Children & Libraries: Getting It Right

by American Library Association

While "getting it right" for kids in libraries can be a challenge―as rapid technology changes impact both library services and the needs and expectations of children―it is a goal that warrants serious attention. This visionary book by respected children's library specialist and advocate Virginia Walter is a call to action for libraries...to consider children as vital participants in the community, as well as serious readers and technology users. Children & Getting it Right helps you to create a new vision statement, articulate heartfelt goals, and create glorious kid spaces in the library, all in the face of tight budgets, and Walter's "10 Steps to Getting it Right" and "Five Laws of Children's Librarianship" (adapted from Ranganathan's definitive Five Laws of Librarianship) are just two examples of how this book will motivate readers to create superior library services for children.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science

155 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 2000

Reviews

[Eva Mitnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this just this month in preparation for a grad school class I'm teaching on Library Services and Programs for Children. The strength of this book, in a nutshell? It makes a children's librarian like me think about my job. What is it for? How can I (and we - as a library system, as a profession...) do it better? How can we prepare now for the libraries - and kids - of the future. This is not so much a how-to-do-it manual as a how-to-think-about-it guide. Inspiring and thought-provoking - even if the author IS my mom! (see, she managed to inspire her daughter to take up the same profession with a passion - says something about her own commitment to the field...)

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

short, sweet and to the point. i feel more informed about the thought and theory behind children's librarianship than with anything else i've read so far. its a good way to decide if you're qualified or willing to dedicate yourself becoming qualified to the task of serving a juvenile audience.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of children services but not real helpful as far as practical applications.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent overview for new children's librarians. Although now a bit out of date, the major information included is still very relevant, appropriate and adaptable.