Cataloging Library Resources: An Introduction

Cataloging Library Resources: An Introduction by Marie Keen Shaw. Rowman & Littlefield, 2017. 978-1-4422-7486-0.

Publisher's Description

While there are many cataloging texts, very few are written specifically for library support staff. This is the one and only book purposefully aligned with the new American Library Association – Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) competency standards for Cataloging and Classification.

Written in clear language by someone who teaches cataloging in a library support staff program and featuring practical examples, Cataloging Library Resources: An Introduction will help library support staff become effective catalogers. Other books on this topic are written for professional librarians rather than support staff. And although 85% of library support staff do not hold professional degrees, many are expected to do the complex and technical work of catalogers. This book provides many examples that support staff can use to learn how to catalog all types of library print, media, and digital materials using the most up-to-date Library of Congress standards.

Using this handbook as a guide, readers will be able to perform the ALA-LSSC cataloging and classification competencies and the new RDA, FRBR, and BIBFRAME standards listed below:

• Apply and manage the appropriate processes, computer technology, and equipment for cataloging and classification. 
• Apply principles of Resource Description and Access (RDA) and the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) when creating cataloging records. 
• Apply principles of the Bibliographic Framework Initiative (BIBFRAME) and utilize the BIBFRAME model to create cataloging records. 
• Use the basic cataloging and classification tools, both print and online, including bibliographic utilities and format standards. 
• Understand the value of authority control and its basic principles, and can identify and apply appropriate access points for personal names, corporate bodies, series, and subjects. 
• Explain the value and advantages of cooperative or collaborative cataloging practices to enhance services. 
• Know the basics of standard metadata formats and cataloging rules to select, review, and edit catalog records, and to generate metadata in various formats. 
• And more!

More Information

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

Library Technology and Digital Resources: An Introduction for Support Staff

Library Technology and Digital Resources: An Introduction for Support Staff by Marie Keen Shaw. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. 978-1-4422-5644-6.

Publisher's Description

In the last decade library collections have rapidly evolved from a predominance of print books and journals to an ever growing mix of digital and print resources. Library patrons are predominately served by support staff that is expected to know how to help patrons select and use digital resources. Yet most library support staff (LSS) has not had training to become proficient in finding, using, and instructing others in the abundance of the digital resources of websites, databases, e-texts, digital libraries and their related technologies.

Library Technology and Digital Resources: An Introduction for Support Staff is both a text for professors who teach in library support staff programs and an introductory reference manual for support staff who work in libraries. This book will guide the LSS to be able to:

• Distinguish key features and enhancements found among vendors and providers of digital libraries, digital collections, databases, and e-texts;
• Plan, budget, fund and write grants for digital resources;
• Understand the complexity and options of licensing and usage agreements for digital resources;
• Know copyright permissions and acceptable use guidelines for digital resources.
• Understand the basic technologies that support library digital resources including network structures, software applications, and protocols;
• Distinguish between directories and search engines as they relate to digital resources as well as be able to employ advance search skills effectively;
• Explore the resources of global, national, and state digital libraries and their collections;
• Use government databases and other digitized systems and information sources;
• Find exemplary digital resources though other agencies such as museums, university collections and other sources that librarians can share with patrons.
• Create local digital resources of primary and historical materials and artifacts with metadata and cataloging for searchable access.
• Interpret meaning from library digital resources using visual literacy skills.
• Promote library digital resources through a variety of means including social media and online options.

More Information

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

Foundations of Library Services: An Introduction for Support Staff

Foundations of Library Services: An Introduction for Support Staff by Hali R. Keeler. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. 978-1-4422-5641-5.

Publisher's Description

Trained library support staff is critical in assisting the user in locating and interpreting the resources available in libraries. To do so requires the knowledge and practice of library missions and roles in different types of libraries and the delivery of that information to an increasingly diverse clientele. The plethora of resources available today requires that support staff understand and implement the basic principles of information services as well as the responsibility and relationships among library departments and functional areas.

Foundations of Library Services is both a text for professors who teach in library support staff programs and an introductory reference manual for support staff who work in libraries. This book will guide the LSS to be able to:

• Understand the mission and role of the library in its community
• Be familiar with the ethics and values of the profession, including those of the Library Bill of Rights, the ALA Code of Ethics, freedom of information, confidentiality of library records and privacy issues
• Know the responsibility and relationships among library departments
• Practice the basic principles of circulation, including interlibrary loan; current cataloging and classification systems; and acquisitions and collection development policies.
• Understand how libraries are governed and funded within their organizations or government structures
• Realize the value of cooperation to enhance services
• Practice quality customer service
• Communicate and promote the library’s values and services
• Recognize and respond to diversity in user needs

More Information

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

Working with Library Collections: An Introduction for Support Staff

Working with Library Collections: An Introduction for Support Staff by Hali R. Keeler. Rowman & Littlefield, 2017. 978-1-4422-7489-1.

Publisher's Description

Working with Collections: An Introduction for Support Staff deals with the technical service aspect of library work- the processes that put a book on the shelf or online. It provides an introduction to publishers, vendors, preparing items for use, and caring for items in the collections and is both a text for professors who teach in library support staff programs and their students, and an introductory manual for support staff who work in libraries.

This material is written in clear language with practical examples of how performance can contribute to exemplary library service. It is aligned with the ALA support staff standards and prepares library support staff to:

• Know how to use an integrated library system and other appropriate online tools.
• Know the basic principles of collection development and management.
• Assist with decisions regarding selection, de-selection, retention and replacement of all types of library resources.
• Know the basic principles, and can apply, the appropriate procedures to the processes that provide users with access to a wide variety of content.
• Know the various ways in which content, in multiple formats, is produced and distributed to libraries.
• Understand the value of resource sharing agreements and apply them to collection decisions.
• Know and use the recognized standard evaluative sources to assist with collection development.
• Know the principles and basic practices regarding the preservation of library resources.
• Apply appropriate methods and techniques for accurate preparation of library resources.
• Explain and apply policies regarding library collections.

More Information

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

Effective Difficult Conversations

Soehner, C. B., & Darling, A. (2017). Effective Difficult Conversations: A Step-by-Step Guide. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.

In an information landscape where change is the status quo, difficult conversations come with the territory. Being a library leader means knowing how to confidently steer these conversations so that they lead to productive results instead of hurt feelings, resentment, or worse.  Employees in a library will also encounter conflict, especially during times of change. Using a step-by-step process, this book walks readers through learning the skills to have effective difficult conversations that hold themselves and others accountable. Practice activities throughout the book will help readers feel prepared beforehand. After reading this book, library directors, managers, administrators, and team leaders will feel empowered to

• proactively identify situations that require an intervention in order to avoid unnecessary complications or confrontations down the line;
• prepare for and initiate a difficult conversation, balancing a clear message with compassion to successfully manage change or handle personnel issues;
• diffuse volatile emotions by maintaining a calm, measured approach;  and
• follow up a difficult conversation in writing, keeping the lines of communication open to ensure a way forward.

Illustrated with real-world examples of both successful and unsuccessful difficult conversations, this book will serve as an important leadership tool for handling change and conflicts in the library workplace.

(Book description)

School Library Collection Development

Stephens, Claire G., and Patricia Franklin. School Library Collection Development: Just the Basics. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2012. ISBN: 978-1-59884-943-1

Publisher's Description

...This practical manual demystifies the process of creating and maintaining a quality school library collection—an invaluable resource for anyone working in a library media center...[This book] is an accessible, practical manual that explains the fundamentals of purchasing, developing, and managing a collection. Containing information useful to anyone from a paraprofessional working under the guidance of a certified school librarian to a newcomer to the field to a certified media specialist, this book covers all of the basics through best practices. The authors provide much-needed advice on how to add to an existing collection, how to weed books no longer needed, and how to process and inventory that collection. This book is a must-have resource for staff members who are new to school libraries and need an easy-to-read guide to help them quickly learn the job.

Highlights
 • Provides inexperienced library workers with basic instructions for running a library media center effectively
• Includes numerous ready-to-use forms for day-to-day operations as well as ten lists on procedures and rationale for library procedures
• Supplies straightforward advice in the form of frequently asked questions (and answers)

Sample Topics
Budgeting
Collection Analysis
Collection Development
Digital Media
Ethical Considerations for Staff
Identifying and Understanding your School Community
Selection Policies
Updating your Collection

School Library Management

Messner, Patricia A., and Brenda S. Copeland. School Library Management: Just the Basics. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-59884-834-2

Publisher's Description

...Written in clear, simple language, this book provides information that will help an aide or paraprofessional manage a school library. Setting up and managing a library media center is a complex task best handled by a certified and experienced librarian, but the fact of the matter is that many school districts have had to cut librarian positions and are attempting to fill the gaps with aides...[This book] describes the step-by-step process of setting up the management processes in a school library and outlines easy management concepts that will guide aides through challenges like setting up activity centers and establishing rules for behavior. With over three decades of experience in librarianship between them, the authors cover topics such as student incentives and rewards; scheduling and supervising computer usage; circulation procedures; training materials for volunteers; passes, book marks, and other patterns; and privacy issues. This book can also serve as an effective training guide for district librarians responsible for training aides who are running multiple centers.

Features
• Illustrations by the authors
• An index enables easy searching

Highlights
• Serves as an invaluable resource for paraprofessionals or a first-year librarian
• Provides a step-by-step process for setting up the management of a school library and operating it
• Includes reproducibles and resources for many areas of the library operation

School Library Storytime

 

Copeland, Brenda S., and Patricia A. Messner. School Library Storytime: Just the Basics. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-61069-202-1  

Publisher's Description

This book is an invaluable resource for school library aides who conduct storytime activities, providing everything from instruction on how to read to children to a week-by-week read aloud curriculum for the entire school year...The fifth title in the highly regarded Just the Basics series, this book starts with an introduction, followed by explanations of how to read aloud and tips for managing and working with children in the primary grades. The authors suggest specific picture books that tie into school year-based themes and supply materials that can be used as listed or easily modified to meet the individual library's needs. Event-specific lessons are supplied for many weeks within the school year, making this title one that educators will rely on for storytime ideas from September through May.
 

Features

• Follows the school calendar, providing a lesson for nearly every week of the school year

• Uses both fiction and nonfiction readalouds
• Supplies a resource page for each month

Sample Topics
April Fool's Day
Chinese New Year
Columbus Day
Election Day
Groundhog's Day
Growing a Garden
Kwanzaa
Library Orientation
Music in the Schools' Month
Proper Book Care

School Library Day-to-Day Operations

Stephens, Claire G., and Patricia Franklin. School Library Day-to-Day Operations. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-59884-941-7

Publisher's Description

... [This book] provides essential knowledge for anyone running a school library, explaining how to build and maintain a collection that students and teachers alike will be able to use to easily find materials for research and pleasure reading.

This hands-on manual will be invaluable to library clerks in developing sound procedures for preparing books and a wide range of other items—such as magazines, DVDs and audio books, and instructional materials— ready for circulation. The book also offers practical advice for establishing an efficient ordering process, checking in an order, and staying in compliance with school and district financial policies. And, because even the best library clerk can't always do it all on their own, the author identifies effective strategies for getting support.

Highlights
• Provides clearly and simply written information for anyone tasked with running a school library
• Includes top-ten lists
• Supplies answers to frequently asked questions
• Features sidebars with additional helpful resources

Sample Topics
AV Materials
Books
Budgeting
Circulation of Materials
Contents of School Library Collections
Instructional Materials in the Library
Ordering Materials
Periodicals
Policies and Procedures
Processing
Purpose of the School Library
Role of the Library Clerk