Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Checklist of library building design considerations
With the new fifth edition of his "Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations", William Sannwald guides librarians and other members of a building design team through the stages of the design process. Planning construction of a new library facility or renovation of an existing one can be a daunting task. With the new fifth edition of his "Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations", veteran library administrator and construction consultant William Sannwald guides librarians and other members of a building design team through the stages of the design process. Updated materials include: a new chapter on sustainable design, including issues of site selection, air quality, and energy and water efficiency; new sections on wireless networking, information commons and media production and presentation labs; updated treatment of special collections and materials handling systems; and, a new section on disaster planning.It also contains DA Accessibility Guidelines section reorganized to match structure of the federal statute. Because construction projects are complex and sometimes unwieldy, Sannwald's checklist format provides a clear, concise way of itemizing the issues, helping your construction project run as smoothly as possible!
Reversing the Ratchet: Basic Technology Adoption Strategies for Library Workers
Videodisc of a teleconference broadcast recorded with permission by the College of DuPage on November 7, 2008.
"This Soaring to Excellence presentation addresses the challenge of the technology ratchet and how to keep it from tightening its grip on library workers. Steven Bell will share ideas and techniques for regaining control over library technology with an exploration of better ways to identify, adopt and leverage the technologies that make sense for us and that create a better library user experience for our communities. With the right attitude and approach every library worker can develop a personal professional development strategy for keeping pace with the technology curve."--College of DuPage Press website
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Storytime Magic (book)
MacMillan, K. & Kirker, C. (2009). Storytime magic: 400 fingerplays, flannelboards, and other activities. Enriching and supplementing storytelling programs with fingerplays, flannelboards, and other props will be a cinch thanks to this generous sampling of art and craft ideas, songs, and action rhymes. This time-saving resource includes
- Thematic organization to make program planning easy
- Recommended books for each theme
- Easy-to-follow craft and flannelboard patterns
- Quick Tips boxes that enhance the early literacy component
A unique addition to the programming shelf, this treasure trove of storytime tools is designed to help veteran librarians refresh and enliven ongoing programs, while providing novice storytime planners what they need to get started! (book description)
*There are also storytime tips for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and all-ages/families.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Teen Craft projects (book)

Coleman, T. & Lanes, P. (2009). The Hipster Librarian’s Guide to Teen Craft Projects.
It's not your grandmother's crafting projects! Instead, hip librarians as well as their teen patrons can engage in the hottest new DIY way of life, recycling everything from discarded books to Altoids tins. Getting hands-on and making the coolest crafts can be a way to encourage teens' individuality and growing sense of self. Whether projects are used for teen programs, to decorate the library's public teen space, or for a personal style statement, these are cutting-edge, must-do celebrations of creativity and innovation from two book- and library-loving crafters. Reflecting the true style and personality of hipster YA librarians and the teens they serve, this practical guide
§ Offers detailed step-by-step instructions for a dozen unique craft items
§ Provides one-page reproducible how-to handouts for each craft project
§ Illustrates each step with photos
§ Outlines tools and materials lists for smooth-running craft programs
§ Is supplemented by the authors’ online resources, including a blog
The authors' focus on recycled no-cost and low-cost materials addresses most libraries' budget constraints. These craft sessions offer a unique way for teens to claim their identities and gain confidence—at the library! (book description)
Teen Spaces (book)

Bolan, K. (2009). Teen Spaces: The Step-by-Step Library Makeover (2nd Ed).
When writing the first edition of Teen Spaces in 2002, YA expert Bolan was challenged to find excellent examples. Now, teen spaces abound and interest continues to grow. With a strategic use of web-based technologies—from the author's website to a Flickr account—the new edition will showcase success stories as it reaches out to attract a global community of YA librarians committed to meeting the needs of young adults. Revising the first practical guide to creating inviting spaces for teens in the library, Bolan reveals what it takes for your makeover to go as smoothly as possible. You'll find
§ Step-by-step instructions and easy-to-use templates
§ The latest information on teen spaces policies
§ New ways to involve teens in the space-renovation process
§ Updated tools, worksheets, instructions, and vendor information
§ Inspiring illustrations and discussions of what other libraries have achieved
§ Best practices for developing teen spaces
Library directors, YA librarians, and school library media specialists will welcome the inspiration from hundreds of teen spaces around the world, along with hands-on suggestions for revamping their own library. (book description)