How many times has a patron asked you for books about princesses, or Pete the Cat, or colors and you’ve had to ask them for specific titles or to wait a few minutes to consult your computer? The traditional method of organizing books by an authors last name does not allow for brows-ability, especially in a picture book section. That is why many libraries find ways to feature their picture books with face out shelving and to reorganize the picture books into categories or topics. I took a look at local libraries around me and on the Internet to see various trends and ideas for organizing picture books. It seemed like common trends with libraries who employed categories were customer satisfaction, easier brows-ability and increased circulation. Naming it My old library called our organized picture books, “Kids Favorites,” and divided certain books into specific categories while keeping some books in…
Over 30 ALSC mentees are seeking mentors!
Applications for the ALSC Mentoring Program are now open and we are in (serious) need of mentors! To date, we’ve received over 30 mentee applications. Wow! Many of them are students or early children’s career professionals, but we also have some mentees who are new to supervisory positions and are looking to connect with others who have experience in managing children’s services.
#Newbery100: Celebrate – and Educate!
Moderator Edith Campbell of this past week’s ALSC webinar, “Problematic Award-Winning Texts: Daniel Boone, the Newbery Award, and Children’s Librarianship,” concluded a terrific program by noting that there is no go-to list of problematic texts. It is the responsibility of all to “formulate our understanding,…to educate ourselves.”
Introducing Recipients of the BIPOC New Member Funding Program
This spring, the Membership Committee undertook a project to intentionally recruit new ALSC members, specifically those who are paraprofessionals or students, and who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). In alignment with ALSC’s strategic objective of increasing the intentional recruitment and retention of a diverse membership while reducing barriers to participation, 10 BIPOC library students and 10 paraprofessionals/library support staff members were selected to receive two year ALA and ALSC memberships, along with opportunities for meaningful engagement including: regular virtual meetings with other recipients, activities and discussions, mentorship, shadowing committees, and more.
Fall Previews and Programming!
Autumn is my fav season — hope it is for you, too! Lots of fun, possibilities and traditions. Ubiquitous, proverbial pumpkin, spices and cooler weather are all in the air. Let’s get programming and looking forward to winter! But first! It’s Time to Apply for the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards For more than 25 years, Penguin Random House has been working to encourage the next generation of writers through their Creative Writing Awards. In 2019, Penguin Random House entered a partnership with national advocacy organization We Need Diverse Books. And they are now accepting applications until February 1, 2022 or until they reach 1,000 applicants. The program awards five U.S. high school seniors with scholarships of up to $10,000. More Crafts than you can shake a cinnamon broom at! The BIGGEST (& Best) List of Fall Crafts, Ever Wednesday is ART day! Have you downloaded our FREE Art Challenge yet? Try these…
Overwhelmed By: Professional Connections
Reaching traditionally marginalized or underserved communities is overwhelming. We don’t want to make this work look easy; it truly isn’t. However, we believe library staff at any level can do it with the right tools and support. This year, we’re bridging the gap between tangible resources and getting started. Today, we’ll focus on building professional connections.
Bill Morris Book Evaluation Seminar 2022
For about a year and a half now, just about every communication I’ve gotten has begun with the line, “In these unprecedented times…” It’s just been a never ending loop of adjustments and changes to fit the shape of our new world. But as a wise TikTok sage once said, “I miss precedented times.”
Mini Makerspace
Over the last two years, many of us have found success with packaged crafts and programs for children to take home and assemble. With more children returning to the branch, my creative co-worker, Renee Roberson-Tecco, has assembled interactive displays that double as passive programs.