Jenkins Law Library is the oldest law library in America, and has a reputation for offering great content not only to local attorneys, but also to the entire legal research community. In this article, the author, who is Web manager at Jenkins, describes the development of an automated process by which research links can be added to the database so…

Herrick Library (Alfred University, Alfred, NY) reference guru of 18 years, Frank McBride, retired recently, leaving a smaller and less experienced staff to collectively handle reference questions. Frank had conscientiously documented much of his experience in a collection of paper files. In this column, the author (Herrick's new coordinator of…

Exploiting and contextualizing free information is a natural part of library culture. In this column, Gary Roberts, the information systems and reference librarian at Herrick Library, Alfred University in Alfred, NY, describes how to use XML content on a Web site to link to hundreds of free and useful resources. He gives a general overview of the…

There is reason to believe that media literacy is gaining a higher profile in schools across the United States. For the first time, most states' teaching standards include elements of media literacy and textbook publishers are beginning to include media education. The inclusion of "viewing" and media literacy presents school library…

Look through any library promotional catalog and one will see a t-shirt, tote bag, bookmark, whatever, with the slogan "So many books, so little time." For librarians entering the world of children's literature, these six words become their mantra. Not only do beginning library media specialists face the challenges of scheduling, discipline, prep…

Elementary school library media specialists state that one of the most frustrating issues they face is the fixed schedules in their library media centers. Beyond the cost effectiveness issue, the fixed schedule severely limits using the resources of the library media center for inquiry learning and collaborative teaching experiences between the…

Most children have heard that money does not grow on trees. But it does on paper--in books! This column features paired book titles and related activities that can be used in the classroom or the library media center to celebrate National Coin Week in April. Time devoted to students while sharing books on money and its uses will be well spent.

A $10 million gift will help the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), begin construction next year on a new $66 million "Knowledge Center." The donation comes in $5 million gifts from Reno-based International Game Technology (IGT), a slot machine manufacturer, and from former IGT chair Chuck Mathewson and his wife, Ann. UNR's current…

In this article, the author stresses not to give up on a site when a URL returns an error message. Many web sites can be found by using strategies such as URL trimming, searching cached sites, site searching and searching the WayBack Machine. Methods and tips for finding web sites are contained within this article.

As a profession librarians are stereotyped as frequently as engineers and accountants--if not more so. They are bifocal-wearing bunheads, collectors of cardigan sweaters, middle-aged women in polyester suits, Naturalizer shoes, and baggy stockings. Besides being fashion disasters, librarians are generally thought of as being exceptionally unsexy,…

Most librarians achieve the exalted ranks of management by knowing a good deal about how to deliver library services, manage library workers, and get along with library boards. Many often don't know the arcane details of managing money. Librarians can make budgets and complete the fiscal year without overspending, but as to the details of…

In the evolving librarian profession, perhaps the most important skill is the ability to become change leaders within the organizations. If librarians truly want to bring the NextGen enthusiasm, outlook, and skills to bear on institutions and profession, then they must be able to inspire colleagues. Librarians need to be able to show when and why…

It is not surprising that major bookstores are always crowded. They offer big comfy chairs, warm lighting, and all kinds of coffees and treats. Staff tried to create a similar environment in the library at Cedar Valley Middle School, and even started selling mocha and hot chocolate. But the most significant part of the marketing campaign was to…

What's the best way to find out what younger professionals think? Just ask! In this article, several librarians, ranging in age from 25 to 35, reveal their thoughts about their profession. These NextGens share common concerns about the few entry-level opportunities available, noting also that short-term budget solutions like cutting staff or…

In this article, the author evaluates the question of whether or not teacher-librarians should incorporate students' new communication technologies into their program as a method for strengthening the library's literacy links with the classroom and school curriculum. The many arguments concerning this issue are discussed in this article, as well…