New Library and Information Science Titles : Programming

Digital and analog games have long served modern public libraries as educational tools and as drawcards for new patrons, from dedicated gaming zones and children's spaces to Minecraft gaming days, makerspaces, and virtual reality collections. Much has been written about the role of games and play in libraries' programming and collections. But their broader reconfiguration of libraries spatially, temporally, and institutionally remains unexplored. In this book, the authors draw on ethnographic research to provide a rich portrait of the intersection between games, play, and public libraries. They look at how games and play are increasingly spilling out of designated zones within libraries and beyond their walls, as part of a broader reconfiguration and "reimagining" of libraries in the digital era. The library's association with play has historically been understood through its classification as a "third place" somewhere to relax, socialize and experiment outside of the utilitarian demands of work and home. But far from offering patrons an opportunity for detached leisure, this book illustrates how libraries are connecting games and play to broader policies agendas around their municipality's economic and cultural development. Attending to the institutionalisation of play, the book sheds new light both on the contradictions at the heart of play as a theoretical concept, and what libraries are in contemporary public life.

Packed with real-world ideas drawn from an assortment of different libraries, alongside best practices for hygiene, implementation, and marketing, this resource will assist libraries in offering these exciting forms of programming to their patrons. Bestselling tech maven Kroski is back with a timely, all-in-one guide to planning, organizing, and running virtual events in libraries. Ranging from simple gaming activities utilizing VR headsets to augmented reality tours, exhibits, immersive experiences, and STEM educational programs, these ideas include something for every size and type of academic, public, and school library. Programs encompassing new technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) are all included. Complete with step-by-step instructions, a materials and equipment list, budget, and recommendations for age ranges and type of library, among this collection's engaging programming events and educational opportunities are adapting to COVID-19 by transitioning a library orientation game night to an enhanced virtual tour; Oculus VR programs for patrons with physical and cognitive disabilities; field trips with Classvr and Thinglink, which enable school librarians and educators to connect virtual experiences to curriculum; creating and manipulating virtual clay to sculpt with Oculus Medium; leveraging VR software to stage a virtual art exhibition; using VR for STEM programs, literacy programs, geography programs, and YA outreach; transitioning academic library services from traditional face-to-face, hybrid, or online approaches to a virtual world (AltSpaceVR or ASVR), helping to maximize individualized learning; using a virtual environment to help students understand the impact of warfare and the implementation of power; and an AR game based on the library's catalog system.

Foreword by Kirby McCurtis With the help of this book's adaptable storytime activities, tools for self-reflection, and discussion starters, children's librarians will learn how to put anti-racism work into their professional practice while fostering an environment that celebrates all identities. 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.

Learn how to use children's books during storytime to approach sensitive topics and increase children's social-emotional wellness--and how to create storytimes that are engaging, participative, and FUN! The emotional challenges many children experience consume the time of teachers, exhaust parents, and sometimes lead children toward behaviors that prohibit social and academic success. Storytime to the rescue! Library storytimes prepare children for kindergarten; storytimes at home and in preschools allow teachers, parents, and children to think and talk about empathy and the importance of honoring your own and others' feelings. In Bringing Heart and Mind into Storytime, Heather McNeil teaches librarians and teachers how to use books to open conversations with children to teach such concepts as patience, tenacity, kindness, and teamwork. McNeil shares research on brain development, social-emotional learning, and the importance of play, but she also emphasizes maintaining the fun of storytime. She recommends songs, action rhymes, games, and crafts that contribute to fun and healthy storytimes. Extensive lists of recommended books will help readers find the right ones for their audience. Offers tips and techniques for including social-emotional learning in storytime through books, songs, action rhymes, games, and crafts Includes recommendations for books related to social-emotional learning Suggests best practices for participative, inclusive, and culturally aware storytimes Shares comments and experiences from storytime presenters across the United States

This book digs in and explores where the distinguished award intersects with library work in a range of areas such as collection policy, advocacy, programming, EDI efforts, and censorship. Recognized experts in the fields of library service to youth, children's literature, and education present strategies, guidance, and tips to support practitioners in making the most of the Newbery in their work. Inside, you'll find   tips on using booklists, displays, mock elections, and "Bookstagramming" to promote the Newbery Award and the award winners; perspective on the Newbery Medal at 100, examining where it fits in the history of children's literature and where children's book publishing stands today in terms of racially diverse literature; guidance to help you objectively and confidently deal with issues such as weeding award books and addressing controversies involving Newbery winners and honor books; strategies for leveraging the renown of the Newbery Award to advocate the value of libraries and library workers serving youth; and time-saving programming and book group resources, including ready-made activities and discussion questions for dozens of Newbery titles.

Library Services to Homeschoolers: A Guide will help librarians extend services to at-home learners. Chapter 1 conveys the historical roots of home education and origins of compulsory attendance in the United States. Chapter 2 explores the homeschool revolution, with a focus on the movement's leaders including John Holt, Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore, and John Taylor Gatto. Chapter 3 examines home education's recent surge fueled by legislative changes, advocacy groups, and COVID-19. Chapter 4 looks at the various methods of home education-home classrooms, travel schooling in recreational vehicles, traditional schooling to unschooling. Chapter 5 dives deep into homeschool programming including how public libraries can help parents and caregivers instruct their children by providing a place to meet, materials, programs, extended checkouts and so much more! Chapter 6 explores the many ways the library can provide outreach opportunities and partner with local homeschooling groups to foster community engagement. Chapter 7 looks at the growing diversity in home education. The book's final chapter peers into the future of home education, which will help librarians prepare for the needs of future homeschooling families. Book jacket.

Foreword by Barbara Klipper Since the first edition of this landmark guide was published, there has been increased interest in services for library patrons on the autism spectrum; indeed, more people of all ages now self-identify as autistic. Those who understand the unique characteristics of autistic young people know that ordinary library programming guides are not up to the task of effectively serving these library users. Well qualified to speak to this need, Anderson is an educator, library researcher, and former public librarian who has helped to develop two IMLS funded initiatives that train library workers to better understand and serve autistic patrons. Here, she offers librarians who work with children and teens in both public library and K-12 educational settings an updated, comprehensive resource that includes an updated introduction to the basics of autism, including language, symbolism, and best practices in the library rooted in the principles of Universal Design; step-by-step programs from librarians across the country, adaptable for both public and school library settings, that are cost-effective and easy to replicate; contributions from autistic self-advocates throughout the text, demonstrating that the program ideas included are truly designed with their preferences in mind; suggestions for securing funding and establishing partnerships with community organizations; and many helpful appendices, with handy resources for training and education, building a collection, storytimes, sensory integration activities, and a "Tips for a Successful Library Visit" template.