World Guide to Libraries 2021


Book Description




Library World Records, 3d ed.


Book Description

Which are the oldest public libraries in the world? In what years were the first books printed in French, Thai, Japanese, Arabic, Turkish? What are the oldest extant texts written in Chinese, English, Russian, Spanish? When was the first major computer database used in libraries? What are the titles of the largest, smallest or most expensive books ever published? Where is the world's busiest public library? Which three books were the first to contain photographs? In its updated and expanded third edition, this reference work provides hundreds of fascinating facts about libraries, books, periodicals, reference databases, specialty archives, bookstores, catalogs, technology, information science organizations and library buildings.




The Oxford Guide to Library Research


Book Description

With all of the new developments in information storage and retrieval, researchers today need a clear and comprehensive overview of the full range of their options, both online and offline, for finding the best information quickly. In this third edition of The Oxford Guide to Library Research, Thomas Mann maps out an array not just of important databases and print sources, but of several specific search techniques that can be applied profitably in any area of research. From academic resources to government documents to manuscripts in archives to business Web sites, Mann shows readers how best to exploit controlled subject headings, explains why browsing library shelves is still important in an online age, demonstrates how citation searching and related record searching produce results far beyond keyword inquiries, and offers practical tips on making personal contacts with knowledgeable people. Against the trendy but mistaken assumption that everything can be found on the Internet, Mann shows the lasting value of physical libraries and the unexpected power of traditional search mechanisms, while also providing the best overview of the new capabilities of computer indexing. Throughout the book Mann enlivens his advice with real-world examples derived from his experience of having helped thousands of researchers, with interests in all subjects areas, over a quarter century. Along the way he provides striking demonstrations and powerful arguments against those theorists who have mistakenly announced the demise of print. Essential reading for students, scholars, professional researchers, and laypersons, The Oxford Guide to Library Research offers a rich, inclusive overview of the information field, one that can save researchers countless hours of frustration in the search for the best sources on their topics.




Digital Rights Management


Book Description

In a world of users that routinely click “I Agree” buttons, librarians may be the lone voice raising an alert to the privacy, use, and ownership issues arising in connection with the design and implementation of digital rights management (DRM) technologies. DRM reflects the efforts of copyright owners to prevent the illegal distribution of copyrighted material – an admirable goal on its face. A common misunderstanding is that DRM is copyright law. It is not. Rather it is a method of preventing copyright infringement; however, if unchecked, DRM has the potential to violate privacy, limit ownership rights, and undermine the delicate balance of rights and policies established by our current system of copyright. All three of these arenas are critical for both librarians and their users. Reflecting the shift from ownership to access, libraries are increasingly providing access to rights-protected digital content. Libraries strive to provide access to rights-protected content in a manner that protects both the content creator and the privacy of the user. DRM encompasses a variety of technologies and strategies utilized by content owners and managers to limit access to and the use of rights-protected content. Librarians need to understand DRM to effectively enable users to access and use rights-protected digital content while at the same time protecting the privacy of the user. Designed to address the practical operational and planning issues related to DRM, this guide explores the critical issues and challenges faced by librarians. After reading it, librarians will better understand: the digital content rights protection scheme; the various DRM technologies and how they are used; how to use authentication and authorization standards, strategies, and technologies; and, the privacy and security issues related to DRM. Edited by two librarians who also hold law degrees, this is a best practices guide for front-line librarians on how to best respond to the impact of DRM schemes on collection development, staffing, budget, service, and other library concerns.




Library Anxiety


Book Description

The authors provide us with the first in depth look at the origins and subsequent evolution of this fascinating field of study. Beginning with a discussion of the Library Anxiety Scale, the most widely used measure of library anxiety among college and university students, it investigates a number of theoretical models, provides an extensive framework for conducting research at the institutional level, and offers both proven and proposed strategies for prevention and intervention. If there are more nonusers than users in your community--or if you suspect your users could benefit more from the experience--let Library Anxiety ease your troubled hearts and smooth the way ahead.







Your Guide to the Family History Library


Book Description

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City is the world's largest archive of genealogy and family history materials. No other repository compares in the quantity and quality of its records. It is only fitting, then, that such an extraordinary facility warrants this exceptional guide. Intended for beginning and intermediate genealogists, this books enables readers to use the library's resources effectively, whether in Salt Lake City or from their home. They'll find: - Tips for trip preparation--advice for making the most of their time at the Family History Library - Guidelines for accessing the library collection from afar, including FamilySearch Internet and in 3,400 Family History Centers worldwide - the basics of family history research - Details on Family History Library records, including major U.S. and world collections - Onsite research tips to help readers locate resources, organize their workdays and materials, and make the most of limited research time Each topic is discussed in a fully, making this unique book an invaluable companion for genealogists and family historians everywhere. Paula Stuart Warren and James W. Warren are both professional genealogical and historical researchers. They research and lecture throughout the U.S. for much of the year. During that time, they spend many weeks in Salt Lake City teaching and doing client research at the Family History Library, where they led group research trips for seven years. They operate Warren Research and Publishing in St. Paul, Minnesota.




Full STEAM Ahead


Book Description

This book is a toolkit for youth and young adult librarians—school and public—who wish to incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) into their programs and collections but aren't sure where to begin. Most educators are well aware of the reasons for emphasizing STEAM—topics that fall within the broad headings of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—in the curriculum, regardless of grade level. But how do librarians who work with 'tweens in middle school, high school, and public libraries—fit into the picture and play their roles to underscore their relevance in making STEAM initiatives successful? This book answers those key questions, providing program guidelines and resources for each of the STEAM areas. Readers will learn how to collaborate in STEAM efforts by providing information on resources, activities, standards, conferences, museums, programs, and professional organizations. Emphasis is placed on encouraging girls and minorities to take part in and get excited about STEAM. In addition, the book examines how makerspaces can enhance this initiative; how to connect your programs to educational standards; where to find funding; how to effectively promote your resources and programs, including how school and public librarians can collaborate to maximize their efforts; how to find and provide professional development; and how to evaluate your program to make further improvements and boost effectiveness. Whether you are on the cusp of launching a STEAM initiative, or looking for ways to grow and enhance your program, this book will be an invaluable resource.




Working with Library Collections


Book Description

Working with Collections: An Introduction for Support Staff deals with the technical service aspect of library work- the processes that put a book on the shelf or online. It provides an introduction to publishers, vendors, preparing items for use, and caring for items in the collections and is both a text for professors who teach in library support staff programs and their students, and an introductory manual for support staff who work in libraries. This material is written in clear language with practical examples of how performance can contribute to exemplary library service. It is aligned with the ALA support staff standards and prepares library support staff to: Know how to use an integrated library system and other appropriate online tools. Know the basic principles of collection development and management. Assist with decisions regarding selection, de-selection, retention and replacement of all types of library resources. Know the basic principles, and can apply, the appropriate procedures to the processes that provide users with access to a wide variety of content. Know the various ways in which content, in multiple formats, is produced and distributed to libraries. Understand the value of resource sharing agreements and apply them to collection decisions. Know and use the recognized standard evaluative sources to assist with collection development. Know the principles and basic practices regarding the preservation of library resources. Apply appropriate methods and techniques for accurate preparation of library resources Explain and apply policies regarding library collections.




Collection Evaluation in Academic Libraries


Book Description

Librarians have long used data to describe their collections. Traditional measures have simply been inputs and outputs: volumes acquired, processed, owned, or circulated. With the growth since the 1990s of cultures of assessment, librarians have sought statistics that are evaluative rather than simply descriptive. More recently, exponentially increasing journal prices and an economic recession have intensified the need to make careful purchasing decisions and to justify these to administrators. A methodical evaluation of a library collection can help librarians understand and meet user needs and can help communicate to administrators that the library is a good use of the institution’s money. Collection Evaluation in Academic Libraries: A Practical Guide for Librarians equips collections managers to select and implement a method or several methods of evaluating their library collections. It includes sections on four tools for evaluation: • Comparison to peer institutions • Core lists • Usage statistics from circulation and ILL • Citation analysis Chapters on each of these approaches present the advantages and disadvantages of each method, instructions on data collection and analysis—with screenshots—and suggested action steps after completing the analysis. With a unique combination of step-by-step instructions and discussions of the purpose and role of data, this book provides an unusually thorough guide to collection evaluation. It will be indispensable for collection development librarians and anyone looking to strengthen the culture of assessment within the library.