Reading Group Choices 2003

Profiles of works of fiction and non-fiction worthy of at least one hour of group discussion.

The middlebrow is a dominant cultural force in the twenty-first century. This book defines the new literary middlebrow through eight key features: middle class, feminized, reverential, commercial, emotional, recreational, earnest and mediated. Case studies include Oprah's Book Club, the Man Booker Prize and the Harry Potter phenomenon.

Trained library support staff play a critical role in assisting the user in locating and interpreting the resources available in libraries. To do so requires the knowledge and practice of library missions and roles in different types of libraries and the delivery of that information to an increasingly diverse clientele. The plethora of resources available today requires that support staff understand and implement the basic principles of information services as well as the responsibility and relationships among library departments and functional areas. Foundations of Library Services is both a text for professors who teach in library support staff programs and an introductory reference manual for support staff who work in libraries. As part of the Library Support Staff Series, this updated edition will guide the LSS to be able to: Understand the mission and role of the library in its community Be familiar with the ethics and values of the profession, including those of the Library Bill of Rights, the ALA Code of Ethics, freedom of information, confidentiality of library records and privacy issues Know the responsibility and relationships among library departments Practice the basic principles of circulation, including interlibrary loan; current cataloging and classification systems; and acquisitions and collection development policies. Understand how libraries are governed and funded within their organizations or government structures Realize the value of cooperation to enhance services Practice quality customer service Communicate and promote the library’s values and services Recognize and respond to diversity in user needs

over 70 titles for selection for lively book discussion for reading groups and book clubs

"In Good Choice!, noted author and literacy specialist Tony Stead outlines the components that foster successful independent reading in grades K-6." "With examples appropriate to emergent readers in grades K-2, as well as more seasoned readers in grades 3-6, Tony provides a comprehensive plan for integrating independent reading throughout the day. He offers systems for organizing the class library and checking books in and out, lessons on book selection and responding to text, advice on supporting children and parents in home reading, guidance on conferring with students, and an array of helpful appendix materials including graphic organizers, questionnaires, and assessment and monitoring rubrics."--BOOK JACKET.

Popular nonfiction is widely read, and is increasingly prominent in the curriculum. This guide helps students, teachers, and librarians identify popular works of nonfiction related to particular themes. Included are alphabetically arranged entries on 50 themes, such as Animals, Exploration, Genocide, Immigrants, Poverty, and Race Relations. Each entry begins with a definition and discussion of the theme, followed by critical summaries of three or four works of nonfiction. The entries conclude with lists of additional nonfiction for further reading, and the Guide closes with lists of additional themes and related works, along with a bibliography of works on popular nonfiction.