ALA Editions/Neal-Schuman

Teaching data literacy in academic libraries

CHICAGO — We live in a data-driven world, much of it processed and served up by increasingly complex algorithms, and evaluating its quality requires its own skillset. As a component of information literacy, it's crucial that students learn how to think critically about statistics, data, and related visualizations.

Profiles of innovative and successful grant proposals

CHICAGO — Grant money can make all the difference in developing new services, creating worldwide access to your unique collections, or enabling you to showcase awarded projects that advance your career. But competition for grants is as fierce as ever. To get a leg up, you need an insider who will share proven strategies for success. In “Creating Fundable Grant Proposals: Profiles of Innovative Partnerships,” published by ALA Editions, Bess G.

Programming for adults with developmental disabilities

CHICAGO — Public libraries everywhere have embraced inclusion and expanded their programming for youth with disabilities, especially autism. It’s imperative that libraries also offer rich and age-appropriate initiatives for adults with developmental disabilities (DD); after all, as youth now served by their libraries grow up and reach adulthood, they will continue to want and expect libraries to be responsive to their needs.

New customer service and fulfillment address for ALA Store beginning July 1, 2021

CHICAGO — Effective July 1, 2021, the Chicago Distribution Center will provide customer service and fulfillment for the ALA Store. We look forward to working with this state-of-the-art distribution and fulfilment operation, also a non-profit organization.

Library worker engagement for positive, diverse institutions

CHICAGO — Gallup’s 2019 State of the American Workplace Report found that 70 percent of employees are disengaged at work. Why is worker engagement so important? Engaged workers lead to engaged libraries — vibrant institutions that nurture their workers’ dedication, creativity, and innovation so they can serve their communities most effectively. “The Six-Step Guide to Library Worker Engagement,” published by ALA Editions, walks library managers and administrators through concrete steps to change their organization’s culture.

An updated guide to cataloging correctly for kids

CHICAGO — Cataloging library materials for children in the internet age has never been as challenging or as important. RDA: Resource Description and Access is now the descriptive standard, there are new ways to find materials using classifications, and subject heading access has been greatly enhanced by the keyword capabilities of today’s online catalogs.

Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality programs for libraries

CHICAGO — Bestselling tech maven and editor Ellyssa Kroski is back with “32 Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Programs for Libraries,” published by ALA Editions, a timely, all-in-one guide to planning, organizing, and running virtual events. Ranging from simple gaming activities utilizing VR headsets to augmented reality tours, exhibits, immersive experiences, and STEM educational programs, these ideas include something for every size and type of academic, public, and school library.

Advancing a culture of creativity in libraries

CHICAGO — Today’s library workers have many roles to play: information gatekeepers, connectors, collaborators, and storytellers. The key ingredient is creativity, which acts as the lynchpin of functioning successfully as a team as well as impacting communities in positive ways. “Advancing a Culture of Creativity in Libraries: Programming and Engagement,” published by ALA Editions, examines creativity and how it can be applied in library work culture, programming, and outreach.

Telling the technical services story

CHICAGO — Technical Services isn’t the hidden discipline it once was. Even so, despite all the cross-departmental interaction, misconceptions about the work are all too common. It’s incumbent on technical services staff to take a proactive approach by communicating to others their value to the library and institutional mission.