ALA Editions

Flexible online learning through modular design

CHICAGO — If your online instruction program sometimes feels like a constant scramble to keep pace with requests and deadlines, modular design is the answer. Approaching projects, whether large and small, with an eye towards future uses will put you on the path to accomplishing broader, organizational goals. And by intentionally building documentation and structure into your process, you will create content that can be easily scaled modified, adapted, and transformed to meet different learner needs.

Makerspaces in practice

CHICAGO — More than a decade since they first began to crop up, makerspaces continue to transform and revitalize libraries, tapping into patron creativity and fostering collaboration. In “Makerspaces in Practice: Successful Models for Implementation,” published by ALA Editions, editor Ellyssa Kroski gathers trailblazers of the maker movement from across the library spectrum to share their experiences and success stories.

Resources for managing rapid change, advocating for intellectual freedom, and more in the new Fall/Winter 2021 catalog from ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman

CHICAGO — In the midst of crisis, when organizations of all kinds have been forced to rethink their most basic operations and functions, libraries continue to demonstrate their resilience. Quickly pivoting to innovative ways of connecting their users to the information and services they need and enjoy, library workers are fully embracing the challenges of serving their communities in challenging times.

Weisburg’s guide to classroom management for school librarians

CHICAGO — Your library is your classroom, and you are responsible for it no matter what’s happening there. Ineffective classroom management can hamper or completely negate your efforts at creating a strong library program, and that’s true whether you’re a new school librarian just starting out or one with many years under your belt. Hilda K. Weisburg, a past recipient of AASL’s Distinguished Service Award, presents a powerful new resource that will show you how to prevent, deal with, and overcome discipline problems you may face when communicating with and teaching K-12 students.

Big programming ideas for small budgets

CHICAGO — When you’re a solo librarian or only have a few volunteers to rely on (with a tiny budget to match) you’ve got to make the most of everything. With creativity, flexibility, and heart, you can offer programming that engages people of all ages and backgrounds. “209 Big Programming Ideas for Small Budgets,” published by ALA Editions in partnership with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL), shares ideas and guidance for being the anchor your community needs.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in action

CHICAGO — All too often, in a hurried attempt to “catch up,” diversity training can create division among staff or place undue burdens on a handful of employees. Instead, academic libraries need approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that position these priorities as ongoing institutional and professional goals.