Professional Media
-- Library Journal, 8/15/2009
Brumley, Rebecca. Electronic Collection Management Forms, Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines Manual with CD-ROM. Neal-Schuman. 2009. c.503p. index. ISBN 978-1-55570-663-0. pap. $149.95 with CD.
Libraries often need to develop or amend policies to manage e-resources, and they often crib from materials created at other libraries to do so. A collection of existing library policies such as gathered here, categorized and indexed, should make the job much easier. However, in this case, the book's flaws limit its usefulness. Brumley, who has compiled several similar collections of forms and policies, e.g., The Academic Library Manager's Forms, Policies, and Procedures Handbook with CD-ROM, pulls together a variety of documents from academic and public libraries on various aspects of managing e-resources, including missions and goals, collection development, access policies, copyright, privacy, and job descriptions. Some of the documents and sample forms are detailed and useful, while others are vague or irrelevant. The biggest problem, however, is poor organization: many documents are categorized inconsistently or inaccurately. In addition, Brumley provides no context for the documents, no introductory sections highlighting common approaches or strategies. Thus, although there is some useful material here, finding it may prove frustrating, especially at such a high price. This book is recommended, with reservations, for librarians who develop policies for e-resources. Smaller libraries most in need of this help may be least able to afford it. (Accompanying CD, offering forms and policies for downloading and/or editing for use, not seen.)—Janet A. Crum, Oregon Health & Science Univ. Lib., Portland
Jones, Ella W. Start to Finish YA Programs: Hip-Hop Symposiums, Summer Reading Programs, Virtual Tours, Poetry Slams, Teen Advisory Boards, Term Paper Clinics, & More! Neal-Schuman. 2009. c.217p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-55570-601-2. pap. $75 with CD.
This book delivers a wealth of creative, inspiring programs for public library YA patrons. Jones, a seasoned educator and YA specialist librarian, provides everything needed to plan, conduct, and evaluate 25 programs that speak to the interests and needs of teenagers. Busy librarians are often forced to limit the number of YA programs they offer owing to time and staff constraints. For them, Jones provides so many ready-to-go tools that it almost seems silly not to try some of them. As in other YA manuals, she has integrated the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets into her design and implementations, having worked with teens in a large urban setting (Fort Worth, TX) on topics that include fitness, entrepreneurship, music, fashion, the entertainment industry, homework help, and even oral history. Most of the programs would easily work well in public libraries of any size or location. Jones also includes programs that involve collaboration with schools, such as a yearlong library card sign-up program and in-service training for teachers on the resources offered by the public library. An accompanying CD includes customizable flyers, invitations, evaluations, handouts, sample PowerPoint presentations, and sample funding proposals. In all, this is an unusually useful and inspirational guide for librarians wishing to provide quality programs for teens.—Rachel Q. Davis, Thomas Memorial Lib., Cape Elizabeth, ME
Sauers, Michael. Searching 2.0. Neal-Schuman. 2009. c.200p. ISBN 978-1-55570-607-4. pap. $65.
Sauers (technology innovation librarian, Nebraska Library Commission; Using the Internet as a Reference Tool) puts his long experience as a technology trainer to good use here. The 2.0 in the title of course refers to the emergence of Web 2.0 and by extension the web services inherent in Library 2.0. Finding information using these new services requires new search techniques and perhaps a broader view of what searching means. Sauer outlines the central concepts of Web 2.0 as convergence, remixability, and participation. He quickly moves into the details of Web 2.0 services, including tagging and folksonomies; social bookmarking; Wikipedia; searching media on Flickr, YouTube, or Podscope; searching locally with mapping services; searching with "inside the book" services; OpenSearch plugins; searching web archives; desktop searching; and using data visualization while searching. He also covers Web 1.0 search engines Google, Microsoft Live, and Yahoo! However, he concentrates on advanced or specialized search features, presenting them in detailed step-by-step fashion, providing many examples and screenshots. Most chapters end with a list of exercises and a summary of the important points; there is also a companion web site (http://delicious.com/travelinlibrarian/searching2.0). Searching 2.0 is the next best thing to attending a live presentation or workshop. Recommended for all librarians in need of a good grounding on new search capabilities in Web 2.0.—Robert Battenfeld, B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Lib., Long Island Univ., Brookville, NY
