May 2022 — New Titles in the ALS Professional Collection Part 1

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: 

Libraries & Sustainability: Programs and Practices for Community Impact
Edited by René Tanner, Adrian K. Ho, Monika Antonelli, and Rebekkah Smith Aldrich
ALA Editions, 2022
021.2 LIB 2022

As a core value of librarianship, sustainability is not an end point but a mindset, a lens through which operational and outreach decisions can be made. And it extends beyond an awareness of the roles that libraries can play in educating and advocating for a sustainable future. As the programs and practices in this resource demonstrate, sustainability can also encompass engaging with communities in discussions about resilience, regeneration, and social justice. Inspiring yet assuredly pragmatic, the many topics explored in this book edited by members of ALA’s Sustainability Round Table and ALA’s Special Task Force on Sustainability include

  • a discussion of why sustainability matters to libraries and their user communities;
  • real-life examples of sustainability programming, transformative community partnerships, collective responses for climate resilience, and green building practices;
  • lessons learned and recommendations from library workers who have been active in putting sustainability into practice;
  • the intersection of sustainability with the work of equity, diversity, and inclusion;
  • suggestions regarding the revision of library and information science curriculum in light of the practical need to build community resilience;
  • an examination of how libraries’ efforts to support Doughnut Economics can bolster the United Nations’ work on the Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to address the global impacts of climate change; and
  • potential collaborators for future sustainability-related initiatives.

A History of ALA Policy on Intellectual Freedom, A Supplement to the Intellectual Freedom Manual, Tenth Edition
Edited by Martin Garnar and Trina Magi and Compiled by the Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association
ALA Editions, 2021
025.2 HIS 2021

Collecting several key documents and policy statements, this supplement to the tenth edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual traces a history of ALA’s commitment to fighting censorship. Beginning with an introductory essay that chronicles ALA policy making on intellectual freedom, this important resource includes sections discussing such foundational issues as

  • library advocacy on social and political issues, from post-World War I disarmament, to Vietnam-era protests, to the call to revisit the field’s rhetoric concerning neutrality;
  • the evolution of the Library Bill of Rights, such as the 1978 revision that eliminated its use of sex-linked pronouns and ALA Council actions rescinding the 2018 interpretation on meeting rooms;
  • protecting the freedom to read;
  • diverse collections and equity, diversity, and inclusion, new to this edition;
  • ALA’s complicated history on race, including a 1936 statement opposing discrimination, inaction amidst litigation to desegregate libraries in the 1950s and 1960s, and protests over Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law;
  • ALA’s Code of Ethics;
  • how to respond to challenges and concerns about library resources;
  • internet filtering, minors and online activity, and education and information literacy;
  • programs and displays;
  • policy on governmental intimidation;
  • copyright; and
  • privacy and confidentiality, including the retention of library usage records.

Collection Management for Youth: Equity, Inclusion, and Learning, Second Edition
Sandra Hughes-Hassell
ALA Editions, 2020
025.21878 HUG 2020

With a renewed emphasis on facilitating learning, supporting multiple literacies, and advancing equity and inclusion, the thoroughly updated and revised second edition of this trusted text provides models and tools that will enable library staff who serve youth to create and maintain collections that provide equitable access to all youth. And as Hughes-Hassell demonstrates, the only way to do this is for collection managers to be learner-centered, confidently acting as information guides, change agents, and leaders. Based on the latest educational theory and research, this book

  • presents the argument for why collection management decisions and practices should focus on equity, exploring systemic inequities, educational paradigm shifts, developments in the information environment, and other key factors;
  • lays out the theoretical foundation for developing and managing a library collection that facilitates learning, supports the development of multiple literacies, and provides equitable access to an increasingly diverse group of young learners;
  • touches upon current competencies and standards by AASL, YALSA, and ALSC;
  • uses a learner-centered and equity perspective to cover core issues and criteria such as selection and removal of materials, budgeting, and cooperation among libraries;
  • shows how a business viewpoint can assist the learner-centered collector in articulating the central significance of the collection to learning;
  • discusses how library staff can work collaboratively to create policy and negotiate budgets; and
  • includes customizable tools and templates, including a Stakeholder Contact/SWOT Analysis, Decision-Making Model for Selecting Resources and Access Points that Support Learning and Advance Equity, and Collection Development Analysis Worksheet.

Library Signage and Wayfinding Design: Communicating Effectively with Your Users
Mark Aaron Polger
ALA Editions, 2022
025.5 POL 2022

Take a more user-centered approach to crafting library signage with this handy guide. Well-designed signage is clear, direct, and reduces confusion and frustration among library users and library workers alike—and also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), bolstering accessibility. Using the principles and examples laid out by Polger, you’ll learn

  • how to spot the telltale features of poor design, from signage that’s wordy, passive aggressive, too small, unfriendly or threatening, to wayfinding that uses inconsistent terminology or different color schemes or typefaces;
  • why taking a UX (user experience) approach can help make the library a welcoming space;
  • core UX criteria for effective wayfinding design, such as the specific design zones of a sign, appropriate typefaces, color schemata, text to image ratio, text and image sizes, contrast, and viewing distance;
  • about important considerations like placement and touchpoints;
  • best practices for using ADA compliance guidelines when performing a library signage audit;
  • special approaches for digital signage; and
  • techniques that signage designers can use when studying library users to better understand their perceptions, feelings, and attitudes regarding signage and wayfinding.

Let’s Talk About Race in Storytimes
Jessica Anne Bratt
ALA Editions, 2022
027.62 BRA 2022

As the weekly lists of best-sellers demonstrate, many people want to engage with racial issues. But when it comes to talking about race, they often don’t know how or are hesitant to take the first steps. This includes children’s librarians, who are taking seriously our profession’s calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion. They already know that popular storytimes can be an effective way to increase community representation and belonging at the library. Incorporating race into storytimes is an ideal way to foster inclusion by normalizing conversations about these issues. This book will help public and school librarians face their own biases, showing them how to have honest discussions with children, their caregivers, and storytime attendees, as well as their colleagues. In this book, you will discover

  • several ready-to-use library storytimes that incorporate racial themes, complete with sample activities and booklists;
  • an anti-oppression framework, based on the author’s own real-world practice, that is customizable for different settings and situations;
  • concrete suggestions for overcoming fears and awkwardness when it comes to talking about race, with advice on practicing new language, making space to connect around appropriate cultural books for read alouds, and evaluating books for storytime;
  • interactive self-reflecting worksheets which explore planning picture book introductions and songs for inclusive storytimes, providing age-appropriate glimpses into history, and suggested affirmations in describing skin tone, hair, and language;
  • advocacy talking points centered on social justice that will encourage discussion with co-workers and other library staff; and
  • guidance on community engagement, relationship building, and intentionally trying to diversify your world in order to truly become an anti-bias practitioner.

STEAM Activities in 30 Minutes for Elementary Learners (AASL Standards-Based Learning)
Deborah Rinio
ALA Editions, 2020
027.8 RIN 2020

Using STEAM activities, this book places school librarians at the intersection with inquiry in an elementary school. Learners will think like a scientist and design like an engineer using an iterative process to make authentic learning connections and develop a growth mindset. Designed to be completed in 30-minute class periods, 14 scaffolded STEAM activities allow school librarians to easily shift the same lesson between classes and grade levels. National School Library Standards alignments with STEAM content area standards promote instructional partnerships focused on teaching inquiry, collaboration, and learner-driven exploration, making STEAM a perfect approach for the elementary school library. An invaluable timesaver, this resource provides

  • activities scaffolded for grade bands K-2, 3-4, and 5-6, engaging learners at greater levels of complexity or cognition;
  • alignments to the AASL Standards Framework for Learners, the Next Generation Science Standards, and the National Core Arts Standards;
  • science background for school librarians and other educators who may be unfamiliar with the STEAM concepts being explored;
  • sample assessments, technology integration, collaboration and growth mindset tips, suggested picture books, and more.

Include (Shared Foundations Series)
Julie Stivers
ALA Editions, 2022
027.8 STI 2022

Include, part of a six-volume series on the Shared Foundations in AASL’s National School Library Standards, brings together a chorus of school librarians, scholars, and students representing a wide range of races, ethnicities, experiences, and identities. This book offers

  • an understanding of why the concept of Include is paramount to school librarian practice, supported by key research to share and inspire the inclusion of learner and educator voices and experiences;
  • an explanation of what it looks like to successfully integrate the Include Shared Foundation in terms of collection, space, and instruction;
  • useable guidance that school librarians can confidently incorporate in their settings, including easy-to-implement ideas, inspiring stories, events, and transformation; and
  • reflections, questions, and action steps to help readers move their practice forward.

Teaching Research Data Management
Edited by Julia Bauder
ALA Editions, 2022
028.7071 TEA 2022

The usefulness of research data management skills bridges numerous activities, from data-driven scholarship and open research by faculty to documentation for grant reporting. And undergrads need a solid foundation in data management for future academic success. This collection gathers practitioners from a broad range of academic libraries to describe their services and instruction around research data. You will learn about such topics as

  • integrating research data management into information literacy instruction;
  • threshold concepts for novice learners of data management;
  • four key competencies that are entry points for library-faculty collaboration in data instruction;
  • an 8-step plan for outreach to faculty and grad students in engineering and the sciences;
  • using RStudio to teach data management, data visualization, and research reproducibility;
  • expanding data management instruction with adaptable modules for remote learning;
  • designing a data management workshop series;
  • developing a research guide on data types, open data repositories, and data storage;
  • creating a data management plan assignment for STEM undergraduates; and
  • data management training to ensure compliance with grant requirements.

Teaching Banned Books: 32 Guides for Children and Teens, Second Edition
Pat R. Scales
ALA Editions, 2020
098.1071 SCA 2020

As standard-bearers for intellectual freedom, school and children’s librarians are in ideal positions to collaborate with educators to not only protect the freedom to read but also ensure that valued books which touch upon important topics are not quarantined from the readers for whom they were written. In this best-selling classroom- and library-ready book of discussion guides, thoroughly updated and expanded to include genres such as graphic novels and nonfiction, award-winning champion of children’s literature Scales shows that there is a way to teach these books while respecting all views. Also freshened to include only books that are in print, this resource

  • reprints Judy Blume’s stirring introduction from the first edition;
  • aids educators and librarians in stimulating the critical thinking skills of young readers aged 9-18 while also encouraging freedom of thought and expression, in either classroom or book club settings;
  • spotlights titles dealing with sensitive but vital issues such as bullying, racism, bigotry, making tough choices, other cultures, and our uncertain future;
  • offers tips for introducing each book and its associated topics;
  • provides open-ended questions for discussion which explore the book as a whole rather than simply its “controversial” aspects, along with research and writing activities; and
  • includes short summaries of each book, plus a read-alikes section to keep the conversation going.

Compact Copyright: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Sara R. Benson
ALA Editions, 2021
346.7304 BEN 2021

Faculty, students, and colleagues come to you with copyright questions, both simple and complex. And they all want reliable answers—as fast as you can get them. With this guide, designed for ready access, you’ll be prepared to deliver. Lawyer, copyright librarian, and iSchool instructor Benson presents succinct explanations ideal for both on-the-fly reference and staff training. Copyright specialists will appreciate excerpts from the law itself alongside tools and resources for digging deeper. Practical discussions of key legal concepts, illustrated using 52 scenarios, will lead you to fast, accurate answers on a range of topics, such as

  • barriers to using the TEACH Act provisions in content for online teaching;
  • showing a full-length movie in a university class;
  • public domain and the 1998 Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act;
  • your legal options when receiving a DMCA take-down notice;
  • court interpretations of fair use in three key recent cases;
  • Creative Commons licenses, complete with a quick reference chart;
  • library rights to license photographs in a digital collection;
  • using letters under copyright in a special collections display case;
  • a grad student’s right to use in a thesis writing published in their professor’s journal article;
  • applying the implied license option to post historical student dissertations in institutional repositories;
  • the Marrakesh Treaty provision supporting transfer of accessible works internationally; and
  • limiting factors for interlibrary loan.

Copyright Law for Librarians and Educators: Creative Strategies and Practical Solutions, Fourth Edition
Kenneth D. Crews
ALA Editions, 2020
346.7304 CRE 2020

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.

Playing Games in the School Library: Developing Game-Based Lessons and Using Gamification Concepts
Sarah Pavey
Facet Publishing, 2021
371.337 PAV 2021

Playing Games in the School Library is a comprehensive resource for those looking to explore the use of game-based learning and gamification in the library setting. It illustrates how game play can be developed through applying learning theory to practice, exemplified by case studies taken from a variety of international contexts.

The book begins by applying prominent learning theories, in particular the use of games to nurture natural curiosity, problem solving and creativity. It then looks at the effect of playful learning upon individual students and groups. Motivation, engagement and the development of self-esteem are explored alongside social skills such as team working, oracy, communication, motor skills and emotional intelligence. Separate chapters outline the practical use of different types of games including digital, mixed media, physical and active learning and live games, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each within a teaching and learning context. Finally, consideration is given to how game-based learning and gamification can be used to promote library resources and services for impact and how collaboration on this approach with subject teachers, senior leadership teams and the wider community, including parents can be beneficial.

Written in a comprehensive but accessible manner, Playing Games in the School Library will give readers a means of engaging with distance learning, as well as providing a more challenging environment within their physical space. It will equip them with both a practical and theoretical rationale for including the game-based approach in their work while supporting their school’s aims and objectives.

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