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:
Leading Professional Development: Growing Librarians for the Digital Age
Edited by Mary H. Moen and Sarah A. Buchanan
Libraries Unlimited, 2021
020.715 MOE 2021
This book shows how LIS schools and professional organizations can help information professionals to continue their education after finishing formal programs to keep up with the growing demands of the field.
As technology rapidly advances, the need for continuing education increases at an accelerating rate. Within 10–12 years of completing formal education, most information professionals’ knowledge and skills become out of date, leaving them only half as able to meet the new demands of the profession. Additionally, the increase in online education programs for LIS students can limit their connection with practicing professionals and, in some locations, their engagement with diverse populations.
LIS schools and professional development organizations, however, can support professional development in new and exciting ways. Readers will learn how faculty in LIS schools are innovating their courses and providing continuing education experiences. Taking advantage of the benefits of online, digital, and experiential learning projects, they are creating meaningful, collaborative learning opportunities between students and practitioners in the field. The book also addresses how social media tools can help online students experience interactive community learning and network within the profession before they start their positions.
Pivoting During the Pandemic: Ideas for Serving Your Community Anytime, Anywhere
Edited by Kathleen M. Hughes and Jamie Santoro
ALA Editions, 2021
021.2 HUG 2021
When the pandemic suddenly forced many public libraries to close their doors or limit patron access, library staff redoubled their efforts to serve their communities in every way possible. Demonstrating their resilience by quickly pivoting to new modes of service, public libraries are continuing to offer innovative yet practical ways to connect patrons to the information and services they need and enjoy. Offering real-life examples of what it means to be a 24/7 library, this collection from the Public Library Association (PLA) and ALA Editions shares how several libraries transitioned to virtual and socially-distanced services. No matter your library’s current situation or outlook for the future, you’ll be inspired to adapt their ideas to suit the needs of your own organization. Among the initiatives and topics explored are
- homebound delivery;
- citizen science programs;
- virtual reference advice;
- services to small businesses;
- remote readers’ advisory and book chats;
- early literacy storytimes;
- health services outreach;
- tech guidance for patrons;
- wifi hotspot lending; and
- tips for social media and marketing.
Ask, Listen, Empower: Grounding Your Library Work in Community Engagement
Edited by Mary Davis Fournier and Sarah Ostman
ALA Editions, 2021
021.20973 FOU 2021
Community engagement isn’t simply an important component of a successful library―it’s the foundation upon which every service, offering, and initiative rests. Working collaboratively with community members―be they library customers, residents, faculty, students or partner organizations― ensures that the library works, period. This important resource from ALA’s Public Programs Office (PPO) provides targeted guidance on how libraries can effectively engage with the public to address a range of issues for the betterment of the community. Featuring contributions by leaders active in library-led community engagement, it’s designed to be equally useful as a teaching text for LIS students and a go-to handbook for current programming, adult services, and outreach library staff. Balancing historical context with case studies and stories from field, this collection explores such key topics as
- why libraries belong in the community engagement realm;
- the differences and overlap between outreach, engagement, and advocacy;
- getting the support of board and staff;
- how to understand your community;
- pointers on telling your story for maximum impact;
- the ethics and challenges of engaging often unreached segments of the community;
- identifying and building engaged partnerships;
- archives and community engagement;
- engaged programming; and
- outcome measurement.
Sharing numerous examples of successful change, dialogue and deliberation, and collaborative efforts, this book offers a comprehensive look at community engagement work that can help all libraries reinforce their roles as champions of lifelong learning.
The Efficient Library: Ten Simple Changes that Save Time and Improve Service
Elizabeth Barrera Rush
Libraries Unlimited, 2020
025.1223 RUS 2020
This guide helps librarians improve service with easy-to-follow strategies and techniques to make physical changes in library space and streamline procedures. This librarian’s guide provides recommendations for quick and easy implementation of space-improving, time-saving practices. It also discusses the fundamentals of business and engineering management, public health, and other disciplines as they directly relate to the improvement of library service and management.
Detailing free and affordable adjustments to the library environment as well as information for those who will participate in a renovation or new construction project, the book features tips for creating functional, efficient, and productive spaces; procedures for streamlining routine tasks; methods for arranging materials in high demand; and ways of reconfiguring or planning spaces. It will provide librarians with a working knowledge of process management that will help them to strengthen their competence and build confidence to address and troubleshoot problems, freeing them to engage in more meaningful interactions and activities that benefit the community.
Intellectual Freedom Manual, 10th Edition
Compiled by the Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association, Edited by Martin Garnar and Trina Magi
ALA Editions, 2021
025.21 GAR 2021
The newest edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual is more than simply an update of a foundational text that has served as a crucial resource for more than four decades. It is a living document that serves as the authoritative reference for day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people. Whether you’re developing or revising policies, on-boarding new staff or trustees, responding to challenges and controversies, or studying librarianship, you’ll find this an indispensable resource, with features such as
- ALA policy statements, approved by committees and Council, articulating core intellectual freedom principles and best practices;
- 8 new interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, which address urgent issues like internet filtering, public performances, political activity, religion, and equity, diversity, and inclusion;
- “Issues at a Glance” sidebars which present key concepts, points of law, tips, and questions for reflection;
- expanded content about developing library policies that support intellectual freedom;
- updated information on censorship of library programs, displays, and databases;
- “Advocacy and Assistance,” a section offering concrete guidance when you’re called on to talk to the media or meet with legislators;
- Deeper Look essays which examine the laws related to library operations;
- advice on when to call the police, when not to, and how to handle personally identifiable information when they arrive; and
- an expanded glossary.
Using a topical arrangement with easy-to-read summaries to help readers find information quickly, this manual offers valuable support to library workers as they continue the important work of safeguarding intellectual freedom.
Makerspaces in Practice: Successful Models for Implementation
Edited by Ellyssa Kroski
ALA Editions, 2021
025.5 KRO 2021
According to a Library Journal survey, 89 percent of public libraries now offer maker programming. And they’re increasingly popular at academic and school libraries too. More than a decade since they first began to crop up they continue to transform and revitalize libraries, tapping into patron creativity and fostering collaboration. In this follow-up to her bestselling The Makerspace Librarians Sourcebook, Kroski gathers trailblazers of the maker movement to share their experiences and success stories. This volume is packed with programs and ideas you’ll be excited to implement at your own library. Learn what’s working (and what’s not) through first-hand perspectives on such topics as
- survey results showing the most popular makerspace programs;
- 6 common makerspace challenges and the solutions to meet them;
- examples of successful local partnerships for public, academic, and school libraries;
- establishing norms that encourage safety and peer learning;
- meeting the needs of explorers, learners, and experts in your maker community;
- practical operational guidance, such as workflows for maintaining supplies like scissors, glue, and 3D printer filament;
- hardware and software choices that improve accessibility;
- new developments in 3D printers and modeling software;
- cataloging and circulating maker kits for crafting, soldering, and other projects;
- budgeting tips, including how to plan for ongoing operational costs;
- measuring outcomes in public library makerspaces; and
- future developments expected for library makerspaces and equipment.
You’ll be introduced to a host of tried and tested programs you can adapt for your own library, helping you support your community through making.
Digitizing Your Collection: Public Library Success Stories
Susanne Caro
ALA Editions, 2016
025.84 CAR 2016
Digitizing your collection is not only a great way to increase access to your materials, it also engages patrons on a whole new level and helps communicate your library’s value. But with staff time and resources already spread thin, it can be a challenge to plan and undertake a digitization initiative. The good news is that public libraries across the country have done just that. Here, the authors share lessons and tips for success, showing the way to getting your collection online. With succinct and practical guidance that can be adapted to any size institution, this book
- explains why public libraries should take digitization seriously, listing key points that can be used to get stakeholders on board;
- points out what you should consider before undertaking a digitization project;
- discusses copyright and other access-related issues ;
- shows how public libraries are handling funding and finding collaborative partners;
- shares ways that libraries have used digitization projects for community outreach and to promote collections; and
- offers advice on marketing and media.
Many libraries across the country have found ways to create wonderful digital collections, and this book shows you how you can too.
Serving Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide for Libraries
Carrie Rogers-Whitehead
Libraries Unlimited, 2020
027.663 ROG 2020
Understand the unique needs of teens and adults with autism and how to adapt existing library programs to be more inclusive. Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, but programs and services are mostly for children. As this population ages and the number of adults receiving autism diagnoses grows, are public libraries serving this group? Serving Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum offers practical strategies for delivering better service to individuals with autism, from library programming to technology, collections, library volunteers, and the information desk.
Relying on feedback and help from the autism community in her area, Carrie Rogers-Whitehead created programs for children, teens, and young adults on the autism spectrum. In this book, she shares advice on developing programs that focus on teamwork, transitions, and social skills. She explains best practices for reference interviews and teaches readers how their libraries can partner with nonprofit and government entities to develop workforce skills and connect adults with autism to jobs. Ready-made program activities for teens and adults with autism make it easy for libraries to better serve this often misunderstood group.
The 21st-Century Elementary School Library Program: Managing for Results, 2nd Edition
Carl A. Harvey II
Libraries Unlimited, 2017
027.8 HAR 2017
Compact yet remarkably comprehensive, this book covers all the major aspects of school library services, from administration to instruction focused from the elementary school librarian perspective―now updated and expanded to include the latest developments in makerspaces, the Common Core, social networking, and eBooks.
How do you accomplish a technology transformation at a time when budgets are extremely limited? What is the proper location for web-based social networking in the school library? What are the best practices for working together with students, parents, and educators? The 21st-Century Elementary School Library Program: Managing for Results is an invaluable resource for answers to these and many more questions, as it brings together in one volume the advice and insights you need to bring your library into the new century.
This invaluable guide provides tips and techniques, forms and templates, and advice on everything from staffing and budgeting to collaborating with teachers and other libraries, to Web 2.0 and other new computer tools for building collections and devising special programs. Whether you are just getting started or are a library veteran seeking effective program renewal, this book belongs on your shelf.
