Publisher's Synopsis
A companion to the popular Bare Bones Young Adult Services, this handy new reference offers practical insights on the basics of library services for children. The "bare bones" approach recognizes the reality that there are libraries either without or low on children's specialists, due to budget or size constraints or to staff turnover. As children and families continue to be key constituents of the library, it is vital that the staff serving this powerful group knows what works and what doesn't. A quick primer for generalists, this installment in the Bare Bones series covers children's services, programming, and promotion of books and the library, along the way pointing out practical differences between children and adult library users. Written in easy-to-digest modules and packed with helpful tips, this customer-focused book will help you to: Adapt adult reference and readers' advisory skills to your work with children. Offer age-appropriate materials for all levels. Provide homework help. Tell a good story to a captive audience. Set up and publicize programs that build alliances between parents, caretakers, teachers, and librarians.;This hands-on summary, full of specific and easy-to-implement ideas, will help you to serve children in the best possible way, even if you are not a full-time children's librarian.
