This is the first book to provide practical guidance for library staff on virtual storytime planning and production. Learn how to design virtual youth services tailored to patrons in different communities, and how virtual programs serve as a form of community outreach. Included in this guide: Case studies of successful virtual storytime programs Creative examples of potential programs, which can be developed and adapted Simple tips on how to increase production value, regardless of available space and equipment Features of virtual storytime software with which presenters should familiarize themselves A comprehensive list of websites, software applications, and assets for creating and sharing virtual programs An overview of laws concerning online privacy and the use of copyrighted materials in virtual storytimes Background information and talking points addressing the benefits and drawbacks of screen time for young patrons Sample training syllabus, outline, script, and reflection questions for virtual storytime staff Children’s librarians will find useful case studies, tips, and resources in this volume.

"This edition reflects the new knowledge that has been learned about autism since the publication of the first edition, amplifies the voices of autistic self-advocates, and provides new, easy-to-replicate programming ideas for successfully serving autistic children and teens"--

When the pandemic suddenly forced many public libraries to close their doors or limit patron access, library staff redoubled their efforts to serve their communities in every way possible. Demonstrating their resilience by quickly pivoting to new modes of service, public libraries are continuing to offer innovative yet practical ways to connect patrons to the information and services they need and enjoy. Offering real-life examples of what it means to be a 24/7 library, this collection from the Public Library Association (PLA) and ALA Editions shares how several libraries transitioned to virtual and socially-distanced services. No matter your library’s current situation or outlook for the future, you’ll be inspired to adapt their ideas to suit the needs of your own organization. Among the initiatives and topics explored are homebound delivery; citizen science programs; virtual reference advice; services to small businesses; remote readers' advisory and book chats; early literacy storytimes; health services outreach; tech guidance for patrons; wifi hotspot lending; and tips for social media and marketing.

The creative programs shared in this book vividly demonstrate the ways in which library programming can make communities stronger and more resilient by creating lifelong learners, fostering conversation, and forging connections.

Youth librarians and early literacy educators will find this book a helpful tool for making storytimes more inclusive and better representative of their community and the world at large. Written by two experienced librarians from one of the nation's most diverse metroplexes, Social Justice at Storytime provides a real-world, hands-on guide to storytimes that will help young people become more socially aware, empathetic, and confident. Storytimes can be a welcoming space for all members of the community. Anyone presenting storytime to young children can use these suggestions to broaden children's understanding of the often-confusing situations they see and hear around them. It is possible to discuss race, gender/sexuality, and diverse abilities in a child-appropriate way. Making social justice a part of an existing or new storytime practice provides an early literacy approach to including children in timely conversations. Readers of this thoughtful book will not only become more socially aware and empathetic, but they will also be equipped to choose diverse books and songs, make thoughtful and inclusive language choices, become more in tune with their diverse communities, and handle concerns from caregivers or administrators.

Foundations of Library Services and Programming for Children This book provides required foundational practices, both theoretical and practical. It gives students and working librarians the nuts- and- bolts foundation in providing programming and services for children. The book covers critical important elements needed for today’s librarian, thereby benefitting even the seasoned youth librarian. Chapter coverage includes: The Value of Library Services to Children Program Evaluation: Planning for Desired Results Children’s Programming Services and Resources for Children The Library as a Safe Space for All Administration of Children’s Services Looking Ahead: What’s Next in Library Services for Children? An Appendix provides practical resources such as a storytime format, programming planning outline, and program assessment tools. Special topics include issues of censorship attempts, the importance of providing library services to a diverse population, and the need to examine evaluative techniques for program offerings. Each chapter in this text includes multiple opportunities for learning and reflection as well as case-based learning that facilitates problem-solving and experiential learning opportunities.

Begins where diversity audits end, informing and supporting academic, school, and public librarians in the quest to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion in a meaningful and sustainable manner throughout collections, policies, and practices. A primary question for many librarians, directors, and board members is how to evaluate diversity in a collection on an ongoing basis. Curating Community Collections provides librarians with the tools they need to understand the results of diversity audits and to formulate a reasonable, achievable plan for increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in the collection itself, but also in library collection policies and practices. Information on ways to make diversity, equity, and inclusion part of a library's everyday workflow will help ensure the sustainability of these principles. Mary Schreiber and Wendy Bartlett teach readers how to increase the number of diverse materials in their collections and make them more discoverable to library patrons through the implementation of a community collections program. Stories from librarians around the United States and Canada who are auditing and improving the diversity of their collections add broad, scalable perspectives for libraries of any size, budget, and mission. Action steps provided at the end of each section offer a practical road map for all types of libraries to curate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community collection.

Since the spread of COVID-19, conferences have been canceled, schools have closed, and libraries around the world are facing difficult decisions on which services to offer and how, ranging from minimal restrictions to full closures. Depending on the country, state, or city, a government may have a different approach, sometimes ordering the closure of all institutions, others indicating that it’s business as usual, and others simply leaving decisions up to library directors. All libraries worldwide have been affected, from university libraries to public library systems and national libraries. Throughout these closures, libraries continue to provide services to their communities, which has led to an emerging area of research on library services, new emerging technologies, and the advancements made to libraries during this global health crisis. The Handbook of Research on Library Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic consists of chapters that contain essential library services and emerging research and technology that evolved and/or has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the challenges and opportunities that have been undertaken as a result. The chapters provide in-depth research, surveys, and information on areas such as remote working, machine learning, data management, and the role of information during COVID-19. This book is a valuable reference tool for practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, academicians, and students who are interested in the current state of libraries during a pandemic and the future outlook.

In its newest edition, Foundations of Library and Information Science remains the field's essential resource.

Literacy and Reading Programmes for Children and Young People: Case Studies from Around the Globe presents interviews with over 40 librarians from around the world who tell of their library programs. The volumes are arranged geographically with Volume 1 offering interviews from library professionals from the USA and Europe, and with Volume 2 sharing programs from Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East. The volumes highlight the diversity of the types of programs catering to the varying needs of children and young adults throughout the world. Case studies featured in this book outline the details of programs, events, and activities provided by over 40 organizations in the context of social capital and social inclusion. Each interview chapter discusses the contributions made to literacy development and community building of children and teens. With the many variations and examples of best practice, librarians and educators can glean new ideas for their own programs. The interviews reveal the challenges and issues faced and the work being achieved in vastly different environments, in many geographic areas, and in diverse economic, social, and cultural contexts. The programs include those of national and state libraries, public libraries, and mobile libraries carried out by public libraries, NGOs, and commercial organizations in both developed and developing countries. They also feature programs of multicultural libraries, libraries for indigenous people, and libraries for refugees. This publication complements the range of initiatives and activities carried out by IFLA’s Libraries for Children and Young Adults Section that supports library services and reading promotion initiatives catering to children and young adults around the world. These volumes are rich in variety and will provide much food for thought for creating unique and successful library programs.