IASL's Reviews of Professional Materials

Sherry York, ed. TIPS and Other Bright Ideas for Elementary School Libraries, Vol. 3. Worthington, OH: Linworth Publishing, 2006. 168 pp. ISBN 1-58683-211-5 (pbk.). US$ 36.95.

Sherry York, ed. TIPS and Other Bright Ideas for Secondary School Libraries, Vol. 3. Worthington, OH: Linworth Publishing, 2006. 168 pp. ISBN 1-58683-210-7 (pbk.). US$ 36.95.

Subjects: Managing the school library resource centre, School Library Organization & Administration, Reading Promotion, Public Relations, Technology in the Library, Working with students, Library volunteers

A worthwhile title for elementary and/or secondary teacher-librarians who need sharp ideas to help keep the library alive and functioning well. Each of these books address such chapter headings as: Managing the library, Working with Students, Teaching Research Skills, Collaborating with Teachers, Using Technology in the Library, Promoting Reading, Building Positive Public Relations, working with Helpers, Managing Tips. The material in the volumes has little duplication between the titles. The ideas have been gleaned from the TIPS Column in Library Media Connections magazine

The tips are in short paragraphs, with eye catching headings. The tips are practical and easily implemented without much expenditure. They are designed to stimulate your own imagination on how you can apply the ideas in your library. There is no index, but the table of contents and the headings will get you to the ideas quickly. These tips deal with the real-life, daily-trenches activities in every school library. Every librarian, and especially beginners should read them both from cover to cover. They will help you be more efficient in your work, and thereby give you more time to really focus on the integration of the school library program into the classroom curriculum.

Highly recommended as supplementary reading in all school library administration courses. A valued resource in District Resource Centres.

Reviewed by Gerald R. Brown, Consultant, School Library & Information Services, Honorary Ambassador, IASL, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Buy elementary school libraries

Buy secondary school libraries

Last Updated 3 March 2007 (KSB)