Results by title

Based on the latest research in communication theory but tailored specifically for real-world application, this updated manual speaks equally to the needs of students preparing to enter the profession and those who are already fielding reference inquiries. The authors, working in consultation with a stellar advisory board of scholars and practitioners, present a convenient and comprehensive resource that will teach you how to understand the needs of public, academic, and special library users across any virtual setting—including email, text messaging, and social media—as well as in traditional and face-to-face models of communication. Packed with exercises and examples to help you practice effective reference transactions and avoid common pitfalls, this book

• tackles the fundamentals of the reference interview, from why it’s important in the first place to methods for setting the stage for a successful interview and techniques for finding out what the library user really wants to know;
• covers the ins and outs of the readers’ advisory interview;
• examines a wide range of contexts, such as children, young adults, parents, seniors, adults from diverse communities, and those with disabilities;
• presents case studies of innovative reference and user encounters at a variety of libraries;
• offers updated coverage of virtual reference, including new research, virtual reality transcripts, and a look at crowd-sourcing reference via social media;
• features new content on common microaggressions, with guidance on how to use awareness of emotion as a factor in reference interactions to ensure better outcomes;
• discusses topics such as respecting/protecting privacy, overcoming assumptions, implicit judgment, the importance of context, determining the real information need, and many other lessons learned from challenging reference encounters; and
• thoroughly addresses policy and training procedures, as well as the unique challenges faced by paraprofessionals and non-degreed staff.

Find your bearings in the continually evolving hybrid reference environment through proven strategies, advice, exercises, and research from three experts in the field.

When it’s time to start planning for a renovation or construction project, you don’t need a book that covers everything from A to Z. Instead you need a concentrated set of tools and techniques that will guide you and your team to find the best solutions for your specific project. That’s exactly what library building expert Schlipf provides in his new book, which will be a key resource for library directors, administrators, board members, trustees, and planning professionals. Pinpointing the elements that make library buildings functional, in this book readers will find

• a streamlined organization of the text that enables quick consultation and facilitates collaboration;
• concise coverage of the essentials of the library construction process, including who does what, how things work, and how to stay out of trouble along the way;
• advice on important planning and workflow considerations such as site selection, schematic design, funding, design development, the bidding process, construction, and post-construction occupancy;
• discussion of the characteristics of successful library buildings—buildings that are easy to maintain, welcoming to people with disabilities, have less trouble-prone restrooms, and provide security for users, staff, and collections; and
• an overview of bad ideas in library architecture, with pointed guidance on how to steer clear of them from the very beginning of your project. 

Copyright law never sleeps, making it imperative to keep abreast of the latest developments. Declared “an exemplary text that seals the standards for such books” (Managing Information), this newly revised and updated edition by respected copyright authority Crews offers timely insights and succinct guidance for LIS students, librarians, and educators alike. Readers will

• learn basic copyright definitions and key exceptions for education and library services;
• find information quickly with “key points” sidebars, legislative citations, and cross-references;
• get up to speed on fresh developments, such as how the recently signed Marrakesh Treaty expands access for people with disabilities and why the latest ruling in the Georgia State University case makes developing a fair use policy so important;
• understand the concept of fair use, with fresh interpretations of its many gray areas that will aid decision making;
• learn the current state of affairs regarding mass digitization, Creative Commons, classroom use and distance education, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and other important topics;
• receive guidance on setting up on a copyright service at a library, college, or university; and
• find many helpful checklists for navigating copyright in various situations.

This straightforward, easy-to-use guide provides the tools librarians and educators need to take control of their rights and responsibilities as copyright owners and users.

The public library is in the perfect position as a community resource to help bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten; however, starting from scratch can feel daunting. In this guide, Baker combines her background in early childhood education with her experience as a youth services programming specialist to present a school readiness program that can be tailored for any public library. Based on the successful framework of her tried and tested original program, this book offers everything that a public library needs in order to get started, including

• A six-week schedule of detailed lesson plans which combine the best practices of the Every Child Ready to Read® (ECRR) Second Edition (talking, singing, reading, writing, playing) with nationally identified school readiness skills
• A six-month family calendar with activities to help parents engage their children in activities that foster early literacy and school readiness skills at home
• Tips for maintaining a collaborative relationship with early childhood stakeholders and policymakers to help maintain a program that fits the school readiness needs of the local community
• Specific examples of successful school readiness programs and partnerships from public library systems across the country

Baker's guide will help public libraries ensure that young children are ready for school from day one.

Though it’s challenging to set policies for a technology that is so young and still in flux, the need is urgent. Because usage of AI presents both opportunities and risks, libraries must be proactive. The WEF (World Economic Forum) predicts that while there may be a loss of 92 million jobs to various AI tools, they see 170 million new jobs and roles emerging from the use of this new technology. Whether or not this proves correct, there are already digital literacy skills, including a basic understanding of the technology around AI, that libraries can help their patrons master; and because of data privacy, security, and ethics issues, library workers require clear AI policies too. Technology expert Hastings highlights the first attempts of libraries across the country to set up policies for the use of AI in their organizations, as well as policies created by cities and other similar institutions, to guide stakeholders in creating their own smart, forward-thinking course of action. Succinct and pragmatic, this timely resource 

• provides a short overview of Generative AI history, basic technical knowledge, and the key arguments put forth by those in favor and those opposed to this technology;
• offers advice on discovering how library staff encounter AI in their day-to-day work, both in their own usage and by patrons, to inform what policies the library needs and which policies to consider adjusting for particular use cases;
• includes separate chapters focusing on staff-side policy and patron/public-facing policy, delving into essential considerations like staff training, privacy and data protection, security, AI usage for reference, patron education and AI literacy, and setting limits and boundaries on patron AI use;
• suggests useful approaches to ensure that AI policies are easy to follow and understand by library workers, patrons, and the wider community; 
• discusses how to craft flexible procedures that can be updated as AI continues to change, drawing on technology management best practices; and
• offers links to additional resources like sample policy documents and a curated reading list for understanding the environment around AI. 

The critical work of being more inclusive and anti-racist in academic library teaching, collections, and community is even more important in today’s social and political climate. Creating an Inclusive Library: Approaches for Increasing Engagement and Use with Students of Color explores the various methods used by librarians, archivists, and library workers to increase or enhance engagement with and use of library spaces, resources, services, and materials by students of color.
 
Six themed sections provide an opportunity to further engage with issues affecting students of color and to take action to provide more just and equitable teaching and learning environments.

• Welcoming and Sense of Belonging
• Culturally Relevant Practices
• Building Representation and Inclusion
• Collaborations and Co-Creation
• Community Building and Engagement
• Fostering Diverse Student Employees 

The resources, strategies, and approaches in Creating an Inclusive Library can help all library workers engage with this vital work and build a community of support. As the nature of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism work in higher education and academic libraries continues to evolve, it is ever more critical to continue this work, to be allies for those engaged in it, and to share how you are creating more inclusive and anti-racist spaces, materials, and services at your library.
 

Engineering students, designers, studio artists, and other student creators have unique research needs that libraries are well-positioned to meet. They use academic literature to inspire and ground creation, but also seek information from trade literature, patents, technical standards, and how-to manuals. They apply tacit knowledge and need to learn not only how to write within academic discourse but also create objects, designs, and experiences.
 
In four parts, Creators in the Academic Library: Collections and Spaces explores how academic libraries can build collections, spaces, and communities that serve creators.

• Tailoring Collections for Creators
• Making in the Academic Library
• Creating Experiences in the Library
• Cultivating Creator Communities 

Chapters identify innovative ways the academic library can support creators by building new kinds of collections, resources, and experiences, including the use of rare books and archives; building a comprehensive technology and research equipment lending collection; performing in library spaces; supporting sustainability across disciplines; and creating equitable access to creator spaces, tools, and resources. Creators in the Academic Library documents spaces and collections that strive for equity and authenticity, for playfulness and joy, and offers strategies for creating a library open to all comers seeking a place to create in a liberating environment.
 

Engineering students, designers, studio artists, and other student creators have unique research needs that libraries are well-positioned to meet. They use academic literature to inspire and ground creation, but also seek information from trade literature, patents, technical standards, and how-to manuals. They apply tacit knowledge and need to learn not only how to write within academic discourse but also create objects, designs, and experiences.
 
In four parts, Creators in the Academic Library: Instruction and Outreach explores how to teach specifically for creator research, motivate learning, and deepen students’ understanding of their own practice.

• Technology, Tools, and Techniques for Creation
• Inspiring Creativity through Research
• Creator’s Unique Information Needs
• Grounding Creation in Research 

Chapters are grouped by learning objectives rather than discipline to highlight the throughlines that unite creators regardless of their field. They include methods for researching creative technology, tools, and techniques in different settings and disciplines; how to research for inspiration; adapting our tools and teaching to the unique information-seeking behaviors of creator disciplines; and how these skills can be transferred to students’ future careers. Creators in the Academic Library offers learning strategies and objectives that can help you teach all manner of creators.
 

In today’s polarized landscape, libraries face two key challenges: the difficulty of turning raw data into narratives that effectively advocate for libraries, and the ethical complexities of representing communities in these stories. McDowell’s vital toolkit empowers librarians and information professionals to transform data into ethical, compelling narratives that connect with communities and advocate for their organizations. This book teaches both the practicalities of data storytelling and introduces critical approaches that ensure stories are inclusive, socially just, and impactful. Readers will find the book essential for communicating library value to help secure funding, resources, and community support. Applying theory to real-world scenarios, chapters cover

• the dynamic interrelationships between storyteller, audience, and story which lie at the heart of storytelling;
• ways to mesh library data collection processes with long-term storytelling potential, prioritizing interaction over transaction;
• three time-honored and effective narrative strategies for organizing the informational and emotional content of library data stories, easily adaptable for any situation;
• approaches for emphasizing inclusivity and justice to ensure that library advocates can tell stories that challenge stereotypes, promote equity, and align their efforts with broader ethical and social goals;
• audience attitudes as challenges and opportunities for library data communication; and
• strategies for maintaining open and transparent public communication in the face of rampant misinformation and active disinformation campaigns.

Through its focus on questioning who creates information, addressing algorithmic biases, and advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices, critical information literacy (CIL) can serve a vital function in navigating our complicated world. This collection uplifts voices from across the field–including those from public, school, and academic libraries–to provide practical approaches that all librarians can adopt and adapt for their particular library settings. Readers will

• learn practical approaches for integrating CIL into instruction and praxis regardless of their level of experience;
• gain tools to better engage with the complexities of today's information landscape and empower their communities to do the same;
• be introduced to the theoretical frameworks of CIL through chapters that take a historical look at critical race theory in academic library instruction, CIL and feminist critique, and the intersection of queer pedagogy and CIL;
• discover in-depth profiles of programs happening in various library types, from algorithmic literacy and a targeted wiki-edit-a-thon event to an outreach initiative targeting groups historically excluded from post-secondary education;
• receive guidance on introducing CIL concepts to their peers and coworkers through professional development programs, such as introducing CIL practices into K-12 school culture, a CIL skills instruction program developed by public librarians to serve the everyday needs of information consumers, and a zine-making exercise for practicing reflection that embodies CIL; and
• find ready-to-use lesson plans and outlines, with suggestions on tailoring them to a variety of library types.

Many of us arrive in supervisory positions with little or no formal training in academic library leadership. We attempt to teach ourselves the skills we need to be good managers and organizational leaders while juggling our own identity shifts and insecurities.
 
Critical Library Leadership: Managing Self and Others in Today’s Academic Library provides practical, library-specific, hands-on tools that help us shape our approach to leadership and ourselves as leaders. It gives practical strategies for dealing with stress and addressing feelings of insecurity alongside managing the organization from an equity perspective that places people at the forefront. Each section offers a mixture of theory and research, lived experience, and practice that captures many different techniques you can apply to your own journey and organizational context in both formal and informal ways.
 
Part I: Leader as Self
            Section I: Care, Empathy, and Authenticity
            Section II: Career Development
 
Part II: Leader as Role
            Section III: Relationships with Others
            Section IV: Management Practices
 
Critical Library Leadership offers a sense of recognition and of community, new ideas for personal and organizational practice, and a renewed appreciation for the immense amount of affective, emotional, and practical labor that is required of each of us as leaders.