Teen Librarian Bookshelf

05/24/2022

Thank you, Booklist!
The Teen Library Internship Handbook
By Diane P. Tuccillo.
Ebook
Oct. 2021. 212p. Rowman & Littlefield, $95 (9781538148921); paper, $39 (9781538148938); e-book, $37 (9781538148945). 023.
REVIEW. First published November 30, 2021 (Booklist Online).

This newest addition to The Teen Librarian Bookshelf talks about getting real, as in real-world, career-oriented internships. After providing insightful background information on the many ways teen internships benefit both young adults and potential employers (and giving practitioners ammunition to bolster proposals to administrators and library boards) this helpful manual gets right to work. Detailed, step-by-step directions are given for every aspect of internships, from determining goals to creating applications, wooing applicants, interviewing, writing manuals, and providing orientation, training, evaluation, and appreciation (or, conversely, termination). There are individual profiles of over two dozen successful teen internship programs from various types of libraries, along with reproducible forms and feedback from both librarians and teens. The book goes far beyond tasks and activities, and readers will find useful tips for starting new initiatives or updating and expanding existing opportunities. This inspiring, comprehensive, and above all empathetic introduction to teen library internships will enhance professional collections and help libraries improve young adult programs in general.

— Kathleen McBroom

Booklist Online Book Review: The Teen Library Internship Handbook. By Diane P. Tuccillo.Oct. 2021. 212p. Rowman & Littlefield, $95 (9781538148921); paper, $39 (9781538148938); e-book, $37 (9781538148945). 023. REVIEW. First published November 30, 2021 (Booklist Online). Reference - Lib...

05/24/2022

Thank you, Booklist!

Connecting Teens with Technology at the Library
By Kelly Nicole Czarnecki and Marie L. Harris.
Ebook
May 2021. Rowman & Littlefield, $75 (9781538135877); paper, $35 (9781538135884); e-book, $33 (9781538135891). 027.62.
REVIEW. First published November 30, 2021 (Booklist Online).

For a long time, teen library spaces have been focused on technology. Here, authors Czarnecki and Harris outline successful methods for creating spaces that allow for the exploration of technology for teen library patrons. The authors are teen librarians whose work at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg public library has created a standard for teen maker spaces. Each chapter carefully outlines the steps necessary not only to create a teen maker space but also to implement programs and maintain technological relevance; the authors also discuss where to find inspiration going forward. The magic of this text is that it takes the time to discuss the ever-changing world of computer technology and to explore how to connect teens with technology that isn’t just digital. Not every tech program needs expensive equipment and computers—chapter eight outlines the possibilities of “Tech without Tech.” The text is clearly aimed at teen librarians, but the authors themselves suggest that anyone working with teens in a space that allows for a connection to technology will benefit from its lessons. The index makes for easy searching and each chapter’s title allows for quick scanning when a deadline looms.

— Melissa Minsker

Booklist Online Book Review: Professional Reading Roundup: Spring 2022. By Susan Maguire. FEATURE. First published May 20, 2022 (Booklist Online). Reference - Library Science

02/26/2022

Here is a title I acquired and edited for Rowman & Littlefield
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538146811/Library-Services-to-Homeschoolers-A-Guide

12/11/2021

Thank you, Booklist!
The Teen Library Internship Handbook
PR1 9781538148921 Hardback, $95.00, 10/17/21
Booklist (circ: 24k), Review, 11/30/21
“This newest addition to The Teen Librarian Bookshelf talks about getting real, as in real-world, career-oriented internships. After providing insightful background information on the many ways teen internships benefit both young adults and potential employers (and giving practitioners ammunition to bolster proposals to administrators and library boards) this helpful manual gets right to work. Detailed, step-by-step directions are given for every aspect of internships, from determining goals to creating applications, wooing applicants, interviewing, writing manuals, and providing orientation, training, evaluation, and appreciation (or, conversely, termination). There are individual profiles of over two dozen successful teen internship programs from various types of libraries, along with reproducible forms and feedback from both librarians and teens. The book goes far beyond tasks and activities, and readers will find useful tips for starting new initiatives or updating and expanding existing opportunities. This inspiring, comprehensive, and above all empathetic introduction to teen library internships will enhance professional collections and help libraries improve young adult programs in general.”

12/11/2021

Great review!
Connecting Teens with Technology at the Library
PR1 9781538135877 Hardback, $75.00, , 5/29/21
Booklist (circ: 24k), Review, 11/30/21
“Czarnecki and Harris outline successful methods for creating spaces that allow for the exploration of technology for teen library patrons. The authors are teen librarians whose work at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg public library has created a standard for teen maker spaces. Each chapter carefully outlines the steps necessary not only to create a teen maker space but also to implement programs and maintain technological relevance; the authors also discuss where to find inspiration going forward. The magic of this text is that it takes the time to discuss the ever-changing world of computer technology and to explore how to connect teens with technology that isn’t just digital. Not every tech program needs expensive equipment and computers—chapter eight outlines the possibilities of “Tech without Tech.” The text is clearly aimed at teen librarians, but the authors themselves suggest that anyone working with teens in a space that allows for a connection to technology will benefit from its lessons. The index makes for easy searching and each chapter’s title allows for quick scanning when a deadline looms.”

10/29/2021

What's in The Teen Library Internship Handbook? Check out the table of contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Teaching Teens about Real-World Job Skills through Internships
Chapter 2: Why Have Teen Library Internship Opportunities?
Chapter 3: Developing Teen Library Internships
Chapter 4: A Close Look at Public Library Teen Library Internships
Chapter 5: Unique Internship Experiences at Schools, Universities, Public and Special Libraries, and through Partnerships
Chapter 6: The Importance of Feedback, Evaluations, and a Positive Internship Conclusion Process
Chapter 7: Dealing with Teen Library Internships When the Library Must Be Closed
Appendix A Rancho Cucamonga Public Library Summer Teen Volunteer Internship Application
Appendix B Sonoma County Library Application: PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative Program
Appendix C Teen Library Intern Feedback Form
Appendix D Teen Library Intern Timesheet and Task Record
Appendix E West Custer County Library Teen Summer Internship Job Description
Selected Bibliography and Webliography

10/29/2021

A new title by Diane P. Tuccillo- The Teen Library Internship Handbook!

The Teen Library Internship Handbook (Teen Librarian Bookshelf)

08/25/2021

Meet the TLB Authors Kelly Czarnecki and Marie Harris

RML: What was the inspiration for writing Connecting Teens and Technology at the Library?

KC: If memory serves me correctly, RoseMary first approached me. She was familiar with my work with the Teen Tech column I had written for VOYA as well as other teen technology-related pieces throughout my career. I am familiar with Marie’s work with teens and writing and thought she’d be a great co-author.

MH: It was great to have Kelly reach out to me to collaborate. We worked together in a library that serves teens and we often utilized technology in our programs. It was a great fit.

RML: What is your writing process?

MH: We have different writing styles/processes, and I think they complement each other well to create a robust book, a better book than I could ever write alone. My style is quite methodical. I like to start with an outline and defined chapters and then begin collecting resources for research. You know, place all the interlibrary loan requests. I also look at the number of chapters and the target deadline and set a schedule for myself. By the time I’ve set the schedule and begun the research, I find that it’s not hard to tackle one chapter at a time. Before you know it, you have a book! I love writing with a coauthor. I get great suggestions, ideas, and edits from our conversations.

KC: Since this book was written mostly during the pandemic, my writing process shifted. I had more time to focus! I tend to get easily overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be completed for an entire book so I’ve learned to break things down into more manageable pieces-whether that’s content or time per day or both. I would have a schedule for myself each day of how long I planned to write. I would also end each day not completely finishing a chapter or paragraph but in starting a thought so I’d easily pick it up the next time.

RML: What was the most challenging thing about writing this book? How long did it take to write it?

MH: This book was enjoyable to write, even with its challenges. It took about a year to write. The biggest challenge was continued collaboration and the need to pivot on some topics when the pandemic began. In March 2020 we were about halfway through writing. We were able to continue to work together on the book by using shared documents. We were fortunate to still be able to reach several other librarians to interview about their work via email. We were able to research and include some information on new uses of technology by both library staff and teens before completing our manuscript. It didn’t escape my notice that we became so reliant on technology to complete our book on technology when we could no longer meet face to face for a time.

KC: Yes, I agree with Marie! In regards to the pandemic. It made it easier in some aspects because my time was different in what I had available to dedicate to it. In terms of connecting with others, it proved more difficult.

RML: What do you hope readers will learn from "Connecting Teens and Technology in Libraries?"

KC: We definitely tried to consider all kinds of libraries -school/public, various budgets, and tech knowledge amongst readers. Hopefully, there is something for everyone in the book. With the pairing of super techy chapters with taking a look at aligning your mission statement with the technology, we hope the information will engage folks in a variety of library positions as well.

MH: I couldn’t say it any better myself. We really did try to take into account all different sizes of libraries so that everyone could feel that this book helps them.

RML: What is your experience working with teens in libraries?

KC: I’ve worked in public libraries with teens for about twenty years. The first was a more rural town in Illinois for four years where I was in the Adult Services department and was the Teen Librarian. We had a small section for seating, programming, and library materials dedicated just for teens. In my current position, I am in an urban setting where the entire branch is dedicated to youth. The second floor has roughly 5,000 square feet dedicated just to teens-programming, seating, computer usage, etc. is all just for ages 10-18.

MH: I also started in a small library, in a small town in South Carolina. In that position, I was the sole staff member responsible for serving youth from birth through 18 years old. That was a fun challenge! I was there for two years before moving to North Carolina, where my first position with my current library system was in the same branch Kelly currently works in, in the teen department. Getting to spend several years in a space dedicated so fully to teens really honed my interest in and desire to continue serving teenaged patrons in libraries. I’m currently at a smaller location again as a branch manager and enjoy making sure my branch is a welcoming space for teens.

RML: What are some of your favorite articles and books you have written for young adult librarians?

KC: One was an article for VOYA that Marie and I co-wrote titled, Calling All Campers! We outlined how we participated in the Google Maker Camp for a summer with lots of engaging STEM programs for teens (some of which made it to Connecting Teens and Technology!)

Another one for me was more recent where I co-wrote an article for YALS about trauma-informed care. It was a collaboration with folks from Pima County Library in Arizona and Madison Public Library in Wisconsin. So many people doing such great work around this topic and creating a culture to connect teens to resources even if wrongdoing has occurred. The title of that article is A Different Kind of Light: Restoring the Library Community Through Trauma-Informed Services.

MH: I also really enjoyed writing Calling All Campers! because it was fun to look back over all the activities we did with participants in that program and to look forward to inspiring other teen-serving library staff to try the program. I also enjoyed writing a blog post titled Serving Homeless Teens: What You Need to Know in which I shared a program and partnership that was successful at my library. In planning the program I learned a lot from my community partner and I was excited to share that information with other teen-serving library staff.

RL: Thank you both for a wonderful book and informative interview! Best wishes in your future projects!

Photos: Marie Harris (Left) and Kelly Czarnecki (Right)

06/22/2021

If you have read our Teen Librarian Bookshelf series, please leave reviews at Amazon or Goodreads. Get the word out about these terrific titles: "Totally Tweens & Teens: Youth-Led and Created Library Programs,: "Think Big! A Resource Manual for Teen Library Programs that Attract Large Audiences," "Connecting Teens with Technology at the Library," and "Teen Library Internships."

Totally Tweens and Teens: Youth-Created and Youth-Led Library Programs (Teen Librarian Bookshelf)

06/09/2021

Coming in November!

Librarians seeking guidance on how to launch or grow their teen internships will find help in this handbook. By providing this new way of encouraging youth participation, libraries can help teens to...