Professional Reading Reviews
Volume 32, Number 3, February 2005
Ken Haycock
Thoughtful, in-depth reviews of the newest in professional
resources for the school library.
Library Management And Best Practices
SEEKING MEANING: A PROCESS APPROACH TO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES, 2ND ED.
Carol Collier Kuhlthau
Reviewed by Violet H. Harada
vharada@hawaii.edu
Kuhlthau's extensive research on information searching was originally summarized in her highly reviewed first edition. Chapters 1 through 8 in this edition recapture much of the material in her earlier work. They focus on the historical progression of library instruction from a bibliographic paradigm to a user-focused emphasis, the various theories and principles underlying a process approach to library services, and extended descriptions of Kuhlthau's earlier studies in school and public libraries. The Information Search Process is presented as a six-stage model and two longitudinal studies that have verified it are explained in depth. Kuhlthau also translates the model into levels of intervention.
In the past 10 years Kuhlthau has continued to expand on the theoretical framework and concepts that she described and analyzed in her first edition. In her preface, she indicates that her more recent studies have caused her to "rethink" and probe more deeply into the Information Search Process model. The last three chapters of the book capture her more recent efforts that have included K-12 schools but have extended into workplace investigations. In chapter 9 she discusses her case studies with a team of researchers involved in the Library Power initiative and the importance of the teacher-librarian's perceptions of learning in relation to providing inquiry learning opportunities for students. In chapter 10, Kuhlthau describes her longitudinal case studies with systems analysts and lawyers, who must deal with information-intensive environments. She stresses expanded library and information services for these types of professionals. Importantly, Kuhlthau notes the potential for "emerging" library services based on the complex information needs of data-intensive work sites.
In her concluding chapter, Kuhlthau emphasizes the value of longitudinal research that incorporates both quantitative and qualitative methods. She summarizes the major tenets of her conceptual approach to examining the user's meaning-making process.
Kuhlthau presents her research in clear, readable language. She remains the quintessential researcher, probing more deeply into how users seek and use information, revisiting her earlier thinking, and sharing her thoughtful reflections and new perspectives on issues dealing with information literacy in today's world. (Libraries Unlimited, 2004. $45.00. 264 pp. 1-59158-094-3).
Bottom Line: Vital and comprehensive research focusing on how users process and use information in both the school and workplace.
ESSENTIALS OF ELEMENTARY LIBRARY MANAGEMENT
Laurie Noble Thelen
Reviewed by Elizabeth Haynes
ehaynes@netdoor.com
Thelan was inspired to write a practical handbook for dealing with everyday problems when she moved to a new job in a new school district. She has succeeded admirably in her goal, producing a useful, readable work. Aimed at the elementary teacher-librarian, this book begins with designing a new library and building a new collection and moves through getting your feet on the ground in a new school district, time management, budgeting, grant writing, reading motivation programs, collaboration with faculty, using technology, student behavior, and dealing with volunteers and clerical personnel. Each chapter gives useful tips and down-to-earth advice. Activity graphics are included.
This is not a comprehensive management text but covers a good deal of ground nevertheless. Linworth has granted reproduction rights for graphics used in a library resource center or in a single classroom. Additionally, sections of up to 15 pages can be copied for in-service on a single campus. Recommended. (Linworth, 2003. $39.95. 113 pp. 1-58683-076-7).
Bottom Line: A practical, usable collection of advice with reproducible graphics.
100 MORE LIBRARY LIFESAVERS: A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALISTS.
Pamela Bacon
Reviewed by Elizabeth Haynes
ehaynes@netdoor.com
As you would expect from the title, this is a follow-up to the author's previous title, 100 Library Lifesavers. The book is divided into 10 topical sections, with 10 lifesavers on each topic. Each lifesaver includes background information, a bulleted list of tips, a web site for further research, and a full-page graphic that could be a checklist, a chart, a student handout, a rubric, or some similar tool. Some graphics, particularly in the technology section, are usage tips from a practicing librarian. No reproduction rights are stated.
The 10 sections include: distance learning, standards, reading motivation, library management, library skills, personal and professional development, library games, best practices, organization, and technology tools.
Some of the lifesavers are virtually complete with all the information needed to carry out the activity, such as the reading motivation lifesavers. Others only scratch the surface, although the web site can lead to further information and exploration. Overall, the book is an interesting (although uneven) collection, but the proficiency and experience level of a given teacher-librarian will determine its value in a particular situation. (Libraries Unlimited, 2003. $40.00. 310 pp. 1-59158-003-X).
Bottom Line: New? then perhaps useful. Experienced? then less so.
STUDENT SUCCESS AND LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAMS: A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO RESEARCH AND BEST PRACTICE.
Lesley S. J. Farmer
Reviewed by Michele Farquharson
mlf@shaw.ca
Student Success and Library Media Programs reiterates the foundations of educational theory and philosophy along with good teaching practices, dovetailing this with what works most effectively for library media teachers ( LMTs).
This text provides the profession with relevant and reliable data but more importantly inspires LMTs to pursue excellence by utilizing research and research techniques to improve their own library media program. Farmer examines the factors that contribute to student achievement and shows us how to apply this to our school library program, which ensures the program is accountable and an essential component for every school.
As with all her writing, Lesley Farmer takes complex concepts and simplifies and clarifies them. The topics range from: student achievement - outcomes to benchmarks, types of research, and how to conduct action research to the change process. Her common-sense approach to exemplary library programs prevails as she raises the bar for us to become agents for change, at the same time acknowledging the difficulty in performing research.
"Particularly with the demands put on a good LMT, it is hard to find the time to plan, let alone document the successes of the program. However, LMTs need to front-load their efforts by clarifying their mission and prioritizing their goals" (p. 13).
Many pedagogies of education as well as current, relevant research are reviewed, although chapter headings include such broad themes as: What Defines Student Achievement?; Research in the School Library; World, School, Student and Societal Factors and Student Achievement; Focus on Reading; and Next Steps.
The detailed bibliography is worth the cost of the book alone. (Libraries Unlimited, 2003. $45.00. 192 pp. 1-59158-058-7).
Bottom Line: A "must read" for all educators.
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