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CAMPBELL, Patty. Campbell’s Scoop: Reflections on Young Adult Literature. 262p. appendix. index. CIP. Scarecrow. 2010. Tr $40. ISBN 978-0-8108-7293-6. LC 2009045563. One of the foremost authorities in the field has compiled her essays, articles, and major speeches into one convenient and comprehensive work. Campbell was on the forefront during the “coming of age” of young-adult literature and young adult services. Her essays encompass a variety of subjects, including the history of the literature, her experiences as editor of the Twayne series, and her work with ALA and ALAN. Campbell’s writings provide a glimpse into the inner circle of publishing for teens, library organizations, and many prominent literary publications dedicated to the literature. Her perspective after 40 years in the field is fascinating, funny, and enlightening. The text is organized effectively with multiple indexes including author, title, and subject. This is an enjoyable read for long-time librarians and an eye-opener for those newer to the profession.–Jessica Breslin, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH DIAMANT-COHEN, Betsy, ed. Children’s Services: Partnerships for Success. 126p. (ALA Public Library Handbook Series). photos. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. ALA. 2010. pap. $50. ISBN 978-0-8389-1044-3. LC 2009045788. In this feeble economy, public libraries are in need of close connections with their communities in order to secure funding and remain relevant. Diamant-Cohen has created a valuable resource by providing practical examples of successful partnerships between libraries of various sizes and community organizations. Concrete scenarios include successful partnerships with law enforcement agencies, recreation departments, academic institutions, children’s museums, cultural institutions, churches that attract mainly immigrant populations, businesses, and other agencies. Community partnerships can be created with little to no expense, as demonstrated by the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s connection with the local police department. There are also a good number of more complex relationships for libraries with extra resources, such as the connection with the Discovery Center that the Four County Library System (New York) created to begin an annual Book Fest. No matter what the budget or time constraints may be, children’s librarians will find practical partnerships that are right for them.–Stephanie Malosh, Donoghue Elementary School, Chicago, IL FARMER, Lesley S. J. & Marc E. McPhee. Technololgy Management Handbook for School Library Media Centers. 289p. charts. diags. bibliog. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Neal-Schuman. 2010. pap. $59.95. ISBN 978-1-55570-659-3. LC 2010009301. This informative, well-researched text is perfect for those in the early stages of integrating technology into their programs. The first chapter begins with an overview of the impact technology has had on society and defines technology and its role in the library, including past, present, and possible future changes, as well as managerial roles of the librarian. Other chapters examine planning for management, assessing, researching, developing a technology plan, acquiring all types of tech resources, and managing the physical space to accommodate equipment and networking. Communication technology includes pod casting needs, blogs and wikis, webcasts, how to develop a library website, policies and procedures, professional development, and so much more within each chapter and topic. A works cited list concludes each chapter. Additional charts, diagrams, tables, text boxes with how-to information, and tech plan samples support the wealth of information covered.–Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE HAND, Dorcas, ed. Independent School Libraries: Perspectives on Excellence. 369p. (Libraries Unlimited Professional Guides in School Librarianship Series). charts. diags. photos. appendix. bibliog. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Libraries Unlimited. 2010. pap. $45. ISBN 978-1-59158-803-0. LC 2010014567. These 21 essays provide a comprehensive look at the library in private schools, not just as an entity unto itself, but also as an integral part of the community as a whole; and an in-depth look at the critical role the independent school librarian plays within that structure. The first two essays give a nice summary of the intrinsic role of libraries in the life of a school, and especially the boarding school. The next one explores the possibility, with extensive use of survey statistics, that private school libraries are used differently by students, in a way that promotes higher achievement. Throughout most of the selections there is a strong emphasis on the use of technology with students, “since they will be entering a workforce that will increasingly conduct formal business over multimedia channels.” This could very well sum up the ultimate goal of the prep-school librarian, all else being in support of this end. Many of the essays give both sides of a topic such as personal privacy versus First Amendment rights in “Sea Changes in Technology.” This essay also explores the pros and cons of librarians who Facebook “friend” students. Job descriptions, staffing needs, advocacy, collaboration, and books (yes, books!), along with various aspects of technology, are all discussed throughout the essays. This is an excellent text for both novice librarians and established professionals. Throughout, it stresses national and local library organizations, including contact info and links, that individuals can turn to for support. Virtually every aspect of librarianship is explored along with providing extensive ideas, web links, and VANDE BRAKE, Kate, ed. Tips and Other Bright Ideas for Elementary School Libraries. ISBN 978-1-58683-416-6. LC 2010011049. –––– . Tips and Other Bright Ideas for Secondary School Libraries. ISBN 978-1-58683-418-0. LC 2010010428. ea vol: vol. 4. 134p. CIP. Linworth. 2010. pap. $35. These titles include fun and informative management advice from fellow librarians. All of it has been taken from 2006-2009 Library Media Connection magazine, so that users can easily seek out a single idea or read the tips collectively. Both titles start with the same introduction, providing an upbeat and inspirational beginning, as it reviews some of the many jobs and responsibilities in a librarian’s day. Section one includes management hints to help maximize effectiveness, followed by sections on working with students, teaching skills (elementary) or research (secondary), working with teachers, technology, reading promotion, public relations, and working with helpers. Within each section, tips are listed and organized into subcategories such as administration, arrangement, appearance, displays, supplies, equipment, acquisitions, and processing. Whether looking for a specific idea or just casual professional reading, everyone is sure to find something worthwhile to try in these volumes.–Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE
