Practical Evaluation Techniques (book)

Applegate, R. (2013). Practical Evaluation Techniques for Librarians. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Library professionals—regardless of whether they operate in a school, public, or academic library setting—need to have effective evaluation skills in order to be accountable to stakeholders and to effect informed improvement. Practical Evaluation Techniques for Librarians provides information and guidance that is highly useful and accessible for all librarians looking to intelligently manage the strengths and weaknesses of their library as well as communicate its value to its stakeholders.

Rather than focusing on data-gathering methods appropriate for researchers, the book concentrates on data collection at the local level that enables informed managerial decision-making. It describes and compares techniques that can be used with any level or type of resource—staffing, software, and expertise, for example—in any size library. Author Rachel Applegate makes it clear that accountability is everywhere and imperative, and any librarian can learn the simple techniques to benefit from evaluation.

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Community Library Programs That Work (book)

Maddigan, B. & Bloos, S. (2014). Community Library Programs That Work: Building Youth and Family Literacy. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

In a world where the Internet offers educational opportunities 24 hours a day … where digital aids enrich and supplement printed materials … and where online instruction is a viable option to classroom teaching, a fresh approach to learning can help libraries stay relevant and interesting to their technologically-savvy patrons. This book provides guidelines for creating dynamic and engaging library programs for children, teens, and families. Organized in thematic chapters, each chapter includes relevant topical research and three to eight community-focused approaches. Programs range from small, single-library initiatives in rural communities to multi-site, cross-border initiatives. This essential reference includes collaborative and locally-inspired programs, many of which can be scaled to the budget of any library, school, or community organization.

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Programming for Youth with Autism (book)

Klipper, B. (2014). Programming for Children and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.

Those who understand the unique sensitivities of young people with autism spectrum disorder, now the second most commonly diagnosed serious developmental disability, know that ordinary library programming guides are not up to the task of effectively serving these library users. Klipper has presented at conferences and trained librarians from around the country in autism awareness, and the grant-funded Sensory Storytime programming she developed at The Ferguson Library in Stamford, Connecticut is a model for reaching children with autism spectrum disorder. Her complete programming guide, ideal for audiences ranging from preschool through school-age children, teens, and families,

• Provides background information on the disorder to help librarians understand how to program for this special audience
• Features step-by-step programs from librarians across the country, adaptable for both public and school library settings
• Suggests methods for securing funding and establishing partnerships with community organizations
• Includes a list of additional resources that will prove valuable to librarians and parents/caregivers alike

Klipper’s deep knowledge and experience on the subject makes her guidance on serving these library users and their families invaluable.

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Informed Transitions (book)

Burhanna, K.J. (2013). Informed Transitions: Libraries Supporting the High School to College Transition. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Informed Transitions: Libraries Supporting the High School to College Transition identifies the ways in which libraries and librarians can work together and create valuable resources that help students transition successfully to college—despite the challenges of increasing demand and diminishing resources.

The book is organized into three sections: background, expectations, and skills; conversations and collaborations; and programs and resources. Section 1 establishes a foundational understanding of the libraries' role in supporting college transitions. Section 2 shares model conversations that move this work forward, stressing its collaborative nature. The third section highlights some well-established programs and resources that effectively support high school to college transitions. Practical information is provided throughout, pinpointing what high school students need to know to smoothly transition to college, spotlighting the expectations of college professors, and discussing audience-specific methods of working with students at the high school and college levels.

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Better Serving Teens Through Collaboration (book)

Pandora, C.S. & Hayman, S. (2013). Better Serving Teens Through School Library-Public Library Collaborations. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

The current economic crisis has had a drastic impact on both public and school libraries. As budgets shrink, resources become scarcer, and the job of the librarian becomes harder. The conundrum of doing more with less challenges even the most seasoned professionals whose institutions face service cutbacks, disappointed patrons, and possible job eliminations or closures. This book asserts that a collaboration between school and public libraries can effectively serve the needs of two populations—teens and the community at large—while minimizing the cost to do so.

Better Serving Teens through School Library–Public Library Collaborations offers thought-provoking advice and ideas for practical use in real-world libraries. The authors provide step-by-step guidance for those who wish to start, strengthen, or extend a partnership with colleagues at a sister library, covering topics ranging from teen advisory boards and collaborative programs to homework help and professional development. Veterans in the field, as well as beginners, can utilize the wealth of tools within—including worksheets, timelines, and checklists—to leverage the capabilities of other agencies tp fortify both their own and their institutions' value.

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