Best of
Library-Science

2019

Freedom Libraries: The Untold Story of Libraries for African Americans in the South


Mike Selby - 2019
    And while some of the bravest people of the 20th century risked their lives for the right to simply order a cheeseburger, ride a bus, or use a clean water fountain, there was another virtually unheard of struggle--this one for the right to read. Although illegal, racial segregation was strictly enforced in a number of American states, and public libraries were not immune. Numerous libraries were desegregated on paper only: there would be no cards given to African-Americans, no books for them read, and no furniture for them to use. It was these exact conditions that helped create Freedom Libraries. Over eighty of these parallel libraries appeared in the Deep South, staffed by civil rights voter registration workers. While the grassroots nature of the libraries meant they varied in size and quality, all of them created the first encounter many African-Americans had with a library. Terror, bombings, and eventually murder would be visited on the Freedom Libraries--with people giving up their lives so others could read a library book. This book delves into how these libraries were the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, and the remarkable courage of the people who used them. They would forever change libraries and librarianship, even as they helped the greater movement change the society these libraries belonged to. Photographs of the libraries bring this little-known part of American history to life.

Supporting Trans People in Libraries


Stephen G Krueger - 2019
    Yet there are many potential barriers to actively supporting trans people, including lack of knowledge about the needs of the trans community and lack of funding or institutional support. This book, written entirely by trans library workers, is designed to dismantle some of these barriers.Supporting Trans People in Libraries is relevant for library workers of any background and position. People with little knowledge about trans identities can start with the opening introductory chapters, while those looking for guidance on a specific situation--such as adding all-gender restrooms, interacting respectfully with trans coworkers, deciding what information to require on library card applications, writing inclusive job postings, making collection development decisions, and more--can jump to a particular chapter. For each topic, there are sections on easy fixes, best practices, and example language. Readers can easily adapt the information to benefit their libraries and communities in concrete ways.

Writers in the Secret Garden: Fanfiction, Youth, and New Forms of Mentoring


Cecilia Aragon - 2019
    More than 1.5 million enthusiastic fanfiction writers--primarily young people in their teens and twenties--have contributed nearly seven million stories and more than 176 million reviews to a single online site, Fanfiction.net. In this book, Cecilia Aragon and Katie Davis provide an in-depth examination of fanfiction writers and fanfiction repositories, finding that these sites are not shallow agglomerations and regurgitations of pop culture but rather online spaces for sophisticated and informal learning. Through their participation in online fanfiction communities, young people find ways to support and learn from one another.Aragon and Davis term this novel system of interactive advice and instruction distributed mentoring, and describe its seven attributes, each of which is supported by an aspect of networked technologies: aggregation, accretion, acceleration, abundance, availability, asynchronicity, and affect. Employing an innovative combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses, they provide an in-depth ethnography, reporting on a nine-month study of three fanfiction sites, and offer a quantitative analysis of lexical diversity in the 61.5 billion words on the Fanfiction.net site. Going beyond fandom, Aragon and Davis consider how distributed mentoring could improve not only other online learning platforms but also formal writing instruction in schools.

Move, Play, Learn: Interactive Storytimes with Music, Movement, and More


Alyssa Jewell - 2019
    Research shows that this kind of play stimulates the senses, provides connections to all four lobes of the brain, touches on a variety of intelligences, and heightens social and emotional awareness--all while extending the early literacy practices of Every Child Ready to Read(R) and preparing children for school. And because there are no crafts to cut out, no snacks to pack, no scripts to memorize, and no story kits to make, it's one of the simplest, most cost-effective storytime models to implement. Jewell's complete guide shows the way, offering20 ready-to-use storytime plans tailored to specific age groups, including babies, toddlers, preschool and all-ages programs, a real time-saver for storytime organizers and presenters; advice and best practices gleaned from interviews with professionals who specialize in storytimes, music making with children and families, yoga storytime, and drama education; and lists of recommended resources, from interactive print books to children's music and videos available digitally, with tips on choosing the best materials. Children's librarians and educators will be delighted to learn that anyone can lead a movement and music storytime, regardless of their level of experience with music or movement, with this book in hand.

Ethical Questions in Name Authority Control


Jane Sandberg - 2019
    When creating a personal name authority record, for example, catalogers determine the authorized name by which an individual will be known, then identify a few characteristics of the individual that distinguish them from others, while balancing their judgment with respect for the individual's self-concept and management of their public identity. This is a powerful position, and that power must be exercised ethically.As name authority control moves toward an identity management model, catalogers are taking on new roles, authority data is used in innovative ways, and libraries increasingly interact with non-library datasets and name disambiguation algorithms. During this transition, it is imperative that the library community reflect on the ethical questions that arise from its historical and emerging practices.This collection explores and develops this framework through theoretical and practice-based essays, stories, interviews, taxonomies, content analyses, and other methods. As it explores ethical questions in a variety of settings, this book will deepen readers' understanding of names, identities, and library catalogs. The chapters from this volume are intended to spark conversations among librarians, archivists, library technologists, library administrators, and library and information science students.Jane Sandberg received her MLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is the Electronic Resources Librarian at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon, where she coordinates library cataloging and systems. Her research interests include linked data approaches to name authority control, queer and trans local histories, open source software in rural communities, and historical dimensions of online transgender activism.

Whole Person Librarianship: A Social Work Approach to Patron Services


Sara K Zettervall - 2019
    Whole Person Librarianship incorporates practical examples with insights from librarians and social workers. The result is a new vision of library services.The authors provide multiple examples of how public and academic librarians are connecting their patrons with social services. They explore skills and techniques librarians can learn from social workers, such as how to set healthy boundaries and work with patrons experiencing homelessness; they also offer ideas for how librarians can self-educate on these topics.The book additionally provides insights for social work partners on how they can benefit from working with librarians. While librarians and social workers share social justice motivations, their methods are complementary and yet still distinct--librarians do not have to become social workers. Librarian readers will come away with many practical ideas for collaboration as well as the ability to explain why collaboration with social workers is important for the future of librarianship.

Book Club Reboot: 71 Creative Twists


Sarah Ostman - 2019
    This resource published in cooperation with ALA’s Public Programs Office profiles dozens of successful book clubs across the country. Its diverse cross-section of ideas will inspire you to rethink your reading groups and try out new ways to better meet your library’s and community’s needs. Drawn from responses collected through social media, electronic mailing lists, e-newsletters, websites, as well as the authors’ own research, this bookoutlines the main reasons that traditional book clubs can grow stagnant over time and offers concrete advice on how to change things up;shares such real-world initiatives as a “walk and talk” book club, book clubs held in non-library spaces like ferries and bars, a discussion group for presidential history buffs, programming for people with developmental disabilities, a partnership with a health clinic network, and many others;includes programs from a wide range of library types (public, school, academic) and sizes;features short, easily scannable chapters that are convenient for browsing; andprovides a handy list of resources for additional information.You’ll find the keys to creating a book club your community will love among the abundance of ideas offered in this book.

Library Marketing Basics


Mark Aaron Polger - 2019
    While other books on library marketing are dense and assume that the library has a full-time marketing staff person, a publicist, a graphic designer, and a big fat budget., this book offers tips and tricks (often free) that any librarian can do to market the library. It will focus on the small changes to the services a library provides to raise its profile. Library Marketing Basics is designed for beginners who are new to library marketing. Any librarian can market their library, but they must understand what true marketing is all about, and how to do it right. In this guide, you'll: -Learn what true library marketing is, and what it's not -Plan a large scale marketing campaign / awareness campaign on a shoestring budget -Learn how to market yourselves as librarians! -Develop your own professional identity and brand -Learn tips and tricks on obtaining buy-in from your colleagues and the entire organization, even if they are resistant! -Learn how to develop relationships with stakeholders in order to raise the profile of your library You'll also find practical examples from the non-library /corporate sector on how to use currently existing marketing tools and apply them to your library. The book focuses on developing a "library" brand, in addition to creating an effective marketing plan, social media guidelines, identifying assessment tools, and providing best practices when developing signage, writing website vocabulary, and designing promotional materials. Library Marketing Basics will show that you don't need a big budget to market the library. You just need a small team of like-minded colleagues to brainstorm creative ways to raise awareness with your audience. Marketing is all about the valuable intangible and tangible aspects (of your library) and how you connect them with your users.

Children's Literature, Briefly


Terrell A. Young - 2019
     This brief introduction to children's literature genres leaves time to actually read children's books. Written on the assumption that the focus of a children's literature course should be on the actual books that children read, the authors first wrote this book in 1996 as a "textbook for people who don't like children's literature textbooks." Today it serves as an overview to shed light on the essentials of children's literature and how to use it effectively with young readers, from PreK to 8th grade. The authors use an enjoyable, conversational style to achieve their goal of providing a practical overview of children's books that offers a framework and background information, while keeping the spotlight on the books themselves.

The Future Academic Librarian's Toolkit: Finding Success on Your Job Hunt and in Your First job


Megan Hodge - 2019
    

No-Nonsense Guide to Research Support and Scholarly Communication


Claire Sewell - 2019
    Academic libraries have seen huge changes in recent years thanks to the increasing availability of information online, but they are now undergoing another shift. As libraries move away from providing access to existing information and towards helping users create new knowledge there is an opportunity for them to develop new services for the research community. To do this successfully libraries need to have a knowledgeable workforce who are equipped to provide the support that researchers need. Information professionals are increasingly being asked to advise their users on issues such as open access and research data management but are often doing so with little or no formal preparation. Outlining the reasons why library staff need to develop a knowledge of research support and guiding them through the key information on each topic, The No-nonsense Guide to Research Support and Scholarly Communication provides an ideal primer for those who seek to work in this area or those who have acquired these responsibilities as part of a wider role.

Libraries and Gardens: Growing Together


Carrie Scott Banks - 2019
    Libraries in the southwestern US, for instance, are creating drought-tolerant gardens as neighborhood demonstration projects, while elsewhere gardens are being used to promote community engagement and even STEM learning. Citing examples of library gardens around the world that are thriving, this first-ever book on the subject not only demonstrates the many benefits of library gardens but also provides a complete overview of issues applicable to all library types and geographical environments. Featuring a full-color photo insert showcasing several beautiful library gardens, among the topics covered in the book are*a brief history of libraries and gardens, with an overview of such "demonstration gardens" as medicinal and herbal gardens, native plant gardens, xeriscapes, and gardens as wildlife sanctuaries;*the use of plants, such as living walls and rooftop gardens, to create ecologically healthy, sustainable environments;*gardens as learning environments and spaces for storytimes and active play;*food gardens, seed libraries, sensory gardens, outdoor reading areas, prison garden programs, and many other ways that libraries can engage communities;*guidance on designing for inclusivity, planning, funding, staffing, recruiting volunteers, and planting and maintenance, complete with advice on determining the best plants to cultivate; and*ideas on evaluating the effectiveness of library gardens and the program opportunities they offer.Readers will not only be inspired to create and nurture their own library gardens and programs, they will receive practical advice on how to proceed and sustain them.

Landing a Library Job


Deloris Jackson Foxworth - 2019
    Landing a Library Job covers the different types of library and non-library jobs available to you and points you towards the resources you need to land those jobs. The book's focus on the resources to secure jobs is what makes it unique. You'll learn where to find library and library-related jobs, how to successfully apply and interview, how to follow up, and how to cultivate your career. This book contains helpful information you can use to: Decide if and where you fit into the significant and growing field of library and information scienceFind and apply for library and information science positionsPrepare for the employment interviewAccept or negotiate job offersFurther develop your skills and knowledge in the library and information science field--Kim Dority, MLIS, Dority & Associates, Author, Rethinking Information Work, 2d Edition, Recipient, SLA Rose L. Vormelker ("The Rosie") Award

A Matter of Facts: The Value of Evidence in an Information Age


Laura A. Millar - 2019
    And because facts matter, archives matter. In this urgent manifesto, archives luminary Millar makes the case that authentic and accurate evidence is crucial in supporting and fostering a society that is respectful, democratic, and self-aware. An eye-opening treatise for the general public, an invaluable resource for archives students, and a provocative call-to-arms for working professionals, Millar’s book- explains the concept of evidence and discusses the ways in which records, archives, and data are not just useful tools for our daily existence but also essential sources of evidence both today and in the future;- includes plentiful examples that illustrate the critical role evidence plays in upholding rights, enforcing responsibilities, tracing family or community stories, and capturing and sharing memories; and- examines the impact of digital technologies on how records and information are created and used.With documentary examples ranging from Mesopotamian clay tablets to World War II photographs to today’s Twitter messages and Facebook posts, Millar’s stirring book will encourage readers to understand more fully the importance of their own records and archives, for themselves and for future generations.

Demystifying Archival Projects: Five Essentials for Success


Margot Note - 2019
    As Work in archives continues to become more projects-driven, educational and professional development opportunities for archivists have not kept pace. This book aims to provide the needed information--just enough project management methodology--to bridge that knowledge gap.

Masked by Trust: Bias in Library Discovery


Matthew Reidsma - 2019
    Because these tools are provided by libraries and search scholarly materials rather than the open web, we often assume they are more "accurate" or "reliable" than their general-purpose peers like Google or Bing. But discovery systems are still software written by people with prejudices and biases, library software vendors are subject to strong commercial pressures that are often hidden behind diffuse collection-development contracts and layers of administration, and they struggle to integrate content from thousands of different vendors and their collective disregard for consistent metadata.Library discovery systems struggle with accuracy, relevance, and human biases, and these shortcomings have the potential to shape the academic research and worldviews of the students and faculty who rely on them. While human bias, commercial interests, and problematic metadata have long affected researchers' access to information, algorithims in library discovery systems increase the scale of the negative effects on users, while libraries continue to promote their "objective" and "neutral" search tools.Matthew Reidsma is the Web Services Librarian at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. He was a co-founder and former Editor-in-Chief of Weave: Journal of Library User Experience, a peer-reviewed, open access journal for Library User Experience professionals. He is the author of Responsive Web Design for Libraries published by ALA TechSource, Customizing Vendor Systems for Better User Experiences from Libraries Unlimited, and the forthcoming Masked by Trust: Bias in library discovery from Library Juice Press. He speaks about design ethics, user experience, and usability around the world. Library Journal named him a "Mover and Shaker" in 2013, which led to many unfortunate dance-related jokes in the Reidsma household.

The Faithful Librarian: Essays on Christianity in the Profession


Garrett B Trott - 2019
    secular study when he said, "no single piece of our mental world is to be hermetically sealed off from the rest." Over the years a number of publications have followed Kuyper's lead yet little has been written on the subject since Greg A. Smith's notable Christian Librarianship (2002). Building on Smith's work, this volume seeks to bridge the sacred/secular divide with an exploration of how Christianity and the gospel are manifested through the profession of librarianship.

Arranging and Describing Archives and Manuscripts (Archival Fundamentals Series III)


Dennis Meissner - 2019
    While all archival functions are crucial and interdependent, arrangement and description transform the potential value of materials into practical, usable value for researchers and others. In Arranging and Describing Archives and Manuscripts, Dennis Meissner provides a solid foundation in the history, theory, and standards supporting arrangement and description. In addition, he clearly demonstrates the approaches, methods, and mechanics required to process archival collections.The processing landscape has changed considerably in the last decade: archivists focus more on the economics of processing, descriptive standards have matured and increased in number, new technologies and viewpoints have challenged long-standing assumptions, and evolving systems and software have changed the mechanics of metadata capture and serialization and our approaches to those fundamental processes. This is a must-read book for every archivist practicing today.

Archival Basics: A Practical Manual for Working with Historical Collections


Charlie Arp - 2019
    The book is based on content presented in workshops by the Council of State Archivists and presented in an on-line course by the American Association of State and Local History since 2003. Arp focuses on the discreet tasks necessary to manage archival collections. This is a practical, how-to book on managing archival collections designed for those who have responsibility for such collections but lack formal archival training. The book begins by defining historic records, archival collections and the differences between archives, libraries and museums while identifying the steps needed to manage archival collections. It then looks at collecting archival items including creating a collections policy, documenting the acquisition of archival items and the steps needed to bring those items into an archives. It discusses arranging, preserving and describing archival collections so researchers can find the information they seek. Next, it goes over what is needed to store, protect, and make archival collections available to researchers. The last chapters contemplates the policies, skills and infrastructure needed to successfully manage digital records and looks at creating digital copies of analog records to promote their use. The book provides templates, questionnaires and examples to enable the reader to create customized archival policies and procedures that accommodate the particular circumstances they find themselves in. The book also contains exercises and quizzes designed to reinforce the retention and understanding of critical concepts. In addition to examples it has lists of additional resources so those who want more detailed information on particular topics can find it. This book is not the only reference book needed by those doing archival work, but it should be the first book they need.

Graphic Design: A Practical Guide for Librarians


Valerie Joy Colston - 2019
    The quantity of graphic design tasks has increased, so has the demand and expectation of the quality of the products that are produced. Graphic Design: A Practical Guide for Librarians gives librarians the help they need. Written by an artist and graphic design instructor the book has the tools and information librarians want and need to know to make their job easier and to give them confidence in creating professional looking designs. Valerie Colston makes graphic design easy to understand and fun to learn. The book outlines what you need to know as a librarian designer in a simple way, and provides an abundant about of resources and examples of good design models. This book addresses the lack of training that many librarians feel and strives to empower them with confidence and practical skills. Librarians will learn the language of design, discover resources and where to find them, explore line, color, shape, texture, and space, discover the role and importance of fonts, learn where to locate images, and get tips for creating an artist's portfolio.

Assessment Strategies in Technical Services


Kimberley A. Edwards - 2019
    Incorporate assessment and analysis work into your library's existing workflow with the guidance of this new collection from the Association of Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS). Contributors from several academic libraries draw from real-world practices to suggest new approaches for acquisition and collections, cataloging and metadata, digital preservation, and e-resources and serials.

Framing Health Care Instruction: An Information Literacy Handbook for the Health Sciences


Lauren M Young - 2019
    Although this topic has been touched on briefly in previous publications, this book is dedicated exclusively to the unique considerations of the health sciences. With over fifty case studies describing explicit lesson plans and assessments, health sciences librarians who may be new to the Framework or are looking for ready-made lesson plans will find this guide easy to navigate and to apply to their own educational sessions. Multiple disciplines are covered, including: nursing, medicine, allied health, veterinary medicine, and more. In addition to the practical application of the case studies, the books covers in depth each part of the Framework and how it relates to students in the health science

Metaliterate Learning for the Post-Truth World


Thomas P. Mackey - 2019
    SwansonMetaliteracy, Jacobson and Mackey’s revolutionary framework for information literacy, is especially well suited as a tool for ensuring that learners can successfully navigate the proliferation of fake news, questionable content, and outright denialism of facts in today’s information morass. Indeed, it is starkly evident that the competencies, knowledge, and personal attributes specific to metaliterate individuals are critical; digital literacy and traditional conceptions of information literacy are insufficient for the significant challenges we currently face. This book examines the newest version of the Metaliteracy Goals and Learning Objectives, including the four domains of metaliterate learning, as well as the relationship between metaliteracy and the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. Featuring contributions from a variety of information literacy instructors, educators, librarians, and faculty, the chapters in this bookdiscuss the social, political, and ethical dimensions of information creation, distribution, and use;use case studies to demonstrate how metaliteracy guides learners to read online information with a critical eye, apply metacognitive thinking to the consumption of all information, and make purposeful and responsible contributions to the social media ecosystem as active participants;examine when images are taken out of context and paired with misleading text, a prevalent feature of the misinformation frequently shared via social media; andsituates metaliteracy in such contexts such as the academic library, a science class, fiction writing, digital storytelling, and a theater arts course.Metaliteracy is a powerful model for preparing learners to be responsible participants in today’s divisive information environment, and this book showcases several teaching and learning practices that have already proven effective.

Library Services for Online Patrons: A Manual for Facilitating Access, Learning, and Engagement


Joelle E Pitts - 2019
    It can be easy, however, to forget about the large population of students, faculty, and community members who access library resources and use library services remotely.Library Services for Online Patrons reaches out to patrons who are not--or not always--located on campus or who seldom--if ever--visit libraries' physical facilities and who may not be aware of or able to equitably use library services. The authors focus on ways to organize library resources using principles of design and to cater library services to the specific needs of online students, faculty, and community members. They also address how to effectively target marketing to the online population and how to collaborate with campus and community stakeholders who work directly with them.

60 Ready-to-Use Coding Projects


Ellyssa Kroski - 2019
    And you don't even need to be a techie to make it happen; in fact, many activities in this new book from tech champion Kroski dispense with a screen altogether in favor of twister boards, masking tape grids, or bowling pins. Other activities are built around affordable software or tech toys like Scratch Jr., Scratch, Bee-Bot, or Code-a-Pillar. Organized by age group, and complete with step-by-step guidance on everything from learning outcomes to an estimated budget, projects includeteaching coding to preschoolers with beads, pipe cleaners, and elastic string; choreographing music videos with Ozobots; programming Mad Libs-style games using Python; teaching algorithms with story mapping, pattern play, or mazes; using Scratch for digital dress-up or meme remixes; team-building and outreach with robots; drop-in programs for exploration and unstructured play; and teaching adults with Lynda.com or Meetup partners. This book's structured presentation will help both school librarians and programming staff at public libraries quickly scan for projects that fit their needs.

Instructional Design for Lis Professionals: A Guide for Teaching Librarians and Information Science Professionals


Melissa A. Wong - 2019
    Others choose to share their knowledge and experience by preparing the next generation of librarians in graduate programs. However, few such librarians have received any formal education in instructional design. In this book, Melissa A. Wong, an expert instructional designer, helps information professionals to prepare for their roles as teachers of current and future librarians.Covering topics that range from syllabus construction to evaluation and student feedback, the book offers practical guidance on how to communicate with and support learners and how to come up with assignments and grade them, along with advice on accessibility issues and working with technologies such as LMS, OER, videos, and PowerPoint. It demonstrates how to adapt principles of effective teaching to settings including workshops, professional development courses, conference presentations, and staff training. It also discusses professional challenges such as managing workload and shows how to adapt formal coursework to informal teaching situations. Librarians who wish to learn new methods or improve on their teaching and course design skills should read this book.

Library Web Development: Beyond Tips and Tricks


Jason Bengtson - 2019
    But it's much more valuable (and a better investment of your time!) to learn some core problem-solving skills. This book shares key rules and strategies that will empower you to become a confident coder and web developer, ready to think through whatever complications present themselves. Bengtson, an expert developer, describes 11 challenges typical of a library setting and ones he has faced himself. He then walks you through his thinking, with explorations of alternate approaches, as he works toward a solution. As you follow along, you'll gain wisdom involving scenarios such as• integrating a reader app with Dspace;• tips when using a public API;• troubleshooting a Google Analytics Event hook in a new application;• building a database from a collection of CSV files;• collecting information from a university's web pages to display in the library website; and• moving mass quantities of information to the next page of your app.Armed with the conceptual foundation outlined in this book, you'll be ready to meet the web development challenges you face in your library.

Among Digitized Manuscripts. Philology, Codicology, Palaeography in a Digital World


L.W.C van Lit - 2019
    No previous computer knowledge is required.