Professional Reading

This book, which arose from projects completed during a doctoral course at the University of North Texas School of Library and Information Sciences, offers examples of VRS services that utilize economical software and designs that accommodate low budgets and time restraints. The text begins with an outline of the credentials of the book's 20 contributors who, as a group, have extensive experience in public, academic, and corporate work. The first chapter includes general information about VRS and proposes a model based on the use of an instant-messaging service. It incorporates the exploration of user needs, resources, technology, policy development, staff training, marketing and promotion, and evaluation. The remaining five chapters, each a project from the doctoral course, outline the creation of VRS for deaf students; students in middle school, high school, and college; and training for and promotion of virtual reference services. Current research, templates for instant-messaging services, Web sites, and marketing techniques are included. This book offers an assortment of valuable tools and methods helpful in providing virtual reference services to reach remote users.—Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA

Fredericks has published a second volume of readers' theatre and fractured folktales for students in upper elementary and middle school. The author includes background information on the value, presentation, and steps to follow when teaching students how to generate their own stories. Her description of 12 English/Language Arts standards that are addressed by the use of readers' theatre, such as seeing language in action, will give educators reasons to justify the inclusion of this type of performance in their curriculum. One problem with the book is the format; the number of participants and characters are not listed upfront. Also, some of the language included in the theatre pieces may be offensive to some adults, e.g., ticked off Little Red Hen tells the animals that they are "lazy no-good slobs," and "Jack and Jill Don't Like the Stupid Author Who Wrote Their Stupid Story." Still, the phrasing is realistic and humorous, and will appeal to children.—Kathleen Pavin, Purdy Elementary School Library, Fort Atkinson, WI

Part 1 of this book contains 107 lesson plans, with each chapter focusing on one type of reference (encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus etc.). Part 2 offers 63 thematic curriculum unit lesson plans, arranged by grade level, using these resources. An accompanying CD-ROM offers templates for games and contests, worksheets, and brochures for parents. The format for the lesson plans does not include assessments (other than informal observations), independent practice, extensions for gifted students, or accommodations for those with special needs. Most of the lesson plans require the use of class sets of 15 (and sometimes 30) reference books, which is an unrealistic expectation for most school libraries. Lessons on using the encyclopedia require two sets of World Book. There are no lessons on database searching. The authors have chosen to use Wikipedia as their online encyclopedia, which is not an authoritative source of information and is not accepted as a bibliographic citation at tertiary educational institutions—or in many high schools. Telling the students that the information on Wikipedia can be added, amended, or edited by anyone with online access, as the authors suggest, while using it as an authoritative reference source, is just plain confusing to elementary students.—Jane Barrer, PS/IS 111 Adolph S. Ochs School, New York City

Kitain offers an array of books that "help children relate to their personal lives and individual challenges." Chapters are based on themes including but not limited to friendship, courage, emotions, moving, new siblings, physical challenges, and bullies. Tough subjects like alcoholism, illness and death, and homelessness are also included. Each chapter follows a format that integrates a book with full bibliographic information, a synopsis, a simple booktalk, and a "shelf-esteem" connection and idea grid that explore a main message and other related ideas through books. "Book hops" list other titles related to the theme, "Classic Corner" suggests related classics, "For Older Children" suggests titles for more accelerated readers, and "Support Material" cites awards, honors, and book reviews. The texts utilized in each chapter are generally PreK through second grade, with extensions suggested for older children. References and footnotes are appropriately placed, and the quality and variety of texts are excellent. The remaining chapters of the book explore working with community partners. This text is highly recommended for all librarians, teachers, caregivers, and parents of younger readers. Although not all of the topics lend themselves to group settings, librarians, teachers, counselors, and parents will find the suggestions and information useful.—Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA

Adults who are looking for a quick, unfussy way to present stories, songs, and rhymes to children will find enough material in Puppet Magic to launch them into a timeless art form. While not as complete or detailed as Nancy Renfro's books, Lowe and Matthew's title gives beginners just enough material and easy puppets—made primarily from socks, felt, and paper plates—to get them started without much of an investment of time or effort. The book is ideal for anyone who needs a puppet show "real fast," or who might want to try performing with puppets as one of the thousand other things they're called on to do daily. Photos, patterns, online resources, and a good resource list are included.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

Phillips's enthusiasm, creativity, and breadth of personal interests are evident throughout this book. The first chapter outlines an approach to assembling displays that incorporates the creative process, design, advertising, marketing the library, and the joy and fun of offering readers a wide variety of materials. The 46 low-cost display themes are categorized in chapters covering authors, pop culture, genres, traditions, patriotism, art and architecture, cultures, people, nature, pastimes, and the mind. Coverage of each display includes stimulating background discussion along with detailed assembly instructions. A section at the end of each chapter offers ways to enhance and extend the display. Although the author's examples are located in an enclosed display case, and most are based on adult topics, all of the ideas are adaptable for teens and individual library needs. This text will inspire readers to locate and showcase the treasures in their own collections.—Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA