Collection Development "Scrapbooking": Scrapbook This
By Susanne Sacchetti -- Library Journal, 8/15/2006
Scrapbooking is one of the fastest-growing crafts in the world. According to the Creating Keepsakes 2004 National Survey of Scrapbooking, it has evolved into an almost $3 billion industry, with someone in 25 percent of U.S. households scrapbooking annually. This means that one out of every four of your library’s patrons may participate in this hobby.
Unlike sports or other recreational activities, scrapbooking has no rules; it’s a form of creative expression that allows a person to share and preserve his or her experiences and memories in albums that usually consist of photographs, newspaper clippings, and other mementos, in addition to some form of journaling.
Despite its recent popularity, this is far from a new craft. Scrapbooks have been traced back to “common-place books” in the 17th and 18th centuries—in fact, John Locke’s New Method of Making Common-Place Books was published in 1706.
The advent of personal computers, digital cameras, scanners, printers, and other technology has ushered in the age of digital scrapbooking, with both traditional hobbyists and virtual scrapbookers using such tools to enhance their print and online creations. A variety of general and specialized computer software—such as Microsoft® Word, Nova Scrapbook Factory, and Hallmark Scrapbook Studio® Deluxe—aids in page design and provides layouts, graphics, and fonts. Programs like Adobe® Photoshop® Elements let scrapbookers edit and crop their photographs quickly. The Internet, too, has had a tremendous impact, allowing hobbyists to share tips, techniques, layouts, and ideas through bulletin boards, electronic lists, and web sites.
| See below for Web Exclusive additional resouces |
Scraps of collection advice
Collection development is like putting together a scrapbook page. The layout must be attractive but also have balance, as should any library collection. Patrons are key, so get to know your scrapbooking community. Find out whether they do traditional or digital scrapbooking. Ask about their favorite subjects to preserve. Perhaps your library could even offer workshops.
One of the biggest misconceptions about scrapbooking is that it requires artistry. The hobby can be enjoyed by all, no matter their skill level, owing to the abundance of resources (books, magazines, DVDs) that provide ideas for page layouts and how-to information on different techniques and tools and computer software. The titles featured here represent just a small segment of the resources available on the subject. For more information on scrapbooking materials, check out such crafts publishers as Sterling, Memory Makers, Primedia Scrapbooking, Leisure Arts, and C&T Publishing.
While most scrapbookers are women between the ages of 30 and 50 (according to the Creating Keepsakes survey), others are discovering this fun activity. Many parents and grand­parents are scrapbooking with their children and grandchildren, and other hobbyists are focusing on scrapbooking specific subjects, such as sports, babies, and pets. Indeed, the Creating Keepsakes survey found that the most popular subjects to scrapbook are family life, birthdays, holidays, and vacations. Librarians will want to keep this in mind when selecting ­materials.
To scrap or not to scrap
Since many traditional scrapbooking techniques and layouts defy aging, older titles may not require much weeding. However, with rapid changes in technology, books on digital scrapbooking might date quickly, so you might need to update this area more often to stay abreast of the latest trends.
Finally, a last scrap of advice.... People on some of the scrapbooking bulletin boards noted that they would like to see more scrapbooking magazines in their libraries. With so many periodicals available on this topic, patrons may be unable to subscribe to all of them. Libraries can help them stay informed by maintaining subscriptions to these publications.
Starred (
) titles are core resources for all public libraries. For additional materials on scrapbooking humor, history, and spirituality, see the web exclusive addendum.
Reference
Creating Keepsakes’ Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking. Leisure Arts. 2005. 318p. ed. by Tracy White. photogs. ISBN 1-57486-498-X [ISBN 978-1-57486-498-4]. pap. $24.95.
This comprehensive resource from the company behind Creating Keepsakes scrapbook magazine (see below) features step-by-step scrapbooking fundamentals, basic sample pages, how-to illustrations, and countless tips and tricks from the experts. Buy another copy for circulation.
Rothamel, Susan Pickering. The Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking Tools & Techniques. Sterling. 2005. 320p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-4027-1031-3 [ISBN 978-1-4027-1031-5]. $24.95.
In this extensively illustrated A–Z reference, respected collage artist Rothamel identifies a broad range of tools and techniques for both novice and experienced scrapbookers. She also includes a history of scrapbooking, projects, and metric equivalency charts. (LJ 2/15/00)
Starting Out
Aitman, Joy & Sarah McKenna. How To Scrapbook. Search Pr. 2006. 144p. photogs. ISBN 1-84448-154-9 [ISBN 978-1-84448-154-5]. pap. $15.95.
Compiled into one volume are three titles from Search Press’s “Step-by-Step Scrapbooking” series: Start Scrapbooking, Cropping for Scrapbooks, and Eyelets for Scrapbooks. British scrapbooking experts Aitman and McKenna discuss materials and such techniques as cropping, silhouetting, montage, and mosaics, all clearly illustrated with step-by-step photos. Over 100 sample page layouts are included.
Arquette, Kerry & Andrea Zocchi. The Kodak Book of Scrapbooking Your Favorite Photos: Easy & Fun Techniques for Beautiful Scrapbook Pages. Lark, dist. by Sterling. 2006. 96p. photogs. ISBN 1-57990-806-3 [ISBN 978-1-57990-806-5]. pap. $14.95.
Filled with imaginative ideas for creating great scrapbooks with a wide variety of photographs, this picture-perfect guide by Arquette and Zocchi (Scrapbooking Sports, see below) introduces various techniques (adding embellishments, cropping, and matting) and offers tips for taking better photos.
Carter, Rebecca. Scrapbooking for the First Time. Sterling/Chapelle. 2005. 112p. photogs. index. ISBN 1-4027-2704-6 [ISBN 978-1-4027-2704-7]. pap. $9.95.
A great introduction for new scrapbookers. Carter (Scrapbooking Baby’s Cherished Moments) covers the basics as well as more advanced techniques like creating paper frames and mounting. Included is a list of needed supplies, an equivalency chart, and more. (LJ 2/15/00)
Memory Makers Eds. Ultimate Guide to Scrapbooking. Memory Makers Bks: F+W Pubns. 2005. 224p. photogs. ISBN 1-892127-65-2 [ISBN 978-1-892127-65-5]. $24.99.
From the editors of Memory Makers magazine (see below) comes this user-friendly, concealed-wire-bound guide to all things scrapbooking: supplies, basic design principles, popular techniques, and preservation tips.
Scrapbooking Made Easy. Leisure Arts. (Simple Scrapbooks). 2006. 288p. photogs. ISBN 1-57486-571-4. pap. $18.95.
A new addition to Leisure Arts’ “Treasury of Favorites” series, this book from Simple Scrapbooks magazine teaches the basics in a step-by-step process, starting with quick ways to enhance layouts and gradually moving on to advanced techniques.
Getting Serious
Arquette, Kerry & Andrea Zocchi. Scrapbooking Sports: Celebrating Your Family’s Sports Adventures. Lark, dist. by Sterling. 2006. 128p. photogs. ISBN 1-57990-736-9 [ISBN 978-1-57990-736-5]. $24.95.
Sure to be a hit among sports-loving scrapbookers, this guide is filled with ideas for displaying photographs and suggestions for getting “wet and wild” with pictures of various water sports.
Baker, R. Lynn. The Ultimate Guide to Scrapbooking with Children. Grace Pub. 2005. 92p. photogs. ISBN 1-59612-014-2 [ISBN 978-1-59612-014-3]. pap. $12.95.
Experienced scrapbooker Baker, who also holds a degree in interdisciplinary early childhood education, outlines scrapbooking basics for beginners, then offers guidelines for successful scrapbooking with children of all ages. Over 36 projects and 24 activities.
Larsen, Nikki. Scribbles, Stickers & Glue: A Kids’ Guide to Scrapbooking. Sterling/Chapelle. 2005. 128p. photogs. ISBN 1-4027-2785-2. pap. $9.95.
Larsen, a parent as well as an artist, provides a wide array of project ideas (from scrapbooking memories from a swimming party to a day at the zoo!), as well as step-by-step instructions, lists of materials that kids need, and practice techniques.
Memory Makers Eds. Totally Teen Scrapbook Pages: Scrapbooking the Almost Grown-Up Years. Memory Makers Bks: F+W Pubns. 2006. 112p. photogs. ISBN 1-892127-74-1 [ISBN 978-1-892127-74-7]. pap. $19.99.
This guide shows how teens (or parents who are scrapbooking their teen’s life) can best preserve their memories. Here are hundreds of ideas for layouts and techniques for blending journal entries with photographs and other keepsakes.
Going Digital
Martin, Sue. Digital Delights for Scrapbooking: Simple Techniques–Dynamic Results! C&T Pub. 2006. 64p. photogs. ISBN 1-57120-342-7. pap. $16.95.
This brief but helpful guide by a popular crafts teacher who has worked for Hewlett-Packard since 1977 shares tips for taking perfect digital photos, image-editing and printing them on different paper types (vellum, handmade, etc.), and digitally scrapbooking them.
Murray, Katherine. Creative Digital Scrapbooking: Designing Keepsakes on Your Computer. Peachpit. 2005. 298p. photogs. ISBN 0-321-26910-1 [ISBN 978-0-321-26910-2]. pap. $21.99.
Murray, the author of several digital imaging books, guides readers through the stages of creating a digital scrapbook, from choosing a subject, designing pages, and selecting embellishments to sharing and archiving scrapbook pages. Appendixes list hardware and software and a resource guide. With many beautiful examples presented here, this is ideal for scrapbookers at all skill levels.
Rose, Carla. Digital Memories: Scrapbooking with Your Computer. Que Pub. 2004. 293p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-7897-3147-9 [ISBN 978-0-7897-3147-0]. pap. $18.95.
Professional photographer and Photoshop® expert Rose’s comprehensive introduction to digital scrapbooking explains how to create better pages with your computer and discusses a wide range of traditional and digital tools. A chapter on web/CD-based scrapbooks shows how to add video clips, music, and sound effects.
Magazines
Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Magazine. 13/yr. $24.97. Subs: 888-247-5282; www.creatingkeepsakes.com. ISSN 1091-3580.
Intermediate and advanced scrapbookers will find the latest ideas and techniques, detailed instructions, a readers’ gallery, and more.
Memory Makers. 9/yr. $19.96. 800-366-6465; www.memorymakersmagazine.com. ISSN 1520-2860.
Each issue of this popular magazine explores a unique scrapbooking theme. The web site offers a free email newsletter, links to scrapping forums, and an online ideas gallery.
Scrapbook Answers. 9/yr. $24.95. 888-721-7387; SBAcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com. www.scrapbookanswers.com.
Reviews the hottest scrapbooking products, tools, and techniques for both digital and traditional scrapbooking. Each issue includes a CD containing fonts, images, and video how-tos.
Scrapbooks etc. 8/yr. $24. Customer Svc. Scrapbooks etc., PO Box 37789, Boone, IA 50037-0789; 866-476-3596; sbecustserv@cdsfulfillment.com. http://www.bhgscrapbookset.com. ISSN 1543-2297.
From the publishers of Better Homes & Gardens, each issue of this periodical is packed with ideas, clear instructions, product reviews, and a bonus CD of fonts, trial software, and instructional videos. The web site includes a scrapbooking blog.
Simple Scrapbooks. 6/yr. $14.97. www.simplescrapbooksmag.com. ISSN 1542-9679.
Beginners are not the only scrapbookers who will be inspired by this great resource of “doable” scrapbooking ideas. The web site offers a message board, free e-newsletter, and free digital downloads.
DVDs
The Art of Scrapbooking: If My Husband Can Scrapbook... So Can You! color. 45 min. Legendary Video. 2005. DVD $19.99.
Tamara and Matt Morrison, an entertaining husband-and-wife scrapbooking team, demonstrate the basic principles of scrapbooking in a clear and fun manner.
Scrapbooking for Beginners. color. 25 min. Memory Lane Videos. 2004. DVD $19.95.
Winner of the 2005 Award of Distinction in the Videographer Awards competition, this easy-to-follow disc includes strategies for organization, photo-cropping, decorating, and much more. (LJ 11/15/04)
Web Sites
Digital Scrapbook Place
www.digitalscrapbookplace.com
DSP’s Digital Scrapbook University offers free tutorials for a variety of techniques and such software programs as Photoshop®, Paint Shop™ Pro®, and Digital Image Pro.
National Scrapbooking Association
www.nsa.gs
Serving all segments of the scrapbooking industry (consumers, retailers, service providers, and manufacturers), the NSA includes a retailer directory, web hosting for scrapbookers by scrapbookers, layout galleries, forums, and more.
Scrapbook.com
www.scrapbook.com
One of the largest and fastest-growing scrapbooking web sites features an online superstore, forums, a library of articles, a gallery of over 200,000 layouts, links to thousands of blogs, free email and online classes, and a customizable “My Place” area that allows scrapbookers to create their own personal web pages.
Scrapbooking.com
scrapbooking.com
Featuring scrapbooking articles, bulletin boards, retail store directory, and other great features, this comprehensive monthly online magazine is “so big, only the Internet can hold it.”
| Additional Resources |
Adding Perspective
Bagley, Wendy. Scraps: Adventures in Scrapbooking. Hyperion. 2005. 192 p. ISBN 1-4013-0216-5 [ISBN 978-1-4013-0216-0]. $15.95.
Even scrapbookers need a good laugh. This humorous and touching collection of essays by an award-winning advertising copywriter celebrates this popular hobby in all its glory.
Canfield, & others. Chicken Soup for the Scrapbooker’s Soul. Health Communications. 2006. 384p. ISBN 0-7573-0409-5. pap. $14.95.
Filled with heartfelt and unforgettable stories from scrapbookers at all levels, this “Chicken Soup” volume relates how scrapbooking can help us through challenging times by reminding us of the best moments of our lives.
The Scrapbook in American Life. Temple Univ. 2006. 320p. ed. by Susan Tucker & others. illus. index. ISBN 1-59213-478-5 [ISBN 978-1-59213-478-6]. pap. $25.95.
In this academic study of the history and practice of keeping scrapbooks, 14 contributors (professors, librarians, and curators) examine their cultural significance in the United States.
Videos
Scrapbook Solutions: Tributes. color. 90 min. PRIMEDIA Productions. 2004. DVD. $19.95.
Winner of a bronze finalist 2004 Annual Telly Award, which honors outstanding video productions, this instructional DVD from Simple Scrapbooks magazine includes a page-design demo, a product showcase, and dozens of projects, tips, and more.
| Author Information |
| Susanne Sacchetti (ssacchet@atlantic.edu) is the Reference Librarian in the Information Commons at Atlantic Cape Community College, Cape May County Campus, NJ. She has been a scrapbooker for five years |
