Assignment 1: Selection Tools

 

Part I: 

Planning and developing a balanced collection of library materials is a complicated process.  There are so many things to keep into account.  Without the help of selection tools, it would be far more difficult to choose the right books to assist library patrons and students. According to Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science, selection tools are resources that librarians use to choose materials to meet the information needs of their patrons.  Although Horning’s From Cover to Cover primarily describe them as review journals, other sources like publications, blogs, bibliographies, best seller lists, and books serve the same purpose.

Every selection tool has varying degrees of usefulness.  Here are five that I have chosen to evaluate:

• Booklist (http://www.booklistonline.com)

Booklist is a book review magazine that has been published by ALA for the past hundred years. It has expanded into two print magazines, an extensive website and database, e-newsletters, webinars, and other resources that support librarians in collection development and readers’ advisory. It is well known for its reliable reviews and is often used to help with making decisions of what to buy and help with readers’ advisory. The website provides book information via book lists, webinars, and is searchable by the “Quick Search” option on the left hand side of the page.

The largest drawback is that full subscription requires payment, but a copious amount of information is available for free. The user interface is cluttered, but easy to use. The book information provided is very detailed, including awards, honors, summary, bibliography information, publication information, name of reviewers, possible categories, ISBN, and “titles similar “suggestions. Reviews focus on a neutral but informative summary of the book. There may be more, but full text is only available to subscribers.  I can only imagine what further information is provided when logged in as a subscribing member.  Logged in users can make lists, save searches, and e-mail.

• School Library Journal: (http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/ )

Originally a part of the publication, Library Journal, School Library Journal (SLJ) has become known as the “…world’s largest and most authoritative reviewer of children’s and young adult content”. SLJ aims to provide updated information to help libraries lead in areas of technology, reading, information literacy, and also to provide the tools necessary to develop quality collections for youth. SLJ is unique because it reviews more than books.  It also reviews audio, video, and other related media on the web. SLJ does not review reissues, textbooks, or self-published books.

SLJ reviews from 1987 are available via the database.  They are searchable by author, title, Dewey number, and other options. Reviews are written by library professionals working with children in various settings. Reviews include bibliographic information, publication information, suggested price, genre, no image, and critical summary. Their evaluations are based upon literary quality, artistic merit, clarity of presentation, and appeal to the intended audience with age level in mind.  Reviews also provide comparisons, connections, and suggestions for related titles and materials. SLJ also provides book lists annually. 

• The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books (http://bccb.lis.illinois.edu/ )

The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books solely reviews current children’s books. This resource has been available since 1945 in print and has expanded to include an online resource.  They aim to provide assistance deciding what books to purchase for your library collections.

Reviews include summaries and critical evaluations to help you choose what you need. Each review will provide information about the book’s content, reading level, strengths and weaknesses, and a critique of the quality of the format. Reviews also make suggestions for school curriculum use. Unlike the two previous resources, the Bulletin of the Center of Children’s Books often review from publisher’s proofs which allows for immediate feedback about books as they become available.

This online resource also requires a paid subscription for full access. 

• NY Best Sellers List (http://www.nytimes/best-sellers-books/)

Their lists are published weekly on Wednesdays.  A version of the list appears in print as well.  The list includes the bibliographic information, book review, and the rankings reflecting sales for the week. The best sellers list includes different genres for different age groups.  “Picture books” is one of the many categories that the New York times has chosen to include amongst their best sellers. Although the information provided is limited, the list indicates popularity which serves as a good indicator of patron demand.

• ALA recommended blog: Kid tested, Librarian Approved (http://librarianapproved.blogspot.com)

Blogs provide more immediate and direct feedback. This blog provides great picture book news and reviews from a children’s librarian.  I originally found the link to this blog via ALA article about kid’s literature blogs.  Several were listed, but this proved to be the most likely to meet collection development needs for the 0-4years age group. As a children’s librarian, she is well aware of the needs of the young patrons. 

Each review provides a critical summary, author, illustrator, publisher, local source (referring to where she found the book), personal reactions, cover image, and suggestions for use as a librarian. Between reviews, Bibliovore provides book lists, book read counts, and self-created awards and recognitions. I appreciate the practical information provided as a library professional and as an avid children’s book connoisseur.The best part about this resource is that you have full access and reviews are available at any time.

A to Zoo: Subject Access to Children’s Picture Books and Amazon also play a role in collection development for me. Each month that I make selections for the book order, I refer to these to ensure that the books I am selecting indeed fit the needs and demand of our patrons. Onto the reviews!