging from the well-loved nursery tale, “The Gingerbread Man,” to “Rubies,” a story of seduction, betrayal, ghosts, and vengeance for teenagers, to “The Legend of the Christmas Rose” for family sharing

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
For Story’s Sake: Reading as Its Own Reward

PART I: HISTORY AND PRACTICE

Chapter 1: Storytelling: A Historical Perspective
Chapter 2: Storytelling to Children in Libraries
Chapter 3: Purpose and Values of Storytelling
Chapter 4: Selection
Chapter 5: Preparation
Chapter 6: Presentation
Chapter 7: Storytelling to Children with Special Needs; Storytelling in Special Settings
Chapter 8: Storytelling to Young Children
Chapter 9: Storytelling to Young Adults
Chapter 10: Children and Young Adults as Storytellers
Chapter 11: Program Planning
Chapter 12: Administration of the Storytelling Program and In-Service Education

PART II: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Storytelling in Libraries and Schools in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
How Do You Say “Storytelling” in Chinese?

PART III: STORIES

The Gingerbread Man
Perez and Martina: A Puerto Rican Folktale
The Old Woman Who Lost Her Dumpling
The Dancing Granny
Ananse the Spider in Search of a Fool
Jack and the Two-Bullet Hunt
Willa and the Wind
More Than Salt
Ling-Li and the Phoenix Fairy: A Chinese Folktale
Rubies
The White Horse Girl and the Blue Wind Boy
The Vision in the Wood
The Legend of the Christmas Rose

PART IV: RESOURCES FOR THE STORYTELLER

Professional Reading
Bibliographies, Dictionaries, Encyclopedia, and Indexes
Books About Stories and Storytelling
Resources for Fingerplays, Action Rhymes, Flannel Board Storytelling, Storytelling Activities, Participation Tales, Reader’s Theatre and Story Theatre
Articles
Magazines About Folktales, Myths, and Storytelling
Web Sources
Folktales, Literary Tales, Poetry, and Song
Folktales: Collections
Folktales: Picture Books
Tall Tales
Fables
Heroes and Heroines, Myths and Legends
Literary Tales: Collections
Literary Tales: Picture Books
Poetry and Song
Stories of Special Appeal
Stories for Three- to Five-Year-Olds
Stories for Five- to Eight-Year-Olds
Stories for Eight- to Eleven-Year-Olds
Stories for Eleven- to Fifteen-Year-Olds
Stories for a Mixed-Age Group
Stories for the Family Evening Storytelling Program
Read-Alouds: 100 Personal Favorites
A Sampling of Storytelling Recordings
Sources

Glossary
Copyright Acknowledgments
Index

Foreword
Preface
For Story’s Sake: Reading as Its Own Reward

Conducting Action Research to Evaluate Your School Library

Sykes, J. A. (2013). Conducting Action Research to Evaluate Your School Library. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited
ISBN: 978-1-61069-077-5

Publisher's Description
How should teacher librarians or instructional leaders engage in action research to improve their school library and benefit students' learning? This book provides the answers.

Teacher librarians need to get directly involved with the research process in the learning commons in order to create actions and strategies that will enhance student learning—and benefit their own professional development as well as demonstrate accountability through their action research efforts. This book provides practical tips and work spaces for educators at the local, state, and national levels, clearly modeling and explaining the process and the tools for conducting action research in a school library setting that will identify the program's strengths and weaknesses.

The author coalesces current expert opinions on the topic of action research in the school library environment and highlighting what other teacher librarians in the field have identified as the pros and cons of using the process. Readers are directed to focus on mitigating the "cons" through the use of specific working pages and templates and by initially exploring "five favorite" links, thereby encouraging those who are new to action research to try what might otherwise seem a daunting process. School principals K–12 who read this book will be better equipped to support their teacher librarians and teachers in this important professional process.


Features

• Supplies invaluable insights from experts and practitioners on the subject of action research
  
• Provides a clear model of the process in action
  
• Directs readers to additional resources that facilitate effective action research and timely topics for school library research, such as time management and technology in learning