Library reference work with children

In my readings this week concerning children and their information needs, some considerations that especially stood out for me were the need for preliteracy or bibliographic instruction, the importance of approaching each child as an individual, and the fact that a third-party adult is often part of the reference equation — either through being physically present, as in the case of a parent/caregiver, or having imposed the child’s query e.g. through a school assignment.

‘Little Kids, Big Words’ (A response)

I am writing to express appreciation for “Little Kids, Big Words” by Collette Hiller in the Winter 2024 edition of Children & Libraries (official journal of the Association for Library Service to Children). Using “big words” has always been a part of who I am and, on occasion, I have been ridiculed for having a large vocabulary. I’ve had to push back against “vocabulary shaming,” whether the attempt was directed at me or directed at someone else. With those experiences, it was extremely validating to read Hiller’s article. Such a refreshing change, for someone to actually celebrate the use of “colossal” words!

Submitted as a letter to the editor on Feb. 23, 2025

Developing readers’ self-identity

When Bang-Jensen informally interviewed 12 upper-elementary students, she related that the students “had a lot to say about the role their peers play in their own book selection” (2010, p. 172). She cited one fifth-grader, Megan, describing a “chain reaction” of reading. “When kids hear how good these DCFs are, they start reading. And when they start reading and then tell other kids to start reading, it is a chain reaction of reading books” (Bang-Jensen, 2010, p. 169).

Readers’ choice awards

Part of my studies were focused this week on readers’ choice awards. Bang-Jensen (2010) focuses on a specific readers’ choice award, the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award for children in the state of Vermont.

SRCSA library : New year and new job title

I’m looking forward to a new school year – in the library and out on the yard for recesses – at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts. One significant change, effective in 2023-2024, is that my position of Instructional Materials Technician was reclassified as Library Technician II. Because this 10-month position encompasses both IMT and library operations, I don’t have to defer library tasks to the start of a school-year position like Elementary Library Technician.

What formats will library include?

In my ideal library, books will continue to have a place in the library collection. But even there, “books” are not limited to the physical-codex format: eBooks, audio books, read-along story videos — all can all fall within the auspices of a library collection, as can DVDs, CDs, and research databases.

Library collections reflect diversity

In its interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, “Diversity in Collection Development,” the American Library Association states that “Library collections must represent the diversity of people and ideas in our society” (AASL, 2018, p. 247).

For whom is my library’s collection?

Among our readings this week, Kerby (2019) states that a library needs to know the population that it serves. Whatever its type, this is for whom my library will build its collection.

LIS 5250 : Book selection in my ideal library

In my reflections this week for LIS 5250, I was asked to consider the ideal library environment for which I’d be selecting books and other materials. Brace yourselves, readers, there is “infodumping” ahead. I am neurodivergent and “infodumping” is the autistic language of forming connections (Whelan, 2020).

‘Library contract’ for students to check out books

As part of getting ready for a new year in SRCSA library, I’m collecting responses for the “library contract.” Parents and guardians will acknowledge that their child is responsible for the books they check out. Parents and guardians are responsible for discussing with their child, those books that seem a good fit for them. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you are enjoying my videos.

‘Young Adult’ materials in library: No more age-based restrictions

Among my communications to school staff this week, was a link to this year’s contract for checking out library books. New this year: I have abolished the permission form for younger children to be able to check out Young Adult materials.

LIS 5100 : ‘Popular’ reading materials

When reading the Rubins’ overview of libraries “From past to present” this semester, I was interested to read about a historical struggle over the place of popular materials in a library: reading, for example, that “Popular fiction has a long tradition of raising concerns about lowering morals” (Rubin, 2020, p. 49).

LIS 5100 : Service awards and learning opportunities

In a discussion this week, I was asked to share my thoughts about a professional award for librarians that I could possibly apply for, as well as reflect on a source of continuing education.

LIS 5100 : Labeling systems for books

During class discussion this week, a classmate brought up the experience of having few options for reading while in school because she was an advanced reader who was required to read books that were “at her reading level.” As a youth librarian, I don’t want to be in the position where I have to deny a child a book that “speaks” to them because a rating system has determined it “too easy” for them to read.

Teen Poetry Slam at Rohnert Park library

Here’s something that our middle-school students might be interested in: a Teen Poetry Slam at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library. “This Sonoma County-wide event is open to performers between the ages of 13-19, and Sonoma County teens will also serve as the emcees, judges, and scorekeepers.” The order of events includes an open mic at 3 p.m., a performance by featured teen poet Estrella Pacheco at 3:30 p.m., and the Poetry Slam at 4 p.m. Sign-ups for the open mic will be taken at the door. To compete in the Poetry Slam, email temerson@sonomalibrary.org.

Child development class at Santa Rosa Junior College

The Association for Library Service to Children identifies a Commitment to Client Group among its Librarian “Core Competencies.” To better serve my young customers, I’ve enrolled for this Spring in a child development course at Santa Rosa Junior College.

‘Student OneCard’ at Sonoma County Library

The month of September is traditionally “Library Card Sign-Up Month,” and I’ve been promoting “virtual library cards” for Sonoma County Library — available to all students enrolled in Santa Rosa City Schools.