Crash Course in Children's Services

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Penny Peck

Book Code: LU3527

ISBN: 1-59158-352-7

ISBN-13: 978-1-59158-352-3

DOI:

136 pages, photo

Libraries Unlimited

Publication: 9/30/2006

List Price: $25.00 (UK Sterling Price: £13.95)

Availability: In Stock

Media Type: Paperback

Trim Size: 8 1/2 x 11

Subjects:

Series Title: Crash Course

Reviews:

Aimed at those utterly new to the field of children's services, this nuts-and-bolts guide by a San Leandro PL, CA, senior youth services librarian covers reference, readers' advisory, homework help, book selection, story time, and other types of programming and ongoing issues in children's services, such as latchkey children, behavior problems, and computer and Internet access....[p]araprofessionals and others new to this field will find this book to be a valuable starting point for achieving competency in the field.
—Library Journal June 15, 2007
Penny Peck's Crash Course in Children's Services offers guidance on the whole range of service to children, from collection development to crowd control. Though the book is geared toward small libraries, there are tips that can be put to use in larger settings as well.
—American Libraries March 2007
Peck offers those working in small public libraries a quick overview of services for children. Seven chapters focus on the practical aspects of (for example) homework help, readers' advisory, storytime, and programming. The final chapter deals with special issues such as "latchkey" children, non-English speakers, and Internet access.
—Reference & Research Book News February 2007

Description: Children need public library services. Even in small rural libraries managed by small staffs, children's services are critical. This handbook gives practical advice on performing essential duties in the Children's Room of the public library. The tone is "how to" with little theory, but providing the fundamentals of day-to-day services. Tips are given on reference service including the reference interview, a simple overview of child development, and tips for assisting parents and teachers. Hints are given for managing children who are in the library to do homework or to wait until they are collected by a parent or caregiver. A chapter is given on how to help children find recreational reading, how to market the library, and useful Web sites.
Collection development is covered with practical advice on using book reviewing journals to aid in selection. Storytimes have been in libraries more than 100 years, and instructions in how to provide this vital and essential service is covered in a "how to" of doing storytimes for babies. toddlers, preschoolers, and families to make them fun and exciting.
Programming includes library tours by school groups, author visits, and entertainment programs with emphasis on summer reading programs. Tips are given for ensuring that children with physical disabilities as well as developmental or learning disabilities are included in services offered. Finally, suggestions cover how to meet the challenges in services to children based on the changing dynamic of families and communities. This experienced children's librarian shares her ideas, experiences, and Web sites, information useful to build a children's program for the smallest public library. The practical advice will be very useful to help the novice or volunteer learn how to answer reference questions, provide homework help for students who come after school, select age appropriate materials, and prepare book sharing sessions with children from birth to age 12. Readers Advisory services described here may be as important for parents as for the children. Understanding the issues and challenges to children's services discussed here will be useful to help librarians counter them.

LC Card Number: 2006023646

LCC Class: Z718

Dewey Class: 027

PDF Catalogs:
LU Public Library Spring 2008.pdf


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