Mapping the Imaginary: Supporting Creative Writers through Programming, Prompts, and Research

by Riley Hanick, Jennifer Burek Pierce, Micah Bateman

Information professionals and educators can help patrons find their own stories in libraries―not only as readers, but also as writers. Stories, whether fiction, nonfiction, or verse, often have research behind them, and libraries and archives constitute powerful resources that authors can tap into for adding historical background, telling details, dramatic tension, and unexpected ideas. Grounded in useful collections and information resources, libraries can welcome writers through informed programming and knowledgeable reference services, and in this book the authors point the way towards making it happen. Enabling programming and outreach librarians, reference staff, and educators to understand writers' needs and showing how to address these needs through library services and resources, this book With ideas and advice on programming, reference, and collection resources, this guide will support libraries’ efforts to actively and thoughtfully engage with writers in their communities.

Genres: Library Science

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2019

Reviews

[Sam (Hissing Potatoes) · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bloated text on writing theory that struggles to consistently tie into library programming. What prompts do exist are overwhelmingly geared toward the individual writer or long-term academic courses. The genres and resources discussed primarily focus on writing nonfiction or poetry. The book's described scope on ALA's website does not match what's actually inside.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got a lot of great ideas to help writers in my personal and professional life. Loved having the perspectives of both librarians and writers.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Resource for Creative Writing in the Library: Programs, prompts, ideas; covers topics, genres, styles of poetry, genres, creative writing ideas for all ages;

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good resource for National November Writing Month. Will have to explore closer to that time.