New AASL publication helps school librarians navigate the changing landscape of e-books

CHICAGO — The newest publication from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), “Ebooks and the School Library Program: A Practical Guide for the School Librarian,” provides school librarians with a roadmap to help navigate the vast and intricate world of e-books. Written by AASL members Cathy Leverkus and Shannon Acedo, the book familiarizes school librarians with available e-book devices and helps facilitate decision making about e-book collections. The publication is available in both print and e-book formats, as well as a print/e-book bundle, and can be purchased through the ALA online store.

“Ebooks and the School Library Program” offers information and advice for those school librarians interested in starting an e-book collection for their program or those who are working on enhancing an established collection. The publication covers such topics as the sources of e-books, available devices and distribution, circulation and access, cataloging and budgetary issues, including annual subscriptions versus a onetime purchase. Knowing the many articles concerning e-book publication, vendors, devices and copyright laws can be overwhelming, the writers of this book have organized their learning to share with their peers several years of building e-book collections for their individual school library programs.

"The name says it all," said Gail Dickinson, AASL president. "As e-books have exploded, the profession is in need of just such a practical guide, ensuring that e-books are moving into the hands of students and used to enhance teaching and learning."

Leverkus, an elementary/middle school librarian, and Acedo, a high school librarian, share a combined 51 years experience in school libraries. Their collaboration began several years ago, co-presenting workshops on e-books, and developed into co-writing this guide utilizing their varied backgrounds and strengths.

Print copies of “Ebooks and the School Library Program” will be available for purchase in the bookstore at the AASL 16th National Conference & Exhibition taking place Nov. 14-17, in Hartford, Conn. In addition, Leverkus and Acedo will sign copies of their publication in the conference bookstore from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16.

AASL offers a rich variety of publications on topics essential to school librarians everywhere. For a complete list of publications available from AASL, visit the AASL books and products page.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.