Arrowhead Library System (ALS) has a long-standing commitment to maintaining a collection of current publication titles of interest to librarians, library staff and library trustees. The collection is housed at the ALS Headquarters in Mountain Iron, but all titles can be requested via the online catalog (if you have a borrower’s card from an ALS library) or via the statewide MnLINK catalog (if you have a borrower’s card from Duluth Public Library). If you have questions about borrowing titles from the ALS Professional Collection, feel free to call ALS staff! Here are the latest additions to the ALS collection:
All That’s Not Fit to Print: Fake News and the Call to Action for Librarians and Information Professionals
Amy Affelt
Emerald Publishing, 2019
020.23 AFF 2019
“Dewey Defeats Truman.” “Hillary Clinton Adopts Alien Baby.” Fake news may have reached new notoriety since the 2016 US election, but it has been around a long time. Whether it was an error in judgment in a rush to publish election results in November, 1948, or a tabloid cover designed to incite an eye roll and a chuckle in June, 1993, fake news has permeated and influenced culture since the inception of the printed press. But now, when almost every press conference at the White House contains a declaration of the evils of “fake news,” evaluating information integrity and quality is more important than ever. In All That’s Not Fit to Print, Amy Affelt offers tools and techniques for spotting fake news and discusses best practices for finding high quality sources, information, and data. Including an analysis of the relationship between fake news and social media, and potential remedies for viral fake news, Affelt explores the future of the press and the skills that librarians will need, not only to navigate these murky waters, but also to lead information consumers in to that future. For any librarian or information professional, or anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the struggle of determining the true from the false, this book is a fundamental guide to facing the tides of fake news.
An Introduction to Collection Development for School Librarians, Second Edition
Mona Kerby
ALA Editions, 2019
025.2 KER 2019
Applying an informal and practical approach, Kerby provides beginning librarians with the essential steps to effectively manage a vibrant school library collection. Kerby argues that building a quality collection is no longer enough and offers strategies to ensure that learners actively engage with the materials. Supported by the National School Library Standards and ALA/AASL/CAEP standards for university preparation programs, this resource introduces the key components that influence collection development today, including
- policies, practices, and selection sources to evaluate, weed, and build dynamic and diverse school library collections;
- methods and examples for analyzing collection, curriculum, and community needs;
- strategies for showcasing the school library collection to learners and stakeholders; and
- charts, checklists, worksheets, discussion questions, and tips from practicing school librarians.
By focusing on the basics, readers can begin to reflect on and customize plans for action. A timesaver for the busy school librarian, this collection development digest is the tool you need to ensure success.
Beyond Banned Books: Defending Intellectual Freedom throughout Your Library
Kristin Pekoll
ALA Editions, 2019
025.2 PEK 2019
Equitable access to information for all, including underserved populations, is a core value of librarianship. The growing awareness of where this inequality persists has led many professionals to take steps to advance social justice within their institutions, from creating book displays about the Black Lives Matter movement or LGBT History Month to hosting programs by potentially controversial speakers. But while libraries are often well-versed in protecting the right to read books, many lack policies and experience in addressing censorship of resources and services. This resource from Pekoll, Assistant Director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), uses specific case studies to offer practical guidance on safeguarding intellectual freedom related to library displays, programming, and other librarian-created content. Essential for library directors, administrators, marketers, and programming staff, Beyond Banned Books
- spotlights case studies drawn from public libraries, schools, universities, and government agencies dealing with library displays, artwork, programs, bookmarks and reading lists, social media, and databases;
- summarizes possible complaints and controversies related to each area;
- draws connections between the intellectual freedom principles involved and associated legal issues, with relevant court opinions when possible;
- shares questions to consider when strengthening a library’s defenses against censorship;
- discusses the importance of reporting challenges to OIF, and the professional and institutional support that OIF can provide when challenges arise; and
- includes key ALA policies on intellectual freedom as appendices.
This guide will ensure that libraries are prepared to protect diverse voices from censorship while fostering more inclusive institutions that represent and welcome all people and ideas.
50+ Programs for Tweens, Teens, Adults, and Families: 12 Months of Ideas
Amy J. Alessio, Katie LaMantia, and Emily Vinci
ALA Editions, 2020
025.5 ALE 2020
Public library programmers, marketers, and staff across the country have relied on their previous books for fun and engaging offerings that draw patrons in and keep them excited about visiting the library again and again. Now this team of best-selling authors is back with an all-new calendar of ready-to-go programs guaranteed to provide fun all year round. They also offer a series of themed programs specially designed for clubs, with pointers on hosting meetings of clubs and activities that compliment these gatherings. Best of all, their ideas are easily adaptable for a variety of participants, including tweens, teens, millennials, older adults, and families. Complete with planning lists, budgeting guidance, and marketing advice, this book includes
- delightful programs such as Rememberlutions, Prom Formalwear Giveaway, Cooking with a Waffle Iron, Life Hacks for Living On Your Own, Preschool for Adults, Upcycled Friendsgiving, and many others;
- club ideas like Parenting Teens, STEAM Club, 5K Club, Crafterwork, and Service Club;
- suggestions of variations for different age groups; and
- tips on building interest in the topic prior to the event using trivia and other free games.
Packed with an assortment of flexible ideas for youth, adults, and family engagement, this book’s programs will help cultivate enthusiasm for public libraries every month of the year.
Escape Rooms and Other Immersive Experiences in the Library
Ellyssa Kroski
ALA Editions, 2019
025.5 KRO 2019
By one count, there are more than 7,200 escape room environments in 1,445 cities in 105 countries. So why not in libraries? Sharpening participants’; problem solving and collaboration skills by mashing up real-time adventure, immersive theater, gaming, and old-fashioned entertainment, they’re a natural for libraries. And, as Kroski demonstrates in this fun guide, they’re feasible for a range of audiences and library budgets. Whether you’re already an escape room aficionado who’s eager to replicate the experience at your own institution, or an intrigued novice looking for ways to enliven your programing, Kroski has got you covered. This book
- discusses the differences between escape rooms, which are highly structured, and immersive experiences, which are more casual;
- shows how these unique experiences can be used to teach information literacy skills, add unique youth programming, bring adults into the library, and instruct patrons about library resources in the form of puzzles and challenges;
- profiles several successful library projects, from large scale programs like New York Public Libraries’; Find the Future: The Game to smaller ones like Search for Alexander Hamilton;
- offers dozens of programming ideas and examples that can be tailored to fit a variety of libraries and budgets; and
- provides information on game kits available for purchase, tips for partnering with local Escape Room businesses, and links to additional resources.
With the assistance of Kroski’s guide, libraries everywhere can offer their own take on these exciting forms of entertainment, engagement, and education.
Book Club Reboot: 71 Creative Twists
Sarah Ostman & Stephanie Saba
ALA Editions, 2019
025.5 OST 2019
Is your book club feeling stale or uninspired? Has attendance dropped, or are you struggling to keep your patrons engaged? What you need is a reboot. 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.
Your Technology Outreach Adventure: Tools for Human-Centered Problem Solving
Erin Berman
ALA Editions, 2019
027.4 BER 2019
From straightforward internet access to elaborate makerspaces, libraries have taken center stage when it comes to providing free access to technology to those who visit their physical spaces. But how about people who don’t walk into a library? How do we ensure those members of the community are also being reached by technology programming? It’s time to launch an adventure! Berman, named an ALA Emerging Leader and Library Journal Mover & Shaker, provides readers with a comprehensive plan for creating and implementing successful technology-based outreach. She also teaches readers design thinking skills that can enable library staff to become creative problem solvers. Sharing the methods and experiences of her team at San José Public Library, Berman’s guide
- presents numerous real-world case studies, including videomaking in a skate park, e-readers for seniors, popup mobile makerspaces, and simple circuits in middle school, that will inspire readers to move technology beyond the walls of the library;
- offers dozens of design thinking exercises, such as rapid prototyping, empathy mapping, and logic models, as part of a start-to-finish model for developing a new program concept;
- discusses the origins of and reasons behind the digital divide, then shares outreach fundamentals and best practices that will help ensure success; and
- provides information about ways to connect with the community, perform evaluation, offer STEM programming, and additional resources.
This guide will empower libraries to design and prototype technology-based outreach ideas safely, quickly, and with confidence, leading to better service for all members of the community.
Move, Play, Learn: Interactive Storytimes with Music, Movement, and More
Alyssa Jewell
ALA Editions, 2020
027.62 JEW 2020
Get ready to break out of your storytime routine by encouraging children’s natural instincts to move, sing, and play! Unlike traditional storytimes, where children are expected to sit quietly and just watch, music and movement storytimes encourage children to learn by getting inside stories while interacting with others. 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 emotional and social awareness all while extending the early literacy practices of Every Child Ready to Read 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, offering
- 20 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.
Jim Trelease’s Read-Aloud Handbook, Eighth Edition
Edited & Revised by Cyndi Giorgis
Penguin Books, 2019
372.45 TRE 2019
The classic million-copy bestselling handbook on reading aloud to children–revised and updated for a new generation of readers. Recommended by “Dear Abby” upon its first publication in 1982, millions of parents and educators have turned to Jim Trelease’s beloved classic for more than three decades to help countless children become avid readers through awakening their imaginations and improving their language skills. Jim Trelease’s Read-Aloud Handbook, updated and revised by education specialist Cyndi Giorgis, discusses the benefits, the rewards, and the importance of reading aloud to children of a new generation. Supported by delightful anecdotes as well as the latest research, an updated treasury of book recommendations curated with an eye for diversity, Jim Trelease’s Read-Aloud Handbook offers proven techniques and strategies for helping children of all backgrounds and abilities discover the pleasures of reading and setting them on the road to becoming lifelong readers.
