ALA Editions/Neal-Schuman

Libraries without borders chronicled in Library History Round Table volume

CHICAGO — “Libraries Without Borders: New Directions in Library History,” published by ALA Editions, is a remarkable collection of essays drawn from the Library History Seminar sponsored by the Library History Round Table (LHRT). Edited by Steven A. Knowlton, Ellen M. Pozzi, Jordan S. Sly, and Emily D. Spunaugle, the book explores the roles that libraries have played in the communities they serve, well beyond the stacks and circulation desk.

Bibliotherapy-informed practices, programs, and events

CHICAGO — Bibliotherapy can be defined as the use of guided reading for therapeutic ends. And though you might not be a licensed mental health professional, you can—and do, even without knowing it—support mental health and personal growth by connecting patrons to books that heal. Regardless of your previous experience or existing skills, “The Librarian's Guide to Bibliotherapy,” published by ALA Editions, will empower you to make “shelf help” a part of your library's relationship with its community.

AASL’s exploration of the Shared Foundations concludes with Curate

CHICAGO — Published by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and ALA Editions, “Curate” helps to connect learners to resources in more thoughtful, meaningful ways. Through teaching learners and other educators to curate—to overcome their own biases to find, organize, and share the best information—school librarians build connections between learners, knowledge, and the world. Written by Daniella LaShaun Smith and Len Bryan, this practical guide features:

Using experimentation to make evidence-based decisions

CHICAGO — The last five years have demonstrated that sticking with the status quo is not an option; instead, as the experiences of many libraries show, those that experiment are better positioned to adapt to rapidly changing environments and evolving user needs and behaviors. Cathryn M.

Applying learning theories in real-world contexts

CHICAGO — From makerspaces to book clubs, from media facilities to group study spaces, from special events to book displays, libraries support learning in numerous ways. In “The Librarian's Guide to Learning Theory: Practical Applications in Library Settings,” published by ALA Editions, Ann Medaille unchains the field of learning theory from its dense underpinnings to show how libraries can use its concepts and principles to better serve the needs of their users. Readers will discover:

Understanding and leveraging your data

CHICAGO — Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “Halo Data: Understanding and Leveraging the Value in your Data” proposes a paradigm shift in methodology for organizations to properly appreciate and leverage the value of their data. Co-founders of the data consultancy firm Carruthers and Jackson, authors Caroline Carruthers and Peter Jackson have many years' experience in data strategy, management, and technology. Their book begins by reviewing the current state of our understanding of data.

Using brand behavior to elevate the school library

CHICAGO —Branding isn't just for celebrities and corporations. Published by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and ALA Editions, “Elevating the School Library: Building Positive Perceptions through Brand Behavior” by Susan D. Ballard and Sara Kelly Johns shows how school librarians can raise and deepen positive perceptions of school libraries through developing a brand in alignment with the AASL Standards.

New textbook elucidates the basic concepts of information law

CHICAGO — Serving as both an accessible introduction for LIS students and a go-to reference for current practitioners, “Foundations of Information Law,” published by ALA Neal-Schuman, is designed to empower readers to understand, rather than be intimidated by, the law. Authors Paul T.

A handbook for effectively serving museum visitors

CHICAGO — The “visitor experience” has been a long-neglected aspect of museum practice, receiving less academic attention than areas such as exhibition design or collections care. Despite this, the quality of the visitor experience is the single biggest factor which will influence visitors returning to your museum or recommending a visit to friends or family.