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)