Blog

Michelle Reale on igniting a spirit of inquiry in students

Posted by Rob Christopher on 02/19/2019

How do you guide students to move beyond just finding answers and towards critical thinking? It's exactly the approach Michelle Reale outlines in her new book Inquiry and Research: A Relational Approach in the Classroom. An associate professor and head of access services and outreach at Arcadia University, she took some time out from her duties to speak with us about the epiphany behind writing the book, the role of reflective practice in information literacy, and much more.

The Growing Importance of Data in Academic Libraries

Posted by Rob Christopher on 02/13/2019

To celebrate Love Data Week, we are pleased to share this guest post by Andrew Cox, co-author of the Facet Publishing, UK book Exploring Research Data Management, which was originally posted to the Facet Publishing blog.

Data is the new oil

Posted by Rob Christopher on 02/13/2019

To celebrate Love Data Week, we are pleased to share this guest post by Selena Killick, co-author of the Facet Publishing, UK book Putting Library Assessment Data to Work, originally posted at the Facet Publishing blog.

Vicki L. Gregory outlines collection development for a new generation of students and professionals

Posted by Rob Christopher on 02/07/2019

Since Vicki L. Gregory first published Collection Development and Management for 21st Century Library Collections, it has become a go-to resource for both LIS students and professionals. The new edition cements its status as a classic text on the discipline. So we were thrilled to discuss with Gregory the updates and enhancements she's incorporated into the book. Our interview is below.

New books, products, special events at the ALA Store at Midwinter Meeting in Seattle

Posted by Rob Christopher on 01/17/2019

Thomas P. Mackey and Trudi E. Jacobson: metaliteracy is the perfect approach for combating a post-truth world

Posted by Rob Christopher on 12/31/2018

As outlined by Thomas P. Mackey and Trudi E. Jacobson, the concept of metaliteracy expands the scope of traditional information skills (determine, access, locate, understand, produce, and use information) to include the collaborative production and sharing of information in participatory digital environments (collaborate, produce, and share) prevalent in today's world.

RA experts Neal Wyatt and Joyce G. Saricks discuss the new Resources for Readers pamphlets

Posted by Rob Christopher on 12/07/2018

Someone is asking if you might suggest a good suspense novel with a strong female point of view. Oh, they also like to read horror stories now and then — but they'd prefer to avoid books of the blood-and-guts variety. Armed with one of the Psychological Suspense Resources for Readers pamphlets, you quickly suggest Black-Eyed Susans, by Julia Heaberlin and The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson. And guess what? You're an RA hero!

Erin Berman talks about taking tech to the streets

Posted by Rob Christopher on 11/16/2018

In her new book Your Technology Outreach Adventure: Tools for Human-Centered Problem Solving, Erin Berman dives into how to use design thinking skills to undertake technology-based outreach. Based on her team's experiences at San José Public Library, which ranged from videomaking in a skate park to e-readers for seniors, she simplifies the process by showing ways that libraries can try out ideas quickly and learn from missteps.

Interview: Catherine Hakala-Ausperk discusses her new Leadership Planner series and how to future-proof your team

Posted by Rob Christopher on 10/25/2018

Author of bestsellers such as Be A Great Boss: One Year to Success and Renew Yourself: A Six-Step Plan for More Meaningful Work, Catherine Hakala-Ausperk should already be familiar to many readers. Her newest book though represents an even more focused, hands-on approach to library leadership.

Ellyssa Kroski on why escape rooms and other immersive experiences make for great library programs

Posted by Rob Christopher on 10/18/2018

Who would like to volunteer to be locked in a room with a bunch of your friends, an untold number of hidden clues, and a ticking clock? The answer, it seems, is a whole lot of us. According to the database at Room Escape Artist, in 2014 there were only 22 escape rooms in the U.S. But by the summer of 2017, the figure had skyrocketed to nearly 2,000.