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In the almost fifteen years since Our Enduring Values was published, there has been a sea change in the way much of the world thinks about and uses libraries. Young librarians and seasoned LIS professionals alike are experiencing increasing pressure to adjust to new economic, societal, and technological demands amidst the often-dire rhetoric currently surrounding the future of our institutions. In this stirring manifesto, public intellectual, librarian, and philosopher Gorman addresses head on the “existential panic” among library professionals caused by the radical shift in how libraries are viewed. He reconnects readers with the core values that continue to inspire generations of library professionals and scholars—while making the case that these values are doubly crucial to hold on to in the brave new shifting world of librarianship. Destined to become another classic of library literature, this book explores such contemporary issues as:The growing emphasis of the library as a cultural institution, placing libraries within their cultural context as gathering places for learning, access to information, and communityThe impact of technological innovations on core values such as access and stewardshipLibrary places and spaces of the futureHow the mass digitization of books, archives, and other materials affects the purpose and function of librariesIntellectual freedom and privacy in the era of the PATRIOT Act, Wikileaks, and Edward SnowdenThe role of libraries as both champions and facilitators of social justiceInspirational yet clear-sighted, Gorman emphatically reaffirms the importance of libraries and librarians while proposing a path for future survival and growth.

As in the second edition of Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space, this volume outlines the measures of space needed for the use of equipment and furniture within a library setting. It provides drawings of typical library furniture and equipment along with diagrams of the space required for their use. In addition, this volume also contains a brief text that provides an overview of the planning process, as well as details on several aspects of design and planning.With this expanded and revised edition, planners of new, renovated, or existing space will be better able to effectively utilize the space they have and to resist the temptation to overload a given space with too many functions. This third edition significantly expands the number of illustrations found in the previous edition, adding information on newer library technology and amenities. Photographs of furniture and equipment in library settings further enhance the user's understanding of applicable square footage needs. Designed to be consulted after the decision to build has been made, this volume answers the critical question, "How much space do we need?".

This text aims to show that in place of futuristic dreaming and madness, libraries can embrace advanced technologies while retaining their role as service-oriented repositories of all formats of organized information and knowledge.

Drawing from rare archival materials researched over a period of 15 years, preeminent Dewey historian Wayne Wiegand has produced the first frank and comprehensive biography of the man behind the Dewey Decimal Classification System and scores of other enduring achievements. Tracing Dewey's life and influences that shaped it, ""Irrepressible Reformer"" explores Dewey's ingenious enterprise as a library innovator, New York State education official, and business and resort operator - as well as those aspects many found arrogant, manipulative, immoral and bigoted. The library world's most famous figure, Dewey (1851-1931) copyrighted his Decimal Classification System in 1876 as a young man at Amherst College. After many editions, it is used today in more than 100,000 libraries worldwide. Organiser and first executive officer of the American Library Association, he is credited as the father of library education and of librarianship as a profession. In his myriad activities in education, spelling and metric reform, state politics and hostelry, Dewey crossed paths with Andrew Carnegie, Teddy Roosevelt, Booker T. Washington, and other giants of his era. As New York State Regents Secretary, Dewey was a turn-of-the-century educational reformer ahead of his time in certification and extended learning. Wiegand gives a full account of this period, which ended in a public dipsute over Dewey's exclusionary treatment of Jews. ""Irrepressible Reformer"" explores Dewey's further troubles with anti-Semitism and sexual harassment as he built the Lake Placid Club in New York into a $15 million property. ""Irrepressible Reformer"" suffers none of the restraints of previous ""kinder, gentler"" biographical treatments, as it reveals the enigmatic Dewey ""warts and all"". Yet, the prize-winning author provides richer background on Dewey's positive achievements than any work to date. A profound character study that reads like a novel, ""Irrepressible Reformer"" should long serve students and researchers in librarianship, education, New York State history and American reform movements.

This is a compilation of 150 thoughts about library work, written by a librarian. It is intended as a ""soothing"" volume, presented in a ""meditations"" format, reminding librarians why they chose their craft, and reinforcing the importance of their work.

What is a systems librarian? Both history and practice indicate a wide variation in the field, strong commitments to local arrangements and a lack of functional standards. Library administrators and managers struggle with the broad requirements of the position, weighing the skill sets of degree holding professionals and the non-MLS technologists. Systems librarians are often designers, planners, implementors, consultants, technology representatives or facilitators. This text provides an assessment of what system librarianship is and what it can be, outlining the type of training needed for people to fill these positions, and illustrates challenges for libraries - and systems librarians - in computing and networking.

This text advises parents on the benefits of reading to their children. It suggests that adults can help develop proper audience behaviour in young people, and stimulate their interest.

A reference guide covering the repair, maintenance and preservation of library or archive collections, providing an analysis of how to plan for and ensure the long-term health of an institution's collection in this digital age.

Bring a little more romance into the library! The romance novel represents one of the hottest popular fiction genres. Its large and enthusiastic population of readers offers you a huge audience for developing new programmes and outreach. Written by a librarian and former romance-snob now turned romance author, this work explains the genre and its subcategories, clearing up what can be a confusing array of types of romances, author pseudonyms and controversies about collection development. A ""no-sweat"" approach to increase familiarity with any genre is included, appendices offer the resources to create and implement a romance-friendly library plan.

A veteran of four decades of library service and one of today's leading library thinkers, Michael Gorman opens a discussion on library values--those that are rooted in historical perspective and those that can adapt to changing times. This provocative book takes you through the principles of eight core values as it considers the questions on the minds of most librarians today, including:•What is the role of the library today?•What is librarianship in the 21st Century?•What do patrons and communities want from their libraries?•Will libraries be strengthened or destroyed by new and changing technology?•How can I maintain the core values of librarianship into the future?A must-read for progressive librarians everywhere, Our Enduring Values will help you to define your role in the library of the future.

This volume challenges librarians to demand a place at the community planning and development table. Describing the experiences and insights of librarians who have blazed trails of community involvement, it outlines practical ways to become involved in policy-making.

Linking the role of frontline manager to the rest of the organization, managers and administrators should learn the skills of mentoring, team-building, decision-making, taking charge, and working and communicating with staff at all levels. The guide demonstrates how you can: define your role in the broader context of your organization's mission; foster a team atmosphere; communicate and apply strategies within your department; and serve as a catalyst for success.

From psychological suspense and historical fiction to ""gentle reads"" and romance, this new guide from expert readers' advisor Joyce Saricks explores the many worlds of fiction. Covering fifteen popular genres (including often-neglected literary titles), each chapter includes a definition of the genre, its characteristics and appeal elements (such as character development, story line, and frame), and its key authors and subgenres. To help you prepare for the eternal ""can you recommend a good book on..."" question, there are also reader interview tips, reference sources, and guidelines on how to prepare for the questions you will undoubtedly get. Packed with specific examples, this user-friendly and readable guide will help you to: * Learn which elements of fiction actually entice readers. * Distinguish the expectations of readers of different genres. * Uncover ""Sure Bets"" - titles that consistently appeal to a variety of readers. * Master the ins and outs of the readers' advisory interview. Provocative and spirited, The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction offers hands-on strategies for librarians who want to become expert at figuring out what their readers are looking for and ho

Who hasn't read Blubber? And yet, published in 1974 and a New York Times ""Outstanding Book,"" it remains one of the ""100 Most Frequently Challenged Books"" and is kept out of many school libraries. As a standard-bearer for intellectual freedom, the school librarian is in an ideal position to collaborate with teachers to not only protect the freedom to read but also ensure that valued books with valuable lessons are not quarantined from the readers for whom they were written. In this classroom and library-ready book of discussion guides, award-winning champion of children's literature Pat Scales shows that there is a way to teach these books while respecting all views. The twelve books chosen for inclusion in Teaching Banned Books, all challenged at one time or another, are jumping off points for rich and engaging discussion among young readers, their librarians and teachers, and their parents. Each guide includes a summary of the novel, a pre-reading activity, tips for introducing the topic, critical-thinking discussion questions, and an annotated bibliography of related fiction and nonfiction. Describing a literature discussion program she set up as a middle school librarian, Scales says: ""The idea was to have parents read the same books that their children were reading and to come together once a month to discuss these books. These parents understood that Blubber by Judy Blume is a harsh reality of the life of many fifth and sixth graders. But what they also learned was how to discuss this with their children. They began calling me and asking me for books about teenage sexuality, death, and dealing with bullies. And we never had a censorship case."" And so in this book, you will find discussion guides for books dealing with such tough subjects as societal outcasts, civil rights, and keeping secrets. Armed with award-winning books that kids love, you will: * Stimulate critical-thinking in reading. * Encourage freedom of thought and expression. * Integrate First Amendment principles into project-based social studies and language arts classes. * Communicate the value of banned books to administrators and challengers. There's a win-win way of teaching banned books, and Pat Scales shares it in this brilliant handbook for educators and school librarians who serve today's young readers.

During World War II when the future of democracy was uncertain, Franklin D. Roosevelt described libraries as ""the great symbols of the freedom of the mind,"" ""essential to the functioning of a democratic society."" Kranich begins this new collection of essays with Roosevelt's sentiment in mind. From Librarian of Congress, James Billington, to founding director of the Center for the Book, John Cole, the leading-edge information specialists of the day share their insights on the role libraries play in advancing democracy. One of the few institutions in the world where people have free access to information and thereby the opportunity to participate in all aspects of society, the American library truly is a symbol of democracy. In this work, prominent contributors from all sides of the profession (including a community outreach activist on libraries in impoverished communities and an information policy scholar whose research for the FCC led to official recognition of the digital divide) tackle hot button issues. Thoughtful essays on how the Internet influences the political process - such as Susan B. Kretchmer's analysis of recent court decisions and director of George Washington University's award-winning National Security Archive, Thomas Blanton's discussion on information ethics (""From the White House E-mail to the Stasi Files"") - shed light on how theoretical concepts have practical implications. As issues such as filtering and copyright protection take center stage in libraries everywhere, librarians, advocates, and policymakers alike can find answers to tough questions in this thorough examination of a complex and critical topic.

The first of its kind, this readable, hands-on book will help you to see your library and the staff that runs it in a new, more strategic way. Experienced librarian and coach Ruth Metz outlines a focused and results-oriented game plan for achieving performance excellence from all staff members, from top to bottom, through a coaching style of management. By viewing the people you work with as a team, you can transform the work environment and, ultimately, the services you are providing your customers. Through real world examples, coaching scenarios, and ""pathways to excellence"" that are specific to library work, you will learn how to: Be both a coach and a player - the terminology and techniques; Recognize and utilize the abilities and talents of staff at all levels; Guide individuals toward a unified goal; Encourage innovation, flexibility, and problem-solving; Spotlight the big-win opportunities; Complete with reader-friendly tables and annotated references, Coaching in the Library is for any library that wants to put the potential of all staff on the playing field in order to achieve peak performance.

Whodunit? Taking the ""mystery"" out of serving mystery fans in the library, authors and avid mystery fans John Charles, Joanna Morrison, and Candace Clark uncover the evidence in this comprehensive and fun readers' advisory. Covering the popular mystery genre from collection development to programming and marketing tips, this is the one-stop source for librarians and mystery readers alike. In this handy reference, you'll find an introduction to the world of mystery, a step-by-step guide on how to interview readers in order to match their tastes with stories (""Do you like noir or cozy?""), programming ideas, marketing strategies, and collection development tips on the sticky issues of weeding, paperbacks, and obtaining out-of-print titles. The second half of the book presents two winning booklists organized by themes (e.g., Classic, Ecclesiastical, Cozy) and subgenres (e.g., Private Investigator, Legal Thrillers, True Crime). And a where-to-go guide for more specifics includes reference information, review literature, specialty publishers, and Websites. Packed with information, this user-friendly book will help you to: Develop your understanding of the mystery world - its awards (Edgar and Dagger), popular publications (The Drood Review and Mystery Review), hot authors, and more; Build an enticing mystery collection; Make insightful mystery recommendations to curious readers; Organize discussion groups and author programs; Market the library and its mystery center; This latest installment in the popular ALA Readers' Advisory series offers a crash course in the world of mystery. If you'd like to create a dynamic mystery center in your library but don't know where to start, solve the puzzle using the clues in The Mystery Readers' Advisory.

This book will help you to not only answer this question, but also prove your findings. Walking you through the process of assessing if and how well students and library users are learning from educational resources, two expert academic library experts team up to provide An Action Plan for Outcomes Assessment in Your Library. This comprehensive plan, the first of its kind and specifically for librarians, provides data collection tools for measuring both learning and research outcomes that link outcomes to user satisfaction. After all, it is the users who will benefit from learning, and so their experiences are integral to the way libraries measure their services and performance. This practical, how-to manual, with detailed case studies from actual outcomes assessment programs, will prepare you to: Plan an outcomes assessment strategy for your library that is in line with accrediting guidelines; Execute your plan by identifying user needs, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting your findings; Measure the value of the services you are providing and identify areas for improvement; Armed with hands-on tools and real-life examples, you will be inspired to get a handle on how successful your services are in the context of what your students and users need and want. Included are policies of major accrediting bodies for higher education, guidelines developed by the Association for Research and College Libraries, and a chapter that applies academic library outcomes assessment to public libraries. Libraries can maintain accreditation and funding, assess student and user learning, and determine the library's role in graduate and faculty research as they demonstrate their effectiveness using outcomes assessment. This innovative action plan provides tools and data collection instruments that is based on the latest research and adaptable to any type of library.

It's no secret that well-executed exhibits in libraries and museums can make attendance numbers skyrocket. Dynamic exhibits not only provide information and entertainment for your existing customers, but they are also opportunities to reach out to new customers and to widen your market. A great exhibit can be the hook that brings people in the door for the first time. Creating a Winning Online Exhibition will help you to do just that - conceive, design, and execute a compelling online exhibition. Different than a digital collection, an online exhibition is a selective presentation of objects organized around a thematic and narrative structure. Digital librarian Martin Kalfatovic takes you through the process of developing an exhibit that will attract users, increase your visibility, and showcase your collection and services. With case studies of successful online exhibitions, sample artwork and screen shots, up-to-date information on mark-up languages such as HTML and XML, and discussion of online databases and software programs, you will be equipped with all you need to pull off a winning exhibition. Also included are helpful samples of: * Project proposals * Exhibition scripts *

Make your library ""the place to be."" The library is still the best place to go for traditional information - and for everything from Internet access, database reference, video and CD check-out to engaging exhibits, entertaining events, and more. The challenge is getting your customers and community to believe that their library has more to offer today than it ever did. It's up to you to communicate that the home or work computer can't come close to delivering the unique services your library provides. And you can do this with Powerful Public Relations. Whether you have a lot of time to devote to a PR program or just a few hours here and there, communicating your library's many benefits is paramount to the satisfaction and number of customers you have each day. Here are just a few of the ways that savvy PR can work to sell your library's image. You'll learn how to: * Produce eye-catching brochures using desktop technology * Create a Web-based PR strategy and plan * Develop multimedia promotional programs that can be set up in the library * Plan special events and exhibits that will generate publicity and attendance With sample screen captures, press releases, public service announcements, and other PR tools, this hands-on book brings together a group of talented contributors who give you everything you need to execute effective public relations. Learn to attract customers to the new wealth of information and entertainment resources in your library with Powerful Public Relations.

Napster, CONFU, and the DMCA . . .No, these are not foreign languages but cases, guidelines, and laws that as an information specialist you need to know about. The lessons learned from the Napster case, for example, can help you to put the fine print on intellectual property law into context. This book by intellectual property expert Timothy Wherry is an authoritative, quick reference for the thorny issues of copyright, trademarks, and patents. With detailed explanations of the various types of intellectual property, how they differ, what they cover, and how the protections affect library work and services to customers, this is a book you will turn to every day for answers.Packed with useful resources, including lists of patent and trademark depositories, useful Websites, and an entire chapter in Q & A form, The Librarian’s Guide to Intellectual Property in the Digital Age protects you from overstepping the bounds of legal use in a fast-changing, digital environment.

Picking up where the best-selling Bare Bones Young Adult Services left off, this exciting new book has an ambitious intent - to help libraries, with their communities, develop their teens into healthy, competent, and caring adults. Applying the tools in New Planning for Results to the goals outlined in Information Power, YALSA has teamed up with writer Patrick Jones to provide direction on how to deliver YA service that is proactive and holistic. Approaching the service mission holistically means linking the developmental needs and assets of these young adults with the overarching goals of the library. With passionate, authority, this book presents a checklist for strengthening community-wide bonds to young adults through policies, collections, programs, services, technology, facilities, hours, and, most importantly, human resources. This book changes the context for thinking about services to young adults in school and public libraries from a reactive series of programs aimed at increasing use of the library, to a well-planned initiative that focuses on outcomes. Laying down twelve goals and ten core values of YA service, New Directions inspires you to renew your commitment and: - Start from scratch or revitalize your existing program - Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate top-flight services to young adults - Create a partnership with the young adult population in your neighborhood - Boost the achievement and esteem of these young students - Allocate and cultivate resources to meet real needs Eighteen real-life success stories show programs from around the country that have engaged their kids - in drama groups, in homework programs, in college planning programs - all with tangible outcomes. Packed with useful resources, the appendix includes YALSA's key action areas and guidelines, adolescent developmental assets from the Search Institute, and standards for information literacy. All of these resources come together to help you foster a thriving young adult constituency and a new direction for your services.

Every librarian who wants to make wise policy decisions and protect the organization from legal challenges can now consult the library legal team of Minow and Lipinskil Libraries are in the thick of legal issues as new technologies add layers of complexity to everyday work in the library. How do you know what's legal? What can you do to identify and address issues before they turn into bona fide legal matters? Where do you turn for help? In this comprehensive and authoritative, yet easy-to-understand Q & A customized for librarians, you'll find expert guidance on complex issues. With coverage of all the issues of the day - filters, fair use, copyright, Web publishing and Internet use, software sharing, ADA compliance, free speech, privacy, access, and employment and liability issues - you will have a ""librarian's J.D."" in short order! This timely and practical desktop tool: Focuses on quick and reader-friendly answers to common legal questions; Provides examples of legal challenges faced in libraries; Includes precedents and case citations to conduct additional research; Supports libraries in their commitment to access without liability; With detailed and ready-to-apply answers to more than 600 legal questions; this trouble-shooting guide will become your favorite quick-reference.

In this guide Rob Reid shares his favorite strategies and resources for getting children and young adults laughing and having fun in the library. Featuring programmes that cater to individual humour tastes, it offers readers the tools to make positive connections with youth through humour.

Fire, water, mold, construction problems, power outages - these unexpected mishaps can not only bring services to a grinding halt but also destroy collections. This revised edition is a thorough guide to preventing or responding to problems big and small in libraries.

This guide seeks to identify the best picture books for addressing specific areas of the curriculum. After brief book annotations, the authors outline 20 activities for each of the five disciplines. They include materials lists, tips for success, do's and don'ts, and additional resources.

Evolving from paper ""card catalogues"", MARC (MAchine Readable Catalog) records make the vast network of information-sharing, interlibrary loans, system and consortia data communication possible. MARC records, created in tandem with the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, hold the keys to information for librarians and library users alike. Using common conventions and a shared language of tags, subfields, indicators and codes, MARC 21 - the latest code at time of publication - is a powerful integrated record format packed with information so all librarians can do their work more effectively. Covering both the big-picture fundamentals and the basics of nuts-and-bolts details, this volume offers an introduction to MARC 21. Including self-assessment tools such as quizzes, tables, and many examples of tags and subfields, it addresses: how to search MARC records; what the terms and codes mean; how different library departments use MARC; and how MARC record data should be presented to end users.

Metadata, or ""data about data"", is used to organize and access information in an effective way. From cataloguing to organizing archives, metadata helps front-line librarians provide customers with a direct path to information. In this text, Priscilla Caplan presents a comprehensive description of the various forms of metadata, its applications, and how librarians can put it to work. Both descriptive and nondescriptive forms of metadata are defined (including the TEI Header, the Dublin Core, EAD, GILS, ONIX and the Data Documentation Initiative) and applied to actual library functions. Illustrations show how different forms of metadata look, the advantages and disadvantages, and where they're best applied in the library. Caplan seeks to provide an unbiased analysis of metadata forms, emerging forms, and current and future applications. She answers questions such as: how does using metadata enhance access?; how can metadata be used to organize and describe a variety of information formats, especially digital resources?; what are the different ways you can use metadata in your library?; and which form of metadata will be most appropriate for your collection?

Recent law, corporate, and even public library closings are the sad confirmation that libraries are no longer a given. Despite the fact that librarians bring unique value to their communities and organizations, too often their work goes on under the radar. The benefits provided by information professionals are invisible and taken for granted as Internet search engines replace real experts. It's time to assert your value and the value of the resources you marshal. Step from behind the desk or computer to make your community aware of just how indispensable your services are. Here are all the tools you need to become the ""squeaky wheel"" and attract the attention your work deserves. Use these practical strategies to connect with customers, make services both visible and valuable to the community, and get the word out using proven marketing, customer service and public relations tactics specifically tailored to the library environment. Learn to: Provide the answers your users/customers need; Gather internal and external champions to grow a funding base; Access the resources that keep your enterprise viable; Keep information resources available in spite of budget constraints; Be recognized as a value-provider within your organization or community; Library directors, department heads, solo librarians: Learn how NOT to be invisible! Packed with all the best practices in marketing library services, this hands-on guide provides inspiring stories and case studies of library colleagues around the nation who are successfully advocating and marketing themselves and their services.