Fundamentals Of Children's Services

With more than one-third of library users under the age of 12, it may be said that children's services drive public libraries. Still, many administrators don't fully appreciate how integral these services are to their institutions.

Michael Sullivan, best-selling author of Connecting Boys with Books (ALA Editions, 2003), conducts a friendly tour in this comprehensive reference, covering both innovative and standard practices in children's services. From collection development and programming to homework support, reference, and readers' advisory to promoting and budgeting, children's services parallel other library services and are no less important.

Part of ALA's Fundamentals Series, this essential overview provides hands-on, proven strategies for those on the front lines, while addressing questions critical to the long-term success of children's library services, including the importance of children's services in the library, along with the hot issues and cutting-edge trends.

Those who want to become children's librarians, experienced and new children's librarians, and library administrators and trustees alike will find that this new bible of children's services sets the record straight: Children's services are the heart of the library.