The New University Library: Four Case Studies

Conner, Matthew. The New University Library: Four Case Studies. ALA Editions, 2014. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1193-8

Description

The author takes on the subject of how university libraries are changing by studying four libraries in depth:

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• University of California at Merced
• University of Hawaii at Manoa
• University of California at Davis

Topics such as reference, personnel, technology, collections, buildings, campus roles, and library culture are examined to determine how libraries are responding to current trends. Real-world practices and innovations are described that can be inspirational for all academic libraries.

Mind-Bending Mysteries and Thrillers for Teens (book)

Alessio, A.J. (2014). Mind-Bending Mysteries and Thrillers for Teens: A Programming and Readers' Advisory Guide. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1204-1.

There are plenty of mysteries in teens' lives, including physical and emotional changes, uncertainty about the future, and feelings between people. Seen in this light, the appeal of these stories for this age group makes perfect sense: through a progression of plot and clues, the ending of a teen mystery book provides expected conclusions after an entertaining escape from reality. Well known from her bestselling teen programming books, Alessio offers a complete guide to getting young adults hooked on mysteries. Included are

• Book lists featuring every type of mystery subgenre, from cozies and romantic mysteries to suspense thrillers, police procedurals, and beyond, all thoroughly annotated
• Titles published within the last five years, accented by a handpicked assortment of classics
• Recommendations of some adult mysteries that older teens may enjoy
• Profiles of today's teen mystery fans, drawn from first-hand experience
• Interviews with several popular mystery authors to sketch in the genre's background and trends
• Step-by-step instructions for more than 40 programming ideas, from creating a "Mind Bending Club" to puzzles and a complete mystery dinner script
• Tips for displays, booktalks, and marketing
• Multiple indexes to help find the right book quickly

This one-of-a-kind resource will help YA librarians connect teens to mysteries they're sure to love.

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Streamlined Library Programming (book)

Porter-Reynolds, Daisy. (2014.) Streamlined Library Programming: How to Improve Services and Cut Costs. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-1-61089-408-7.

Is it possible to both cut costs and improve public library programming for all ages? Yes, it is; this book demonstrates how.

In their roles as community centers, public libraries offer many innovative and appealing programs; but under current budget cuts, library resources are stretched thin. With slashed budgets and limited staff hours, what can libraries do to best serve their publics?
This how-to guide provides strategies for streamlining library programming in public libraries while simultaneously maintaining—or even improving—quality delivery. The wide variety of principles and techniques described can be applied on a selective basis to libraries of all sizes. Based upon the author's own extensive experience as well as that of colleagues in other library systems, this book provides readers with a practical, step-by-step approach to maximizing resources and minimizing costs of programming without sacrificing quality, as well as insider tips and examples from the field that will help them to avoid known pitfalls.

Features
• Discusses centralized programming, explaining what it is, how it works, and how librarians can select and apply techniques to their libraries
• Provides effective solutions to streamlining library services and improving efficiencies in a time of budget reductions
• Offers useful sample documents and forms, such as program description templates, surveys, and storytime box logistics

Sample Topics
Centralized Programs
Change Management
Paid Programs
Partner Programs
Pitfalls to Avoid
Programs in a Box
Staffing
Storytime

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Exploring Environmental Science with Children and Teens (book)

Harrington, E.G. (2014). Exploring Environmental Science with Children and Teens. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1198-3.

Despite the abundance of resources on the subject, in the classroom science often takes a back seat to the study of math and English. That gives public and school libraries as well as museums the opportunity to jump in as venues for informal education, sharing the wonders of science with children and their caregivers. In this intriguing book Harrington focuses on environmental science, offering a selection of unique programming ideas that not only entertain but also arm children and teens with information about environmental issues. There’s no need to have a particular background in science to use this all-in-one resource, which includes

• Background information on the national state of science education, and how environmental programming can foster science literacy
• Ways to introduce environmental science themes into existing library programs via “Little Learners Labs” for toddlers, science storytimes for young children, and book clubs for tweens and teens
• Lists of age-appropriate titles to share with any group
• Strategies for implementation to ensure success

This book not only demonstrates the need for environmental programming but also gives those who work with children and teens the ideas and confidence they need to move forward.

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Baby Storytime Magic (book)

MacMillan, K. & Kirker, C. (2014). Baby Storytime Magic: Active Early Literacy through Bounces, Rhymes, Tickles and More. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1216-4.

Whether you’ve been presenting baby storytimes for fifteen years or fifteen minutes, you probably already know that the first five years of life are key for brain development and early literacy. Many public libraries have instituted baby and toddler programs, but finding exciting materials for baby storytime that go beyond nursery rhymes can be a challenge. Baby Storytime Magic is a treasure trove of new and exciting ideas for programs, all of which revolve around themes from a baby’s world. Inside this resource you’ll find

• Fingerplays, bounces, flannelboards, activities with props, songs, American Sign Language activities, and more, with items arranged by type of material
• Tips for planning storytimes, with advice on logistical issues such as age grouping, scheduling, formats, and physical setup
• Guidance on involving caregivers in baby storytimes, including suggested scripts for explaining the benefits of each activity and how to use it at home
• Age-appropriate book recommendations
• Information on the stages of early childhood development, plus an appendix of recommended additional resources
• A thematic index to find the right storytime quickly
• Links to full-sized, downloadable flannelboard patterns, craft patterns, and worksheets

Packed with ready-to-use activities, reducing prep time substantially, this book is a valuable early literacy tool for every children’s librarian.

Check out this book’s Web Extra now!

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