The Library PR Handbook: High-Impact Communications.

The Library PR Handbook: High-Impact Communications. Mark R. Gould, Ed. Chicago: ALA, 2010. 021.7 Libra2 ISBN 978-0-8389-1002-3

Highly recommended reading for anyone charged with the responsibility of summoning up community support and involvement in behalf of a school or community library. --The Midwest Book Review

Must read for librarians working in multi-type libraries. --Camila Alire, ALA President 2009-10

This just-in-time, user-friendly guide has something to help every librarian, from the newly-minted grad to seasoned veteran, meet today s complex communications challenges. --Rochelle Lefkowitz, founder, Pro Media Communications


The fast-paced and complex PR role is becoming increasingly important as libraries need to respond quickly to the changing media landscape and the country's demographic shifts. This handbook will get you on the right PR track with: ideas to harness a celebrity brand and create effective public service announcements; the how-tos of amplifying your message through partnerships; the means to develop affordable podcasts, savvy outreach programs, and special events; and tips for using gaming to build excitement. Written by high-profile experts in the PR field, "The Library PR Handbook" is the essential reader for those looking to spice up their library's message and get the word out.

The Successful Library Trustee Handbook. 2nd ed

Moore, Mary Y. The Successful Library Trustee Handbook. 2nd ed. Chicago: ALA, 2010. 021.820973 Moore 2nd ed. ISBN 978-0-8389-1003-0

(description of 1st ed)

Some boards of directors micromanage, while others protect their "turf" to the detriment of their customers. After decades of working with boards, library consultant Mary Moore has experienced enough understanding to provide authoritative guidance on what trustees can do to foster an effective organization. In this definitive guide and ALTA-approved training manual for members of library boards of trustees, Moore has created a user-friendly orientation manual for new trustees and refresher course for experienced board members. Designed to improve any board's effectiveness, The Successful Library Trustee Handbook offers proven advice about what it takes to make the board run smoothly - from meetings to evaluations. It addresses the critical questions every board member needs to understand: What does it mean to be on a library board of trustees? How does advocacy work and why is it important? Who makes library policy? Is there a more effective way to do strategic planning? Practical checklists, tables and what have you learned? review items will help anyone make the most of the experience of serving on a board. Trustees, administrators, consultants, trainers, and library students will welcome this hands-on "bring it along and mark it up" reference.

The Early Literacy Kit: A Handbook and Tip Cards

Diamant-Cohen, B. & Ghoting, S.N. (2010). The Early Literacy Kit: A Handbook and Tip Cards. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

This innovative and practical kit, put together by two well-known specialists in the field of early literacy, contains everything storytime presenters for children from birth to age five and their parents or caregivers need to spread the word about school readiness skills to adult caregivers. The kit includes

• An accessible handbook with a resource section
• 105 reusable tip cards with coordinated activities
• A concise summary of important early literacy research

Ideal for program planners, this convenient resource will help you teach caregivers the developing standards by which school readiness can be achieved. (item description)

The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels (book)

Goldsmith, F. (2010). The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

Graphic novels have found a place on library shelves but many librarians struggle to move this expanding body of intellectual, aesthetic, and entertaining literature into the mainstream of library materials. This guide includes

• A short course in graphic novels, along with reading lists and professional tools
• Tips on advising graphic novel readers on what to read next
• Suggestions for introducing graphic novels to those patrons unacquainted with them
• Advice on promoting your graphic novels collection

With energy and commitment born of professional experience and a deep love for graphic novels, Goldsmith provides the first guide to the genre aimed specifically at readers’ advisors, while presenting an abundance of resources useful to every librarian. (book description)

Twenty-First-Century Kids, Twenty-First-Century Librarians

Walter, V.A. (2010). Twenty-First-Century Kids, Twenty-First-Century Librarians. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

Inspired by a new generation of librarians and children, Walter reconsiders the legacy passed on by the matriarchs of children’s services and examines more recent trends and challenges growing out of changes in educational philosophy and information technology. This thoroughly researched book includes the current issues and trends of

• Outcome-based planning
• Early literacy
• Homework centers in libraries
• Children’s spaces

With extensive experience in children’s services as well as library instruction issues, Walter brings readers vital information on the current state of library services to children. (book description)