Creating Cyber Libraries: An Instructional Guide for School Library Media Specialists

(Paperback)

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Description

The only book that tells you how to create a cyber library from start to finish. As prices of traditional library materials increase, and space to house them shrinks, savvy school library media specialists are creating cyber libraries, or school libraries on the Internet. These libraries offer students and their parents 24-hour access and are invaluable for providing up-to-date information in a way traditional materials cannot. This valuable guide outlines the steps library media specialists can take to create a cyber library, provide content and policies for use, and maintain it for maximum efficiency. Craver justifies the need for cyber libraries in the 21st century, and how they can help librarians to meet the standards in Information Power (1998). She explains the different types of cyber libraries available, along with their advantages and disadvantages. She discusses how to construct them using portals or by acquiring fee-based cyber libraries, and what policies should be in place to protect both the school and its students. Also included are instructions for establishing remote access to subscription databases, creating cyber reading rooms, and providing instructional services to student users. Once a cyber library is created, it must be maintained and evaluated to keep it useful and current, and this book provides guidelines to do so. Finally, there is a chapter on promoting the cyber library, so the school community is aware of its features and participates in its growth process. No school library should be without this volume!

Reviews

Craver has crafted a rich guide for the exciting, rapidly developing work of starting cyber libraries in schools....This is tremendously helpful to those who do not have the luxury of time to research these areas....Craver has a special gift for weaving the traditional elements of library work with students--such as creating pathfinders and encouraging reading--with the technical pieces of a cyber library so readers learn to think about how to migrate them to an electronic format for potentially greater efficiency.-Teacher Librarian
School libraries are no exception to the trend toward creating virtual, digital, or cyber libraries. This comprehensive, well-organized guide outlines in 10 sections how to create, provide content and policies for, and maintain a cyber collection. Craver is head librarian at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C, and author of several books on electronic literacy and Internet sources. Sample chapters include 'Using Portals, ' 'Creating Cyber Reading Rooms' and 'Promoting Cyber Libraries.' Most chapters contain a list of recommended Internet sites, and all conclude with a list of references. A solid bibliogrphy, 12 pages of links, and a thorough index complete this unique reference for school media specialists.-Libraries Unlimited
Starred Review Kathleen Craver provides a blueprint for library media specialists to create their own cyber library--one that will reflect their school, curriculum, and community....There are many great tips for the novice who is beginning to develope a site for their own community or those that have been involved with their own site for some time. Because of these valuable tips and the book's coverage, library media specialists will want it always at their fingertips and computer. Highly Recommended.-Library Media Connection
This comprehensive, well-organized guide outlines in 10 sections how to create, provide content and policies for, and maintain a cyber collection....A solid bibliography, 12 pages of links, and a thorough index complete this unique reference for school media specialists.-Booklist/Professional Reading
This title is a one-stop-shopping bonanza of wonderful, useful ideas on how to create a cyber library that will meet the information needs of our patrons.-School Library Journal
"Craver has crafted a rich guide for the exciting, rapidly developing work of starting cyber libraries in schools....This is tremendously helpful to those who do not have the luxury of time to research these areas....Craver has a special gift for weaving the traditional elements of library work with students--such as creating pathfinders and encouraging reading--with the technical pieces of a cyber library so readers learn to think about how to migrate them to an electronic format for potentially greater efficiency."-Teacher Librarian
"Starred Review Kathleen Craver provides a blueprint for library media specialists to create their own cyber library--one that will reflect their school, curriculum, and community....There are many great tips for the novice who is beginning to develope a site for their own community or those that have been involved with their own site for some time. Because of these valuable tips and the book's coverage, library media specialists will want it always at their fingertips and computer. Highly Recommended."-Library Media Connection
"This comprehensive, well-organized guide outlines in 10 sections how to create, provide content and policies for, and maintain a cyber collection....A solid bibliography, 12 pages of links, and a thorough index complete this unique reference for school media specialists."-Booklist/Professional Reading
"This title is a one-stop-shopping bonanza of wonderful, useful ideas on how to create a cyber library that will meet the information needs of our patrons."-School Library Journal
"School libraries are no exception to the trend toward creating virtual, digital, or cyber libraries. This comprehensive, well-organized guide outlines in 10 sections how to create, provide content and policies for, and maintain a cyber collection. Craver is head librarian at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C, and author of several books on electronic literacy and Internet sources. Sample chapters include 'Using Portals, ' 'Creating Cyber Reading Rooms' and 'Promoting Cyber Libraries.' Most chapters contain a list of recommended Internet sites, and all conclude with a list of references. A solid bibliogrphy, 12 pages of links, and a thorough index complete this unique reference for school media specialists."-Libraries Unlimited

Author Bio

KATHLEEN W. CRAVER is Head Librarian at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C.