Gift Book Ideas for Librarians

December 20, 2012

When it comes to gift books, let’s face it: The latest cataloging manual may not get the sunny reaction you’re aiming for. But don’t despair! Here are some titles that are both informational and inspirational—and best of all, your purchase directly supports ALA.

Pre- and Post-Retirement Tips for Librarians

Edited by Carol Smallwood

ISBN-13: 978-0-8389-1120-4

www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=3313

This is the perfect gift for colleagues nearing retirement. Packed with lots of great ideas and food for thought, it’s organized into short, easily digestible chapters.

Common Phrases: And the Amazing Stories Behind Them

By Max Cryer

ISBN-13: 978-0-8389-1097-9

www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=3038

Endlessly browsable and stuffed with funny, interesting trivia, Cryer’s book is an ideal stocking stuffer for the word-mad folks on your gift list. It’s “as good as gold,” “I kid you not!”

I Don’t Want to Go to College: Other Paths to Success

By Heather Hutchins

ISBN-13: 978-1-9375-8901-1

www.ipgbook.com/i-don-t-want-to-go-to-college-products-9781937589011.php?page_id=32&pid=HUS

Believe it or not, it’s almost decision-making time for next year’s high school grads. This title from ALA’s new publishing imprint Huron Street Press is a wonderful gift for parents and young people who might be thinking about alternatives to a four-year college degree.

Queue Tips: Discovering Your Next Great Movie

By Rob Christopher

ISBN-13: 978-1-9375-8909-7

www.ipgbook.com/queue-tips-products-9781937589097.php?page_id=32&pid=HUS

Also from Huron Street Press is this cool new movie guide, which recommends classic films alongside more obscure selections for a full array of watch-worthy movies. Full disclosure: I wrote it!

(Watch my interview with Chicago Tonight below, or read an excerpt here.)

Unlimited access to virtual Youth Media Awards

Latest Library Links

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Cara S. Bertram writes: “As we look forward to book award ceremonies at the ALA Annual Conference in San Diego this summer, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the history of one of the most prestigious children’s book awards, the Caldecott Medal. The idea was first presented in 1935 in a letter by Frederic G. Melcher,” who had established the Newbery Medal in 1921. Melcher’s suggestion was prompted when Professor May Hill Arbuthnot of Western Reserve University in Cleveland communicated the concern that the Newbery was not recognizing literature for the youngest children.

American Library Association Archives, Apr. 29
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Kristi Kellogg writes: “Images are an essential component of online content—and it’s obvious why. Images aren’t just pretty—they’re powerful marketing tools that help you stand out. Whether you’re creating a social media post, a webpage, an ebook, a blog post, or something else, adding visuals goes a long way in improving the overall user experience. However, you can’t just pull images off the internet and use them—and it’s your responsibility to determine if and how you can use the image without breaking the law.”

Search Engine Journal, Apr. 6
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Rachée Fagg writes: “Reading, a gateway to knowledge and empowerment, serves as the cornerstone of education worldwide. However, for English as a Second Language (ESL) students, the journey of mastering this essential skill can present unique challenges. Traditional reading materials, laden with text, often intimidate and discourage ESL learners, hindering their progress. Wordless books, as the name suggests, eschew conventional text in favor of vivid illustrations that narrate compelling stories. By relying solely on visuals, these books transcend language barriers, inviting readers of all ability levels to embark on imaginative journeys.”

ALSC Blog, Apr. 26
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Keahi Adolpho and Stephen G. Krueger write: “This comprehensive review illuminates the current state of scholarly literature on trans and gender diverse inclusion in libraries, with the intention to provide a foundation and identify gaps for further research. We found that, with the exception of works on archives and cataloging, little scholarly literature goes beyond introductory talking points on basic information about trans and gender diverse people. We conclude with a call for much more in-depth research on this essential topic.”

In the Library with the Lead Pipe, Apr. 24
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Allison Escoto writes: “There’s no doubt about it. Librarianship can be a demanding career path, and the quest to find just the right work-life balance while managing stress is perennial. This eclectic collection of books speak to that delicate balance by covering the importance of wellness, preventing burnout, practicing mindfulness, and essential self-care practices.”

American Libraries column, May
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Emily Drabinski writes: “When you’re president of the ALA, you get asked a lot of questions. But here’s one that’s hard to answer: ‘What’s your favorite library?’ When you’ve seen as many amazing libraries as I have, it’s impossible to choose, so my favorite library is always the most recent one I’ve visited. As much as individual libraries are distinct, they also have a lot in common. Librarians select, acquire, describe, organize, and provide access to information. These fundamentals might look different in time and place, but they remain the core of our profession.”

American Libraries column, May
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Marshall Breeding writes: “The library technology industry had a quiet year in 2023. But in the absence of major business moves and acquisitions, companies set their sights on executing strategies to strengthen their market position. Previous cycles of business consolidation have yielded a layered landscape with distinct levels of competition. Competition at each level remains vigorous. Libraries may have fewer product choices because of past acquisitions, but the options remaining are distinctive. Most libraries can choose between for-profit and nonprofit vendors, and between proprietary and open source products.”

American Libraries feature, May

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Gift Book Ideas for Librarians

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