Altobelli and Lambert reflect on recent attacks on the LBGTQ+ community and the tendency to assume representing this community in a school library collection isn't necessary. They ask readers to consider, what about learners whose identities a school librarian may or may not know. They offer both LGBTQ+ term definitions as well as collection and…

The school library media center should be a place that every student and teacher feels compelled to visit on a daily basis. Offering good, informative orientations can provide the direction needed to ensure that happens. Orientations should be part of every school library media specialist's job description and role. Orientations can be as long or…

The California State Library is charged with performing the following activities as defined by law. The State Library, under the direction and control of the State Librarian, an appointee of the Governor, has responsibility: (1) To collect, preserve, generate and disseminate a wide array of information; (2) To serve as the central reference and…

Discusses the need for reference desk orientation for newly hired or reassigned librarians and presents an outline of a suggested orientation program. Orientation conducted by a supervisor is discussed, practical and philosophical aspects of reference service are addressed, and written materials that support the training are recommended. (nine…

In this article, the author shares some tips for the new or not-so-new library media specialists. During the first week of school, the library media specialist's life will be filled with teacher work days, mandatory meetings, piles of stuff with no apparent purpose, and a line of teachers and other staff who want something from the library. There…

During the summer, thousands of soon-to-be college students will read books as part of campus-wide "shared reading" programs (also referred as to common reader programs, one book programs, etc.). Such programs are designed to provide incoming students with a common experience and invite exploration of particular themes (e.g., diversity, etc.),…

This manual is primarily designed as an orientation program for librarians new to the Reference Services Division at the State University of New York at Albany University Libraries. It contains practical information and some of the procedures necessary for providing service at the reference desk in these libraries. The appendices provide samples…

This "back to school" edition of College Connection features ideas and success stories from academic libraries that have welcomed first-year students in creative ways. Many libraries participate in campus orientation initiatives in order to introduce new students to the library as a welcoming place with helpful staff. These events can set a…

Although major strides toward the inclusion of GLBT images in North American libraries have indeed been achieved, censorship is alive and well where children's literature is concerned. It is plain to see that libraries have become a major battleground for the free flow of information about and for GLBTQ children and families. This article…

This report describes a program proposed by a library media specialist at the Titusville (New York) Middle School to encourage the use of the media center by teachers. The media specialist recognized that, although she spent a great deal of time and effort thoroughly orienting and instructing student patrons, no formal mechanism existed for…

This packet of materials includes an article, "Development of a Self-Guided Audiocassette Tour at a Large Academic Research Library: Preliminary Report," which originally appeared in the Summer 1986 issue of "Research Strategies," and the scripts for self-guided audiocassette tours of the main and undergraduate libraries at the…

This guide provides desktop publishing basics and instructions for specific library applications, enabling any librarian to function as the writer, editor, designer, proofreader, and printer of a variety of different publications. The guide is designed to help librarians create publications that are attractive, effective, useful, and easily read.…

The purpose of this manual is to provide a structure for a comprehensive user education program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. It is intended to provide a general direction for librarians to review when developing new instructional programs or examining current programs. The purpose of this program is to provide basic library…

This videotape provides a general overview of the kinds of services and materials available at the public library. The videotape can be used as part of a general orientation program for volunteers, new users, or community groups. Topics covered include: the information desk and reference services; the Dewey Decimal System and how to locate books…