This is a question that has always niggled me, because there are usually two assumptions that go with it.
(1) That YA fiction is only read by young adults
(2) That YA fiction is somehow sub-par to adult fictionTomorrow Museum reported recently that sales for teenage fiction were ‘rocketing’ – a veritable beacon in the dark shadow of the GFC that threatens to beat book sales ever downwards. The reason for this, they speculated, was firstly because the floodgates have been thrown wide open by blockbuster bestsellers (like Harry Potter and Twilight), and also because teenage readers were more passionate, more alert and more voracious readers than adults. >>>
This month marks the start of summer reading programs across the country, and it’s clear that this year’s Collaborative Summer Library Program theme for young adults, Express yourself @ the library, is a winner with both teens and youth services librarians. But there’s more to summer programming than books! Here’s a quick round-up of some fun, low-cost programs that will have teens returning to the library again and again. more » » »
ALIA has announced the appointment of the nation’s first two Public Library Ambassadors: Barry Heard, the award-winning Australian author, and Bruce Miller, one of New South Wales’ most active local government leaders. It is a strong beginning for ALIA’s national Public Library Ambassadors campaign. By seeking out high profile champions for the role of libraries in the community, ALIA aims to influence public opinion about this vital service and keep libraries at the forefront of discussions about community, resources, education, services, and funding.
Source: June edition of aliaPUBNEWS
Alameda County Library, in partnership with the Alameda County Office of Education and Alameda County Probation Department, has provided library services to youth behind bars since 1999. School and public librarians, as well as various groups, often ask me for advice on how to develop programs and services for these kids. My suggestion is to start small. These kids have had enough disappointment in their lives. more » » »
VENTURA, Calif. — When you are pushing 90, have written scores of famous novels, short stories and screenplays, and have fulfilled the goal of taking a simulated ride to Mars, what’s left?
“Bo Derek is a really good friend of mine and I’d like to spend more time with her,” said Ray Bradbury, peering up from behind an old television tray in his living room.
An unlikely answer, but Mr. Bradbury, the science fiction writer, is very specific in his eccentric list of interests, and his pursuit of them in his advancing age and state of relative immobility.
This is a lucky thing for the Ventura County Public Libraries. Because among Mr. Bradbury’s passions, none burn quite as hot as his life-long passion for halls of books. His most famous novel, “Fahrenheit 451,” which concerns book burning, was written on a pay typewriter in the basement of the University of California, Los Angeles, library; his novel “Something Wicked This Way Comes” contains a seminal library scene.
Mr. Bradbury frequently speaks at libraries across the state, and on Saturday he will make his way here for a benefit for the H. P. Wright Library, which like many in the state’s public system is in danger of shutting its doors because of budget cuts. >>>
Hurry these courses often fill up before the registration cut off date
ALIA and ScHARR (University of Sheffield, UK) bring you
Managing for Service Quality (MSQ)
Changing economic times means it’s more important than ever to give
your library a competitive advantage in the service sector. This course
aims to introduce participants to the idea of managing for service
quality.
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:
· Define the concept of managing for service quality
· Measure and monitor service quality in their own organisation
· Apply performance indicators to their library and information
services
· Understand the concept of Total Quality Management
· Benchmark library and information services
· Improve quality of their own library and information services
· Understand the costs involved in managing service quality
· Explore the importance of customers in relation to quality
· Market quality services
· Maintain the quality of their library and information
services, with a view to achieving service excellence
· Engage with fellow participants in discussing issues
connected with managing for service quality.
When
Monday 24 August to Friday 9 October 2009
Cost
$220 for ALIA members
$300 for non-members
Registration
Registration form is available at
http://www.alia.org.au/education/pd/workshops/pdfs/MSQ.Registration.form.pdf
More information
Course objectives
http://www.alia.org.au/education/pd/workshops/pdfs/Web.COURSE.OBJECTIVES.MSQ.pdf
FOLIOz FAQs
http://www.alia.org.au/education/pd/workshops/pdfs/FAQ.2009.pdf
For more details visit http://www.alia.org.au/education/pd/workshops/
Although you already may be stretched thin, the Michaels insist that now is the time “to be the most energetic, multitasking, forward-thinking, driven librarian you can because administrators, managers, and your fellow workers (who may be your future bosses) are all watching to see what you’re doing.” » » »
As exams approach, students cram at the State Library in Melbourne, but attendance at libraries is increasing in general. Photo: Pat Scala June 14, 2009
BOOK sales might be on the slide around the world, but borrowing from the local library is surging — and that’s the story whether you live in New York, London or . . . Korumburra in West Gippsland.
